Fuel cell valve testing apparatus and method

Abstract

The application provides a fuel cell valve testing device and method. The fuel cell valve testing device comprises a pressure regulating valve, a gas flow meter, a test tank, a hydrogen discharge valve and a back pressure valve. A gas source enters the test tank through the pressure regulating valve and the gas flow meter in sequence, and the exhaust port of the test tank is provided with the hydrogen discharge valve and the back pressure valve. The pressure regulating valve is used for providing the inlet pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve, simulating the pressure environment of the hydrogen discharge valve working on the hydrogen backflow path. The gas flow meter is used for measuring the flow passing through the hydrogen discharge valve during the performance test of the hydrogen discharge valve. The back pressure valve is used for providing back pressure to the outlet of the hydrogen discharge valve according to the test requirement. The purpose of reducing the cost and improving the test precision is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular relates to a fuel cell valve testing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] The hydrogen vent valve and drain valve in a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle directly affect the performance and safety of the fuel cell stack. Located in the hydrogen circuit of the fuel cell system, these valves contain unreacted hydrogen from the anode side of the stack and nitrogen and water permeating from the cathode side. When the drain valve opens, it releases the liquid water permeating from the cathode side to prevent flooding. When the hydrogen vent valve opens, it releases the mixed gas from the anode side into the atmosphere, maintaining a high hydrogen concentration in the stack. When the drain valve closes, it ensures the anode maintains sufficient operating pressure, ensuring good conversion efficiency. The opening and closing times of the hydrogen vent valve and drain valve vary primarily with the power output of the fuel cell system. As system power increases, more mixed gas (nitrogen, hydrogen, etc.) and water enter the hydrogen return path. Therefore, to remove more of the mixed gas and water, the closing time (interval between two openings) needs to be shorter, while the opening time (opening duration) needs to be longer. Before development and application, hydrogen discharge valves and drain valves need to undergo various performance tests on the corresponding test benches. Only after completing all performance tests can they be matched with the system application.

[0003] Currently, the main testing methods for exhaust valves and drain valves include:

[0004] 1. During fuel cell operation, extend the outlet pipe of the exhaust valve to the water tank, fill a large beaker with water and invert it in the water tank, use the bubble method to measure the exhaust volume, and after venting the gas multiple times, calculate the average value of each exhaust volume using the total exhaust volume; use a beaker to collect the water discharged from the drain valve, and after draining the water multiple times, calculate the average value of each drain volume using the total drain volume.

[0005] 2. For hydrogen reflux circuits with water separators, some systems use the water separator to test the drain valve. The drain valve is connected to the outlet of the water separator, and the liquid water in the water separator is drained out using the drain valve.

[0006] In the aforementioned test method 1 for exhaust valve and drain valve, the test is conducted during the operation of the fuel cell, which significantly increases the test cost. Furthermore, due to the high water temperature during the test, inadequate protection may result in the high-temperature liquid water discharged from the drain valve splashing onto the test personnel, posing a safety hazard.

[0007] In test method 2, the size of the water distribution component for fuel cells is often small, and the water storage capacity is often insufficient to meet the performance test requirements of the drain valve. The test accuracy needs to be improved, and the water distribution component cannot meet the requirements of working environment with different water temperatures and the convenience of water replenishment. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a fuel cell valve testing device and method, which at least partially solves the problem of high testing costs in the prior art.

[0009] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a fuel cell valve testing device, including: a pressure regulating valve, a gas flow meter, a test tank, a hydrogen discharge valve, and a back pressure valve;

[0010] The gas source enters the test tank sequentially through a pressure regulating valve and a gas flow meter. The test tank is equipped with a hydrogen discharge valve and a back pressure valve at its exhaust port.

[0011] The pressure regulating valve is used to provide the inlet pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve, simulating the pressure environment in which the hydrogen discharge valve in the hydrogen return path works.

[0012] Gas flow meter, used to measure the flow rate through the hydrogen discharge valve during the performance test of the hydrogen discharge valve;

[0013] The back pressure valve is used to apply back pressure to the outlet of the hydrogen discharge valve according to test requirements.

[0014] Optionally, it may also include a first shut-off valve, a second shut-off valve, a drain valve, a first water flow meter, and a heater;

[0015] The first shut-off valve is located between the test tank exhaust port and the drain port, the second shut-off valve is located at the test tank drain port, the drain valve is connected in parallel with the second shut-off valve, the first water flow meter is located between the test tank drain port and the drain valve, and the heater is located on the pipe between the test tank exhaust port and the drain port.

[0016] Optionally, a first pressure sensor is also included, which is located at the inlet of the test tank.

[0017] Optionally, a liquid level sensor may also be included, which is mounted on the test tank.

[0018] Optionally, it may also include a water storage tank, which is connected to the outlet of a drain valve.

[0019] Optionally, a second water flow meter is also included, which is installed on the pipe between the test tank vent and the drain.

[0020] Optionally, a water pump is also included, which is installed on the pipe between the test tank vent and the drain outlet.

[0021] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a fuel cell valve testing method, using any of the testing apparatus described in the first aspect, comprising:

[0022] Close the second shut-off valve, open the back pressure valve, open the hydrogen discharge valve, adjust the pressure regulating valve to the target pressure, maintain the inlet pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve, apply back pressure to the outlet of the hydrogen discharge valve as needed, test and record the flow rate through the hydrogen discharge valve under different pressure differentials, and complete the flow rate test of the hydrogen discharge valve under different inlet pressures.

[0023] Optionally, the method also includes:

[0024] Close the hydrogen discharge valve, open the second shut-off valve to switch to the drain valve test, replenish the required liquid water for the test, control the temperature of the liquid water, open the first shut-off valve to circulate and heat the water to meet the test water temperature requirements, close the first shut-off valve after the water temperature reaches the requirements, adjust the pressure regulating valve to the target pressure, maintain the inlet pressure or liquid surface pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve, open the drain valve, test and record the flow rate through the drain valve within the specified time.

[0025] Optionally, testing and recording the flow rate through the drain valve within a specified time includes:

[0026] The flow rate through the drain valve is detected using a water flow meter; or the volumetric flow rate through the drain valve per minute is calculated from the amount of liquid water discharged into the storage tank within a set time period, wherein the storage tank is connected to the outlet of the drain valve.

[0027] This invention provides a fuel cell valve testing device and method. The fuel cell valve testing device automatically tests the exhaust valve by using a pressure regulating valve, a gas flow meter, and a back pressure valve. Compared to manual testing, this reduces costs and improves testing accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0028] 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.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of the fuel cell valve testing device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0030] in:

[0031] 1-Pressure regulating valve; 2-Gas flow meter; 3-First pressure sensor; 4-Test tank; 5-Liquid level sensor; 6-Hydrogen discharge valve; 7-Second pressure sensor; 8-Back pressure valve; 9-First shut-off valve; 10-Temperature sensor; 11-First water flow meter; 12-Second shut-off valve; 13-Drain valve; 14-Storage water tank; 15-Water pump; 16-Heater; 17-Second flow meter. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] It should be understood that the following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this disclosure from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. This disclosure can also be implemented or applied through other different specific implementation methods, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0034] It should be noted that various aspects of embodiments within the scope of the appended claims are described below. It will be apparent that the aspects described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, and any particular structure and / or function described herein is merely illustrative. Based on this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that one aspect described herein can be implemented independently of any other aspect, and two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein can be used to implement the device and / or practice the method. Additionally, this device and / or method can be implemented using structures and / or functionalities other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein.

[0035] It should also be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this disclosure. The illustrations only show the components related to this disclosure and are not drawn according to the number, shape and size of the components in actual implementation. In actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0036] Furthermore, specific details are provided in the following description to facilitate a thorough understanding of the examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the described aspects can be practiced without these specific details.

[0037] For ease of understanding, such as Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses a fuel cell valve testing device, including: a pressure regulating valve, a gas flow meter, a test tank, a hydrogen discharge valve, and a back pressure valve;

[0038] The gas source enters the test tank sequentially through a pressure regulating valve and a gas flow meter. The test tank is equipped with a hydrogen discharge valve and a back pressure valve at its exhaust port.

[0039] The pressure regulating valve is used to provide the inlet pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve, simulating the pressure environment in which the hydrogen discharge valve in the hydrogen return path works.

[0040] Gas flow meter, used to measure the flow rate through the hydrogen discharge valve during the performance test of the hydrogen discharge valve;

[0041] The back pressure valve is used to apply back pressure to the outlet of the hydrogen discharge valve according to testing requirements. A second pressure sensor is installed between the back pressure valve and the hydrogen discharge valve.

[0042] Optionally, it may also include a first shut-off valve, a second shut-off valve, a drain valve, a first water flow meter, and a heater;

[0043] The first shut-off valve is located between the test tank exhaust port and the drain port, the second shut-off valve is located at the test tank drain port, the drain valve is connected in parallel with the second shut-off valve, the first water flow meter is located between the test tank drain port and the drain valve, and the heater is located on the pipe between the test tank exhaust port and the drain port.

[0044] Optionally, a first pressure sensor is also included, which is located at the inlet of the test tank.

[0045] Optionally, a liquid level sensor may also be included, which is mounted on the test tank.

[0046] Optionally, it may also include a water storage tank, which is connected to the outlet of a drain valve.

[0047] Optionally, a second water flow meter is also included, which is installed on the pipe between the test tank vent and the drain.

[0048] Optionally, a water pump is also included, which is installed on the pipe between the vent and drain ports of the test tank. A temperature sensor is installed at the drain port of the test tank.

[0049] The gas source can be hydrogen, nitrogen, air, or other gaseous media; the pressure regulating valve provides the inlet pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve or the liquid level pressure of the drain valve, simulating the normal operating pressure environment of the hydrogen return path hydrogen discharge valve and drain valve; the gas flow meter measures the flow rate through the hydrogen discharge valve during the performance test; the back pressure valve can apply back pressure to the outlet of the hydrogen discharge valve according to the test requirements. The second shut-off valve opens to switch to drain valve testing; the first water flow meter measures the liquid water flow rate during the drain valve test; the heater provides the required liquid water temperature for the test; the water tank collects the water discharged during the drain valve test; the water pump replenishes the liquid water during the test in a timely manner according to the value of the liquid level sensor, and the second water flow meter measures the replenished liquid water flow rate.

[0050] This embodiment also discloses a fuel cell valve testing method, including:

[0051] Close the second shut-off valve, open the back pressure valve, open the hydrogen discharge valve, adjust the pressure regulating valve to the target pressure, maintain the inlet pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve, apply back pressure to the outlet of the hydrogen discharge valve as needed, test and record the flow rate through the hydrogen discharge valve under different pressure differentials, and complete the flow rate test of the hydrogen discharge valve under different inlet pressures.

[0052] Optionally, the method also includes:

[0053] Close the hydrogen discharge valve, open the second shut-off valve to switch to the drain valve test, replenish the required liquid water for the test, control the temperature of the liquid water, open the first shut-off valve to circulate and heat the water to meet the test water temperature requirements, close the first shut-off valve after the water temperature reaches the requirements, adjust the pressure regulating valve to the target pressure, maintain the inlet pressure or liquid surface pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve, open the drain valve, test and record the flow rate through the drain valve within the specified time.

[0054] Optionally, testing and recording the flow rate through the drain valve within a specified time includes:

[0055] The flow rate through the drain valve is detected using a water flow meter; or the volumetric flow rate through the drain valve per minute is calculated from the amount of liquid water discharged into the storage tank within a set time period, wherein the storage tank is connected to the outlet of the drain valve.

[0056] 1. Hydrogen discharge valve performance test: With the shut-off valve closed, the back pressure valve open, and the hydrogen discharge valve open, adjust the pressure regulating valve to the target pressure to maintain the inlet pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve. Apply different levels of back pressure to the outlet of the hydrogen discharge valve as required, test and record the flow rate through the hydrogen discharge valve under different pressure differentials, and complete the flow rate test of the hydrogen discharge valve under different inlet pressures.

[0057] 2. Drain Valve Performance Test: With the hydrogen discharge valve closed and the second shut-off valve open, switch to drain valve testing. A water pump replenishes the required liquid water for the test. The temperature of the liquid water can be controlled by a heater. The first shut-off valve is opened for water circulation heating to meet the test water temperature requirements. Once the required water temperature is reached, the first shut-off valve is closed, and the pressure regulating valve is adjusted to the target pressure to maintain the inlet pressure or liquid surface pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve. The drain valve is then opened, and the flow rate through the drain valve within a specified time is tested and recorded. Two methods are used to measure the flow rate through the drain valve: one is the reading of the first water flow meter under stable conditions; the other is calculating the volumetric flow rate through the drain valve per minute based on the amount of liquid water discharged into the storage tank within the specified time.

[0058] The testing apparatus of this embodiment has the following advantages:

[0059] 1. It can meet the test pressure conditions of hydrogen discharge valve, as well as the test pressure, liquid water and liquid water temperature requirements of drain valve. It basically simulates the real working environment of hydrogen discharge valve and drain valve and meets the performance test requirements of hydrogen discharge valve and drain valve.

[0060] 2. Compared with existing testing methods for drain valves, the testing device and method proposed in this solution improve safety, testing accuracy, ease of testing, and economy.

[0061] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0062] In this disclosure, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Words such as "including," "comprising," "having," etc., are open-ended terms meaning "including but not limited to," and are used interchangeably with them. The terms "or" and "and" as used herein refer to the terms "and / or," and are used interchangeably with them unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. The term "such as" as used herein refers to the phrase "such as but not limited to," and is used interchangeably with it.

[0063] Additionally, as used herein, the “or” used in a list of items beginning with “at least one” indicates a separate list, such that a list of, for example, “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C, or AB or AC or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, the word “exemplary” does not imply that the described example is preferred or better than other examples.

[0064] It should also be noted that in the systems and methods of this disclosure, the components or steps can be decomposed and / or recombined. These decompositions and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions to this disclosure.

[0065] Various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the technology described herein without departing from the teachings defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of the claims of this disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects of the processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, and actions described above. Currently existing or later-developed processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding aspects described herein can be utilized. Therefore, the appended claims include such processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions within their scope.

[0066] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0067] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations therein.

Claims

1. A fuel cell valve testing apparatus, characterized by, include: Pressure regulating valve, gas flow meter, test tank, hydrogen discharge valve and back pressure valve; The gas source enters the test tank sequentially through a pressure regulating valve and a gas flow meter. The test tank is equipped with a hydrogen discharge valve and a back pressure valve at its exhaust port. The pressure regulating valve is used to provide the inlet pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve, simulating the pressure environment in which the hydrogen discharge valve in the hydrogen return path works. Gas flow meter, used to measure the flow rate through the hydrogen discharge valve during the performance test of the hydrogen discharge valve; The back pressure valve is used to apply back pressure to the outlet of the hydrogen discharge valve according to test requirements. The testing device also includes a first shut-off valve, a second shut-off valve, a drain valve, a first water flow meter, and a heater; The first shut-off valve is located between the test tank exhaust port and the drain port, the second shut-off valve is located at the test tank drain port, the drain valve is connected in parallel with the second shut-off valve, the first water flow meter is located between the test tank drain port and the drain valve, and the heater is located on the pipe between the test tank exhaust port and the drain port.

2. The fuel cell valve testing device of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a first pressure sensor, which is located at the inlet of the test tank.

3. The fuel cell valve testing device of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a liquid level sensor, which is mounted on the test tank.

4. The fuel cell valve testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water storage tank, which is connected to the outlet of a drain valve.

5. The fuel cell valve testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a second water flow meter, which is installed on the pipe between the vent and drain outlet of the test tank.

6. The fuel cell valve testing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a water pump, which is installed on the pipe between the test tank's vent and drain outlet.

7. A method for testing a fuel cell valve, using the testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, include: Close the second shut-off valve, open the back pressure valve, open the hydrogen discharge valve, adjust the pressure regulating valve to the target pressure, maintain the inlet pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve, apply back pressure to the outlet of the hydrogen discharge valve as needed, test and record the flow rate through the hydrogen discharge valve under different pressure differentials, and complete the flow rate test of the hydrogen discharge valve under different inlet pressures.

8. The fuel cell valve testing method according to claim 7, characterized in that, include: Close the hydrogen discharge valve, open the second shut-off valve to switch to the drain valve test, replenish the required liquid water for the test, control the temperature of the liquid water, open the first shut-off valve to circulate and heat the water to meet the test water temperature requirements, close the first shut-off valve after the water temperature reaches the requirements, adjust the pressure regulating valve to the target pressure, maintain the inlet pressure or liquid surface pressure of the hydrogen discharge valve, open the drain valve, test and record the flow rate through the drain valve within the specified time.

9. The fuel cell valve testing method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Test and record the flow rate through the drain valve within a specified time, including: The flow rate through the drain valve is detected using a water flow meter; or the volumetric flow rate through the drain valve per minute is calculated from the amount of liquid water discharged into the storage tank within a set time period, wherein the storage tank is connected to the outlet of the drain valve.

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