A cold start system for a hydrogen circulation pump capable of storing hydrogen

Abstract

The application provides a cold start system of a hydrogen circulating pump capable of storing hydrogen, which comprises a hydrogen tank, a fuel cell, a hydrogen circulating pump, a hydrogen pipeline, a hydrogen storage device, a valve A and a valve B; the hydrogen storage device comprises a rubber pipeline, a sealed box body, a vacuum pump, a thin-wall sealing piece and a driving mechanism, the rubber pipeline penetrates through the left and right side walls of the sealed box body, the top of the sealed box body is connected with the vacuum pump, a through hole is arranged on the bottom wall, the thin-wall sealing piece is arranged on the through hole, and the driving mechanism can drive the thin-wall sealing piece to rotate so that the through hole is closed or opened; the outlet end of the anode of the fuel cell is connected with one end of the rubber pipeline through a first branch pipeline, the other end of the rubber pipeline is connected with the hydrogen circulating pump through a second branch pipeline, the first branch pipeline is provided with the valve A, and the second branch pipeline is provided with the valve B. The application can use the pressure difference principle to suck the saturated wet hydrogen in the hydrogen circulating pump or the hydrogen which is not completely reacted in the anode of the fuel cell into the storage device for storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a cold start system for a hydrogen circulation pump capable of storing hydrogen. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are considered the most promising alternative to traditional fossil fuel vehicles. However, the safe cold-start capability of the hydrogen recirculation pump is one of the factors hindering the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Under low-temperature conditions, after the system is shut down, the system temperature gradually decreases with the ambient temperature. The hydrogen, saturated with moisture, condenses and freezes in the hydrogen recirculation pump, causing it to seize up the next time it is restarted. How to handle and temporarily store the saturated, moist hydrogen in the recirculation pump for later use is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0003] Currently, most cold start methods for hydrogen circulation pumps involve using auxiliary heating devices or using the rotation / vibration of the hydrogen circulation pump body to break up ice. Using auxiliary heating requires additional power to meet heating needs, increasing the power consumption and complexity of the fuel cell system, as well as increasing the system's weight and cost. Using the rotation / vibration of the hydrogen circulation pump body to break up ice causes additional wear and tear, leading to a reduction in pump lifespan and the generation of unnecessary noise. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a cold start system for a hydrogen circulation pump capable of storing hydrogen. When the fuel cell system is first shut down, the system utilizes the pressure difference principle to draw saturated wet hydrogen from the hydrogen circulation pump into a storage device for storage. Furthermore, when the fuel cell system is cold-started at low temperatures, the system again utilizes the pressure difference principle to draw in unreacted hydrogen from the fuel cell anode into the storage device for storage.

[0005] The present invention achieves the above-mentioned technical objectives through the following technical means.

[0006] A cold start system for a hydrogen circulation pump capable of storing hydrogen includes: a hydrogen tank, a fuel cell, a hydrogen circulation pump, a hydrogen pipeline, a hydrogen storage device, valve A, and valve B;

[0007] The hydrogen storage device includes a rubber pipe, a sealed housing, a vacuum pump, a thin-walled seal, and a driving mechanism. The rubber pipe passes through the left and right side walls of the sealed housing. The top of the sealed housing is connected to the vacuum pump. A through hole is provided on the bottom wall of the sealed housing. The thin-walled seal is disposed on the through hole. The driving mechanism can drive the thin-walled seal to rotate, so that the through hole is sealed or opened.

[0008] The fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode. The outlet end of the anode is connected to one end of the rubber pipe through a first branch pipe, and the other end of the rubber pipe is connected to the hydrogen circulation pump through a second branch pipe. The first branch pipe is equipped with valve A, and the second branch pipe is equipped with valve B.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a hydrogen circulation pump controller, valve controller A, valve controller B, and a control unit. The hydrogen circulation pump controller, valve controller A, valve controller B, the drive mechanism, and the vacuum pump are all connected to the control unit. The control unit controls the drive mechanism and controls the opening and closing of the hydrogen circulation pump, valve A, and valve B.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a temperature sensor, which is disposed on the outer wall surface of the hydrogen circulation pump. The temperature sensor is connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the drive mechanism and the opening and closing of the hydrogen circulation pump, valve A and valve B according to the signal transmitted by the temperature sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a clamp-type flow sensor. The hydrogen circulation pump is provided with a drain pipe, and the clamp-type flow sensor is installed on the drain pipe of the hydrogen circulation pump. The clamp-type flow sensor is connected to the control unit. The control unit controls the drive mechanism and controls the opening and closing of the hydrogen circulation pump, valve A and valve B according to the signal transmitted by the clamp-type flow sensor.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure inside the sealed chamber. The pressure sensor is connected to the control unit, which controls the drive mechanism and the start and stop of the vacuum pump based on the signal transmitted by the pressure sensor.

[0013] Furthermore, the hydrogen tank is connected to the inlet of the anode via the hydrogen pipeline, the outlet of the cathode is connected to the first water pipeline, and the hydrogen circulation pump is connected to the inlet of the anode via the hydrogen pipeline.

[0014] Furthermore, the length L1 of the rubber pipe 19 is:

[0015] L1 = 1 / 3L ALL

[0016] Where L ALL The length of the first branch pipe.

[0017] Furthermore, the sealing box has a left and right length L2 = 0.9L1, a width D2 = 0.5L1 to 0.9L1, a height H2 = 0.9L1 to 1L1, and a through hole diameter D3 = 0.1L2.

[0018] Furthermore, the method for absorbing hydrogen when the fuel cell system environment is still at a high temperature includes:

[0019] When valves A8 and B10 are closed, the control unit obtains the measurement value from pressure sensor 12. If the measurement value of pressure sensor 12 is greater than the set value P1, vacuum pump 16 is turned on until the measurement value of pressure sensor 12 is less than P1. Then, vacuum pump 16 is turned off and the control unit controls valve B10 to open to carry out the hydrogen absorption process.

[0020] Furthermore, the method for absorbing hydrogen when the fuel cell system environment is still at a low temperature includes:

[0021] Step S1: Determine if the temperature sensor 4 measures a value greater than 0°C. If so, the control unit controls valves A8 and B10 and starts the hydrogen circulation pump 3 simultaneously. If not, the hydrogen circulation pump 3 remains in the off-state, and the control unit controls valve A8 to open.

[0022] Step S2: After the fuel cell has been running for a certain period of time, determine whether the measured value of temperature sensor 4 is greater than T1. If yes, proceed to step three; otherwise, repeat step two.

[0023] Step S3: Determine whether the instantaneous flow rate Q of the clamp-type flow sensor 14 is less than the set flow rate Q1. If yes, the control unit controls the opening of the hydrogen circulation pump 3 and valve B10 respectively, and controls the drive mechanism to drive the thin-walled seal to rotate, so that the through hole at the bottom of the sealing box is opened, completing the cold start process of the hydrogen circulation pump. If no, return to step two.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0025] 1) This invention utilizes the principle of pressure difference to store hydrogen, which can reduce the saturated wet hydrogen in the hydrogen circulation pump, thereby reducing the icing area in the hydrogen circulation pump, lowering the probability of icing in the pump, and improving the utilization rate of hydrogen, creating a safer environment for subsequent cold starts.

[0026] 2) Since this invention does not directly modify the structure of the hydrogen circulation pump, the entire device is highly versatile and can be widely used. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cold start system of a hydrogen circulation pump capable of storing hydrogen, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 The structure of the hydrogen storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 3 The structure of the hydrogen storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 AA section view;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 3 BB cross-sectional view.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 1. Hydrogen storage tank; 2. Hydrogen circulation pump controller; 3. Hydrogen circulation pump; 4. Temperature sensor; 5. Cooling water pipe; 6. Hydrogen pipe; 7. Anode; 8. Valve A; 9. Hydrogen storage device; 10. Valve B; 11. Valve controller A; 12. Pressure sensor; 13. Valve controller B; 14. Clamp-type flow sensor; 15. Cathode; 16. Vacuum pump; 17. Sealed housing; 18. Drive mechanism; 19. Rubber pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "axial," "radial," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] The following is a detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of a cold start system for a hydrogen circulation pump capable of storing hydrogen according to an embodiment of the present invention, including a hydrogen tank, a fuel cell, a hydrogen circulation pump, a hydrogen pipeline 6, a hydrogen storage device 9, valve A8, valve B10, a pressure sensor 12, a temperature sensor 4, a clamp-type flow sensor 14, a hydrogen circulation pump controller 2, a valve controller A11, a valve controller B13, and a control unit.

[0038] The fuel cell includes an anode 7 and a cathode 15. A hydrogen tank 1 is connected to the inlet of the anode 7 via a hydrogen pipeline 6, providing hydrogen feedstock for the entire fuel cell system. The outlet of the cathode 15 is connected to a first water pipeline. A hydrogen circulation pump 3 is connected to the inlet of the anode 7 via a hydrogen pipeline 6. The hydrogen circulation pump 3 is equipped with a drain pipeline. The first water pipeline and the drain pipeline converge into a cooling pipeline.

[0039] The hydrogen storage device 9 includes a rubber pipe 19, a sealed housing 17, a vacuum pump 16, a thin-walled seal, and a drive mechanism 18. The rubber pipe 19 passes through the left and right side walls of the sealed housing 17. The top of the sealed housing 17 is connected to the vacuum pump 16. A through hole is provided on the bottom wall of the sealed housing 17. The thin-walled seal is disposed on the through hole. The drive mechanism 18 can drive the thin-walled seal to rotate on a fixed axis, so that the through hole is closed or opened, thereby achieving pressure balance inside the sealed housing 17.

[0040] The length L1 of rubber pipe 19 is: L1 = 1 / 3L ALL L ALLThe length of the first branch pipe is given. The sealing housing 17 has a length L2 = 0.9L1, a width D2 = 0.5L1 to 0.9L1, a height H2 = 0.9L1 to 1L1, and a through-hole diameter D3 = 0.1L2. The through-hole diameter on the bottom wall of the sealing housing 17 is D3 = 0.1L2, and the thin-walled seal 18 is circular with a diameter D4 = 0.18L2. Due to its appropriate ductility, the rubber pipe 19 can create a pressure difference to further store hydrogen. When the small vacuum pump 16 on the sealing housing is working, it creates a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the sealing housing 17, further expanding the rubber pipe 19. When it is necessary for the pressure inside and outside the sealed housing 17 to be the same, the drive mechanism 18 controls the thin-walled seal to rotate around the shaft. Due to the lower internal pressure, the external gas enters the sealed housing 17 from the lower hole until the pressure inside and outside are the same. The drive mechanism 18 then controls the thin-walled seal to rotate around the shaft to seal the through hole, thus making the sealed housing 17 a sealed environment again.

[0041] The fuel cell includes an anode 7 and a cathode 15. The outlet end of the anode 7 is connected to one end of a rubber pipe 19 through a first branch pipe, and the other end of the rubber pipe 19 is connected to a hydrogen circulation pump 3 through a second branch pipe. A valve A8 is provided on the first branch pipe, and the valve A8 is connected to a valve controller A11. A valve B10 is provided on the second branch pipe, and the valve B10 is connected to a valve controller B13.

[0042] Pressure sensor 12 measures the pressure inside the sealed housing 17 to determine the pressure on the rubber pipe 19 inside the hydrogen storage device 9. Temperature sensor 4 is a thermistor temperature sensor installed on the outer wall of the hydrogen circulation pump 3 to monitor the temperature inside and outside the hydrogen circulation pump 3 in real time. Clamp-type flow sensor 14 is installed on the drain pipe of the hydrogen circulation pump 3 to monitor the internal ice melting of the hydrogen circulation pump 3. Pressure sensor 12, temperature sensor 4, clamp-type flow sensor 14, hydrogen circulation pump controller 2, valve controller A11, and valve controller B13 are all connected to the control unit. The control unit controls the drive mechanism 18 and the opening and closing of the hydrogen circulation pump 3, valve A8, and valve B10 based on the signals transmitted by the temperature sensor 4 and the clamp-type flow sensor 14. The control unit controls the drive mechanism and the vacuum pump 16 based on the signal transmitted by the pressure sensor 12.

[0043] A cold start system for a hydrogen circulation pump capable of storing hydrogen according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a vehicle. When the vehicle is stopped, the fuel cell system is still at a high temperature, and the entire hydrogen circulation loop is filled with saturated wet hydrogen. The cold start system of this embodiment of the present invention can absorb and store saturated wet hydrogen. The specific working steps are as follows:

[0044] Step 1: The fuel cell system environment is still at a high temperature. At this time, valves A8 and B10 are closed. The control unit obtains the real-time pressure from pressure sensor 12. If the pressure is greater than the set value P1, vacuum pump 16 is turned on. As vacuum pump 16 runs, the internal pressure of sealed housing 17 decreases. Due to its extensibility, rubber pipe 19 expands as the external pressure decreases, and its internal pressure also decreases until pressure sensor 12 detects that the internal pressure of sealed housing 17 is less than P1. Then vacuum pump 16 is turned off, and step 2 is performed. If the pressure is greater than P1, step 1 is repeated.

[0045] Step 2: Open valve B10 and close vacuum pump 16. At this time, due to the pressure difference between the internal pressure of rubber pipe 19 and the hydrogen pipe 6 at the outlet of hydrogen storage device 9 and the inlet of hydrogen circulation pump 3, some saturated wet hydrogen at the inlet of hydrogen circulation pump 3 is drawn into rubber pipe 19. Determine whether the measured value of pressure sensor 12 is equal to the set value P2. If yes, proceed to step 3; if no, repeat step 2.

[0046] Step 3: The control unit closes valve B10, and hydrogen storage is completed after shutdown.

[0047] A cold start system for a hydrogen circulation pump capable of storing hydrogen, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is applied to an automobile. The steps for the automobile to re-cold start and reabsorb hydrogen are as follows:

[0048] Step S1: Before the fuel cell vehicle is started, valves A8 and B10 are closed. If the temperature sensor 4 measures a value greater than 0°C, the control unit controls valves A8 and B10 and starts the hydrogen circulation pump 3 to open simultaneously. If the temperature sensor 4 measures a value less than or equal to 0°C, the hydrogen circulation pump 3 is kept in a non-started state, and the control unit controls valve A8 to open.

[0049] As saturated wet hydrogen condenses and freezes at low temperatures, a pressure difference is created between the rubber pipe 19 and the hydrogen pipe 6. At this time, the unreacted hydrogen in the PEM anode 7 of the fuel cell enters the hydrogen storage device 9 due to the pressure difference.

[0050] Step S2: After the fuel cell PEM has been running for a certain period of time, determine whether the measured value of temperature sensor 4 is greater than T1. If yes, proceed to step three; otherwise, repeat step S2.

[0051] If the temperature sensor 4 measures a value less than T1, it is assumed that the ice inside the hydrogen circulation pump 3 has not melted. If the temperature sensor 4 measures a value greater than or equal to T1, it is assumed that the ice inside the hydrogen circulation pump 3 may have completely melted, and then step S3 is performed to further determine the melting status.

[0052] Step S3: If the instantaneous flow rate Q of the clamp-type flow sensor 14 is less than the set flow rate Q1, the control unit controls the opening of the hydrogen circulation pump 3 and valve B10 respectively, and controls the drive mechanism to drive the thin-walled seal to rotate, so that the pressure inside and outside the sealing box 17 is balanced, and the cold start process of the hydrogen circulation pump is completed. If the instantaneous flow rate Q of the clamp-type flow sensor 14 is greater than or equal to the set flow rate Q1, then return to step S2.

[0053] When the temperature signal from temperature sensor 4 is consistently higher than the set temperature T1, and the instantaneous flow rate Q from clamp-type flow sensor 14 is less than the set flow rate Q1, it is assumed that all the ice inside the hydrogen circulation pump 3 has melted. Therefore, the control unit controls the opening of hydrogen circulation pump 3 and valve B10 respectively, and controls the drive mechanism to drive the thin-walled seal to rotate, completing the cold start process of hydrogen circulation pump 3. If the instantaneous flow rate Q from clamp-type flow sensor 14 is greater than or equal to the set flow rate Q1, it is assumed that all the ice inside the hydrogen circulation pump 3 has not melted, so the process returns to step S2.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cold start system for a hydrogen circulation pump capable of storing hydrogen can store saturated wet hydrogen by utilizing the pressure difference principle, thereby reducing the icing area inside the hydrogen circulation pump and improving the hydrogen utilization rate. It also has the advantages of strong universality and high safety.

[0055] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0056] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cold start system for a hydrogen circulation pump capable of storing hydrogen, characterized in that, include: Hydrogen tank (1), fuel cell, hydrogen circulation pump (3), hydrogen pipeline (6), hydrogen storage device (9), pressure sensor (12), valve A (8) and valve B (10); The hydrogen storage device (9) includes a rubber pipe (19), a sealed box (17), a vacuum pump (16), a thin-walled seal, and a drive mechanism (18). The rubber pipe (19) passes through the left and right side walls of the sealed box (17). The top of the sealed box (17) is connected to the vacuum pump (16). The bottom wall of the sealed box (17) is provided with a through hole. The thin-walled seal is disposed on the through hole. The drive mechanism (18) can drive the thin-walled seal to rotate, so that the through hole is sealed or opened. The fuel cell includes an anode (7) and a cathode (15). The outlet end of the anode (7) is connected to one end of the rubber pipe (19) through a first branch pipe. The other end of the rubber pipe (19) is connected to the hydrogen circulation pump (3) through a second branch pipe. The first branch pipe is equipped with the valve A (8), and the second branch pipe is equipped with the valve B (10). The pressure sensor (12) is used to measure the pressure inside the sealed housing (17). The pressure sensor (12) is connected to the control unit. The control unit controls the drive mechanism and the vacuum pump (16) based on the signal transmitted by the pressure sensor (12).

2. The cold start system for the hydrogen storage-capable hydrogen circulation pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, Valve controller A (11), valve controller B (13) and control unit, the pressure sensor (12), hydrogen circulation pump controller (2), valve controller A (11), valve controller B (13), the drive mechanism (18) and the vacuum pump (16) are all connected to the control unit, the control unit controls the drive mechanism (18) and controls the opening and closing of the hydrogen circulation pump (3), the valve A (8) and the valve B (10).

3. The cold start system for the hydrogen storage-capable hydrogen circulation pump according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor (4), which is disposed on the outer wall of the hydrogen circulation pump (3). The temperature sensor (4) is connected to the control unit. The control unit controls the drive mechanism (18) and controls the opening and closing of the hydrogen circulation pump (3), the valve A (8) and the valve B (10) according to the signal transmitted by the temperature sensor (4).

4. The cold start system for the hydrogen storage-capable hydrogen circulation pump according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a clamp-type flow sensor (14). The hydrogen circulation pump (3) is provided with a drain pipe. The clamp-type flow sensor (14) is set on the drain pipe of the hydrogen circulation pump (3). The clamp-type flow sensor (14) is connected to the control unit. The control unit controls the drive mechanism (18) and controls the opening and closing of the hydrogen circulation pump (3), the valve A (8) and the valve B (10) according to the signal transmitted by the clamp-type flow sensor (14).

5. The cold start system for the hydrogen storage-capable hydrogen circulation pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen tank (1) is connected to the inlet of the anode (7) through the hydrogen pipeline (6), the outlet of the cathode (15) is connected to the first water pipeline, and the hydrogen circulation pump (3) is connected to the inlet of the anode (7) through the hydrogen pipeline (6).

6. The cold start system for the hydrogen storage-capable hydrogen circulation pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length L1 of the rubber pipe (19) is: in The length of the first branch pipe.

7. The cold start system for the hydrogen storage-capable hydrogen circulation pump according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sealed box (17) is approximately [length missing] long. ,width ,high The diameter D3 of the through hole .

8. The cold start system for the hydrogen storage-capable hydrogen circulation pump according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method for absorbing hydrogen when the fuel cell system environment is still at a high temperature includes: When valves A (8) and B (10) are closed, the control unit obtains the measurement value of the pressure sensor (12). If the measurement value of the pressure sensor (12) is greater than the set value P1, the vacuum pump (16) is turned on until the measurement value of the pressure sensor (12) is less than P1. Then the vacuum pump (16) is turned off and valve B (10) is turned on.

9. The cold start system for the hydrogen storage-capable hydrogen circulation pump according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method for absorbing hydrogen when the fuel cell system environment is still at a low temperature includes: Step S1: Determine if the temperature sensor (4) measures a value greater than 0°C. If so, the control unit controls valve A (8), valve B (10) and starts the hydrogen circulation pump (3) to open simultaneously. If not, the hydrogen circulation pump (3) remains in a non-starting state, and the control unit controls valve A (8) to open. Step S2: After the fuel cell has been running for a certain period of time, determine whether the temperature sensor (4) measured value is greater than T1. If yes, proceed to step three; otherwise, repeat step two. Step S3: Determine whether the instantaneous flow rate Q of the clamp-type flow sensor (14) is less than the set flow rate Q1. If yes, the control unit controls the start of the hydrogen circulation pump (3) and valve B (10) respectively, and controls the drive mechanism to drive the thin-walled seal to rotate, so that the through hole at the bottom of the sealing box (17) is opened, and the cold start process of the hydrogen circulation pump is completed. If no, return to step two.

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