Hydrogen circulation test apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a hydrogen circulation test device, which comprises a pipeline, one end of the pipeline is communicated with a gas source, and the other end of the pipeline is communicated with a first throttle valve. The pipeline comprises a main pipeline, a hydrogen circulation pump is arranged on the main pipeline, and the first throttle valve is located at the outlet of the main pipeline. A circulation pipeline is communicated with the outlet of the main pipeline and located between the hydrogen circulation pump and the first throttle valve, and the other end of the circulation pipeline is communicated with the inlet of the main pipeline. When the pressure at the outlet is greater than the pressure at the inlet, the first throttle valve is closed. By arranging the circulation pipeline, the hydrogen circulation pump can be tested when the pressure of the gas source is insufficient. Compared with the mode that the gas discharged from the hydrogen circulation pump is directly discharged, the use frequency of the gas source can be saved, and the test cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Fuel cell systems have entered a period of large-scale development. With environmental problems becoming increasingly serious, fuel cell systems, as a clean energy power system, have developed rapidly in recent years, driven by strong promotion and human desire for clean energy.

[0003] A fuel cell system typically includes a hydrogen supply system, an oxygen supply system, an electronic control system, a cooling system, and a fuel cell stack. The hydrogen supply system, as a crucial component of the fuel cell system, plays a vital role. The hydrogen circulation pump, as a key component of the hydrogen supply system, is undeniably important. Current technology for testing hydrogen circulation pumps involves connecting the pump in series in a pipeline and introducing gas into the pump through a gas source. This series connection of the pipeline and gas source allows for performance testing of the hydrogen circulation pump. However, this method has several drawbacks: the series connection directly discharges used gas, resulting in a large gas consumption and high cost; and the inability to effectively test the hydrogen circulation pump under unsuitable gas source pressures due to varying testing requirements for different operating conditions makes the testing process cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology in that the testing of hydrogen circulation pumps is cumbersome and costly, and to provide a hydrogen circulation testing device.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0006] A hydrogen circulation testing device includes a pipeline, one end of which is connected to a gas source, and the other end of which is connected to a first throttle valve. The pipeline comprises:

[0007] The main pipeline is equipped with a hydrogen circulation pump, and the first throttle valve is located at the outlet of the main pipeline.

[0008] A circulation pipeline, one end of which is connected to the outlet of the main pipeline and located between the hydrogen circulation pump and the first throttle valve, and the other end of which is connected to the inlet of the main pipeline, wherein the first throttle valve closes when the pressure at the outlet is greater than the pressure at the inlet.

[0009] In this solution, by setting up a main pipeline, the gas flowing out of the gas source enters the pipeline and flows to the hydrogen circulation pump, enabling effective testing of the hydrogen circulation pump. Furthermore, by setting up a circulation pipeline, when the gas source pressure is insufficient to meet the testing requirements, the pressure difference between the gas in the hydrogen circulation pump and the gas flowing out of the gas source will guide the gas flowing out of the outlet into the circulation pipeline. The circulation pipeline will then further guide the introduced gas to the main pipeline and the hydrogen circulation pump, thereby compensating for situations where the hydrogen circulation pump cannot be tested due to insufficient gas source pressure. In addition, using the gas discharged from the hydrogen circulation pump for testing through the circulation pipeline, compared to directly discharging the gas flowing out of the hydrogen circulation pump, can save on the frequency of gas source usage and reduce testing costs.

[0010] Preferably, the pipeline further includes a valve body assembly, which includes a ball valve and a first solenoid valve. The ball valve is disposed on the main pipeline and located between the inlet and the hydrogen circulation pump. The first solenoid valve is located between the gas source and the inlet of the main pipeline. When the first throttle valve is closed, the ball valve closes accordingly, and the first solenoid valve opens.

[0011] In this scheme, the above settings are designed to ensure that the gas can smoothly enter the circulation pipeline and the inlet of the main pipeline, thereby avoiding the situation where the test cannot be performed due to insufficient gas pressure.

[0012] Preferably, when the pressure at the inlet is greater than the pressure at the outlet, the ball valve opens and closes the first solenoid valve.

[0013] In this solution, the above-mentioned setup allows the testing of the hydrogen circulation pump to be carried out through the main pipeline. In other words, the hydrogen circulation testing device can effectively test the hydrogen circulation pump for gas sources of different pressures, making the hydrogen circulation testing device more adaptable to gas sources.

[0014] Preferably, the main pipeline is provided with a first branch and a second branch, the second branch and the first branch are located between the ball valve and the hydrogen circulation pump, the second branch is connected in parallel with the first branch, the first branch is provided with a first flow meter, and the second branch is provided with a second flow meter, corresponding to the gas source under different pressures, the gas source flows into the first branch or the second branch through the valve body assembly.

[0015] In this scheme, the first branch and the second branch are set to test the different pressure differences formed when gas sources of different pressures supply gas to the hydrogen circulation pump, thereby simulating the pressure under different operating conditions. The first flow meter and the second flow meter are set relatively independently to avoid mutual interference and affect the test results of the hydrogen circulation pump.

[0016] Preferably, the valve body assembly further includes a second solenoid valve and a third solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve being disposed on the first branch and the third solenoid valve being disposed on the second branch.

[0017] In this solution, the above settings are used to enable the first and second branches to be opened individually or together.

[0018] Preferably, the main pipeline further includes a third branch and a fourth branch, the third branch and the fourth branch being located between the hydrogen circulation pump and the first throttle valve, the third branch being provided with a second throttle valve, and the fourth branch being provided with a third throttle valve.

[0019] In this design, the third and fourth branches are equipped with a second throttle valve and a third throttle valve respectively to meet the requirements of the gas outlet hydrogen circulation pump and discharge the hydrogen circulation test device.

[0020] Preferably, the valve body assembly further includes a proportional valve, which is disposed on the main pipeline and located between the first solenoid valve and the air source.

[0021] In this scheme, a proportional valve is set to automatically adjust the pressure difference between the gas entering the pipeline and the gas discharged from the hydrogen circulation pump, so as to avoid the pressure difference being too large and affecting the testing of the hydrogen circulation pump.

[0022] Preferably, a plurality of proportional valves are provided, and the plurality of proportional valves are connected in parallel with each other.

[0023] In this solution, multiple proportional valves are connected in parallel to effectively adjust the differential pressure when a single proportional valve cannot meet the adjustment requirements, thus ensuring the smooth progress of the test.

[0024] Preferably, the hydrogen circulation testing device further includes a temperature rise testing unit, which includes multiple temperature sensors, respectively located at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump.

[0025] In this scheme, the above-mentioned settings enable the hydrogen circulation test device to perform temperature rise tests on the hydrogen circulation pump in addition to performance testing.

[0026] Preferably, the hydrogen circulation testing device further includes a flow resistance testing unit, which includes multiple pressure sensors, respectively located at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump.

[0027] In this scheme, the above-mentioned settings enable the hydrogen circulation test device to perform flow resistance tests on the hydrogen circulation pump in addition to performance testing.

[0028] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows: By setting up a main pipeline, the gas flowing out of the gas source enters the pipeline and flows to the hydrogen circulation pump, enabling effective testing of the hydrogen circulation pump. Furthermore, by setting up a circulation pipeline, when the gas source pressure is insufficient to meet the testing requirements, the gas flowing out of the outlet is introduced into the circulation pipeline by the pressure difference formed between the gas in the hydrogen circulation pump and the gas flowing out of the gas source. The circulation pipeline then further directs the introduced gas to the main pipeline and the hydrogen circulation pump, thereby compensating for the situation where the hydrogen circulation pump cannot be tested due to insufficient gas source pressure. In addition, using the gas discharged from the hydrogen circulation pump for testing through a circulation pipeline, compared to directly discharging the gas flowing out of the hydrogen circulation pump, can save the frequency of gas source usage and reduce testing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen circulation testing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] Gas source 1

[0032] First throttle body 2

[0033] Supervisor Road 3

[0034] Branch 1, 31

[0035] First flow meter 311

[0036] Second branch 32

[0037] Second flow meter 321

[0038] Third Branch 33

[0039] Second throttle body 331

[0040] Branch 4 34

[0041] Third throttle body 341

[0042] Muffler 35

[0043] Circulation pipe 4

[0044] Hydrogen circulation pump 5

[0045] Ball valve 6

[0046] First solenoid valve 7

[0047] Second solenoid valve 8

[0048] Third solenoid valve 9

[0049] Proportional valve 10

[0050] Temperature sensor 100

[0051] Pressure sensor 200 Detailed Implementation

[0052] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0053] This embodiment provides a hydrogen cycle testing device, the specific structure of which is as follows: Figure 1As shown, the hydrogen circulation test device includes a cabinet with a storage space inside. The storage space can be divided into spaces for placing different structures by baffles. The baffles serve to support other structures. The cabinet has a rectangular structure and wheels at the bottom. The baffles and wheels are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here. The hydrogen circulation test device includes a pipeline housed within the cabinet's storage space. One end of the pipeline is connected to a gas source 1, which employs a conventional structure, such as a gas pump, and is provided by the user conducting the test. The other end of the pipeline is connected to a first throttle valve 2. The pipeline includes a main pipe 3, on which a hydrogen circulation pump 5 is installed. The first throttle valve 2 is located at the outlet of the main pipe 3. Test gas is supplied to the main pipe 3 from the gas source 1, causing the gas to flow along the main pipe 3 toward the first throttle valve 2. During this flow, the gas enters from the inlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 and exits from the outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, eventually flowing toward the first throttle valve 2, thus enabling performance testing of the hydrogen circulation pump 5. The rotational speed of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 is manually preset by the tester based on the gas pressure released by the gas source 1, which is conventional technology and will not be elaborated upon further here. In addition, the hydrogen circulation test device also includes a circulation pipeline 4, which is located on one side of the main pipeline 3. One end of the circulation pipeline 4 is connected to the outlet of the main pipeline 3 and is located between the hydrogen circulation pump 5 and the first throttle valve 2. The other end of the circulation pipeline 4 is connected to the inlet of the main pipeline 3. When the pressure of the gas flowing into the outlet after passing through the hydrogen circulation pump 5 is greater than the gas pressure provided by the gas source 1 at the inlet, the first throttle valve 2 is closed so that the gas can flow into the circulation pipeline 4 while flowing through the main pipeline 3, and finally continue to flow from the circulation pipeline 4 to the main pipeline 3. This avoids the gas being directly discharged through the first throttle valve 2, which would cause the gas source 1 to continuously supply gas to the main pipeline 3 during the test, thus reducing the use of the gas source 1 and saving test costs. Compared with a device that sets up a single pipeline to test the hydrogen circulation pump 5, its operating cost is lower. Furthermore, by setting up the circulation pipeline 4, when the pressure of the gas source 1 is insufficient to meet the testing requirements, the gas flowing out of the outlet of the hydrogen circulation testing device is introduced into the circulation pipeline 4 through the pressure difference formed between the gas from the hydrogen circulation pump 5 and the gas flowing out of the gas source 1. The circulation pipeline 4 then further directs the introduced gas to the main pipeline 3 and the hydrogen circulation pump 5, thereby compensating for the situation where the hydrogen circulation pump 5 cannot be tested due to insufficient pressure in the gas source 1, and improving the application range and adaptability of the hydrogen circulation testing device. This embodiment improves the pipeline for the gas entering and exiting the hydrogen circulation pump 5; the rest adopts the existing testing methods and structures for the hydrogen circulation pump 5, which will not be described in detail here.

[0054] Furthermore, the pipeline also includes a valve body assembly, specifically a ball valve 6 and a first solenoid valve 7. The ball valve 6 is located on the main pipeline 3, between the inlet and the hydrogen circulation pump 5. The first solenoid valve 7 is located between the gas source 1 and the inlet of the main pipeline 3. When the first throttle valve 2 is closed, the ball valve 6 closes accordingly, and the first solenoid valve 7 opens. Both the ball valve 6 and the first solenoid valve 7 are existing structures. By closing the first throttle valve 2, gas can enter the circulation pipeline 4 from the main pipeline 3. By closing the ball valve 6 and opening the first solenoid valve 7, a certain pressure difference is maintained between the gas pressure before the inlet and the gas pressure after the outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5. This allows the gas in the circulation pipeline 4 to be introduced into the main pipeline 3 instead of remaining in the circulation pipeline 4, thus avoiding the situation where insufficient pressure in the gas source 1 prevents testing from being conducted.

[0055] In other embodiments, the hydrogen circulation test device, including the main pipeline 3 and the circulation pipeline 4, can also be used to test the hydrogen circulation pump 5 separately through the main pipeline 3. Specifically, when the inlet pressure is greater than the outlet pressure, the ball valve 6 is opened and the first solenoid valve 7 is closed. At this time, because the gas pressure before the inlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 and the gas pressure after the outlet are close, the gas flowing out of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 can be directly discharged through the first throttle valve 2 and cannot be pumped into the circulation pipeline 4 under pressure, thereby achieving the performance test of the hydrogen circulation pump 5. This clear circulation test device, which combines testing through the main pipeline 3 with testing through the circulation pipeline 4, can meet the testing needs of different gas sources 1 with different gas pressures, and can achieve the testing of the hydrogen circulation pump 5. Compared with the frequent replacement of gas source 1 for testing needs under different operating conditions, it has a higher cost performance and greater convenience.

[0056] In this embodiment, a muffler 35 is also provided on the main pipeline 3. The first throttle valve 2 is located between the muffler 35 and the hydrogen circulation pump 5. A decibel meter is provided inside the cabinet. The muffler 35 is provided to reduce the noise during the performance test of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, and the decibel meter is used for real-time monitoring. The decibel meter and the muffler 35 adopt the structure of the prior art, which will not be described in detail here.

[0057] In this embodiment, a first branch 31 and a second branch 32 are provided on the main pipeline 3. The second branch 32 and the first branch 31 are located between the ball valve 6 and the hydrogen circulation pump 5. The second branch 32 is connected in parallel with the first branch 31. A first flow meter 311 is provided on the first branch 31, and a second flow meter 321 is provided in the second branch 32. The test pressures of the first flow meter 311 and the second flow meter 321 are different to correspond to the gas source 1 under different pressures. The gas from the gas source 1 is allowed to flow into the first branch 31 or the second branch 32 through the valve body assembly.

[0058] Specifically, when the first solenoid valve 7 is opened, the gas flow rate entering the pipeline varies depending on the pressure of the gas source 1. When the gas flow rate released by the pressure of the gas source 1 matches the first flow meter 311 in the first branch 31, the second branch 32 is closed through the valve body assembly. When the gas flow rate released by the pressure of the gas source 1 matches the second flow meter 321 in the second branch 32, the first branch 31 is closed through the valve body assembly. This allows different branches to be selected according to the flow rate of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 when testing it using the hydrogen circulation testing device, thus accommodating tests of hydrogen circulation pumps 5 with different flow rates and improving its applicability. The first branch 31 and the second branch 32 are tested based on the different pressure differences formed when the gas source 1 supplies gas to the hydrogen circulation pump 5 at different pressures, thereby simulating pressure under different operating conditions. By setting the first flow meter 311 and the second flow meter 321 relatively independently, their mutual interference is avoided, which would affect the test results of the hydrogen circulation pump 5.

[0059] Of course, if the gas flow rate released by the pressure of gas source 1 is greater than that of the first flow meter 311 and the second flow meter 321, the first branch 31 and the second branch 32 can be opened simultaneously. By opening the first branch 31 and the second branch 32 simultaneously and conducting the test, the hydrogen circulation test device can also test the hydrogen circulation pump 5 when the pressure of gas source 1 is high, avoiding the situation where the test cannot be conducted due to the inability to replace gas source 1, and reducing the test cost for the test user.

[0060] The valve body assembly also includes a second solenoid valve 8 and a third solenoid valve 9. The second solenoid valve 8 is disposed on the first branch 31, and the third solenoid valve 9 is disposed on the second branch 32. By disposing of the second solenoid valve 8 and the third solenoid valve 9 on the relatively independent first branch 31 and the second branch 32 respectively, the first branch 31 and the second branch 32 can be opened individually or together.

[0061] In this embodiment, the main pipeline 3 also includes a third branch 33 and a fourth branch 34, which are located between the hydrogen circulation pump 5 and the first throttle valve 2. A second throttle valve 331 is provided on the third branch 33, and a third throttle valve 341 is provided on the fourth branch 34.

[0062] Specifically, the third branch 33 and the fourth branch 34 are connected in parallel. The second throttle valve 331 and the third throttle valve 341, along with the first throttle valve 2, both adopt the throttle valve structure in the prior art. The second throttle valve 331 and the third throttle valve 341 correspond to different flow rates. That is to say, the third branch 33 corresponds to the first branch 31, and the fourth branch 34 corresponds to the second branch 32. Thus, they enter different branches under different flow conditions, so that the gas can be smoothly discharged and the performance test of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 can be achieved.

[0063] In this embodiment, the valve body assembly further includes a proportional valve 10, which is disposed on the main pipeline 3 and located between the first solenoid valve 7 and the gas source 1. The proportional valve 10 is a proportional valve of the prior art, which will not be described in detail here. By setting the proportional valve 10, the pressure difference between the gas entering the pipeline and the gas discharged from the hydrogen circulation pump 5 is automatically adjusted, so as to avoid the pressure difference being too large and affecting the testing of the hydrogen circulation pump 5.

[0064] Furthermore, multiple proportional valves 10 are provided, and the multiple proportional valves 10 are connected in parallel with each other.

[0065] Specifically, multiple branches are set between the first solenoid valve 7 and the gas source 1, and these branches are connected in parallel. Each branch is equipped with a proportional valve 10. This allows multiple proportional valves 10 to be connected in parallel. Compared to the method of adjusting the pressure difference between the gas entering the pipeline and the gas flowing out of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 by a single proportional valve 10, the range of pressure difference that multiple proportional valves 10 can adjust is correspondingly increased. This allows for effective adjustment of the pressure difference when a single proportional valve 10 cannot meet the adjustment requirements, ensuring the smooth progress of the test.

[0066] In this embodiment, the hydrogen circulation testing device further includes a temperature rise testing unit. This unit comprises multiple temperature sensors 100, which are respectively located at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 to test the temperature of the gas or fluid flowing into and out of the pump, simulating the temperature rise of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 under operating conditions. Of course, the temperature rise testing of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 also includes other structures, such as an intercooler, a replenishment tank, a radiator, a water pump, a heater, and a liquid flow meter; these are existing technologies and will not be elaborated upon here. By setting up the temperature rise testing unit, the hydrogen circulation testing device can perform temperature rise testing on the hydrogen circulation pump 5 in addition to performance testing, facilitating centralized testing of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 by the testing user and reducing the preparation time required for testing.

[0067] It is understood that the hydrogen circulation pump 5 includes both air-cooled and water-cooled types. The water-cooled hydrogen circulation pump 5 can be tested according to the structure in this embodiment. When testing the air-cooled hydrogen circulation pump, the water circuit can be connected by using a straight connector in the prior art instead of the water channel of the hydrogen circulation pump 5.

[0068] In this embodiment, the hydrogen circulation testing device further includes a flow resistance testing unit, which includes multiple pressure sensors 200, respectively located at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5. The flow resistance of the gas or fluid flowing into and out of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 is tested to simulate the flow resistance of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 under operating conditions. By including the flow resistance testing unit, the hydrogen circulation testing device can perform flow resistance testing on the hydrogen circulation pump 5 in addition to performance testing, facilitating centralized testing by users and reducing preparation time.

[0069] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydrogen circulation testing device, comprising a pipeline, one end of which is connected to a gas source, and the other end of which is connected to a first throttle valve, characterized in that, The pipeline includes: The main pipeline is equipped with a hydrogen circulation pump, and the first throttle valve is located at the outlet of the main pipeline. The circulation pipeline has one end connected to the outlet of the main pipeline and located between the hydrogen circulation pump and the first throttle valve, and the other end connected to the inlet of the main pipeline. When the pressure at the outlet is greater than the pressure at the inlet, the first throttle valve closes. The pipeline also includes a valve body assembly, which includes a ball valve and a first solenoid valve. The ball valve is located on the main pipeline between the inlet and the hydrogen circulation pump, and the first solenoid valve is located between the gas source and the inlet of the main pipeline. When the first throttle valve closes, the ball valve closes accordingly, and the first solenoid valve opens. When the pressure at the inlet is greater than the pressure at the outlet, the ball valve opens and the first solenoid valve closes.

2. The hydrogen circulation testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main pipeline is provided with a first branch and a second branch. The second branch and the first branch are located between the ball valve and the hydrogen circulation pump. The second branch is connected in parallel with the first branch. The first branch is provided with a first flow meter, and the second branch is provided with a second flow meter. For gas sources under different pressures, the gas from the gas source flows into the first branch or the second branch through the valve body assembly.

3. The hydrogen circulation testing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The valve body assembly further includes a second solenoid valve and a third solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve being disposed on the first branch and the third solenoid valve being disposed on the second branch.

4. The hydrogen circulation testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main pipeline also includes a third branch and a fourth branch, which are located between the hydrogen circulation pump and the first throttle valve. A second throttle valve is provided on the third branch, and a third throttle valve is provided on the fourth branch.

5. The hydrogen circulation testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body assembly also includes a proportional valve, which is disposed on the main pipeline and located between the first solenoid valve and the gas source.

6. The hydrogen circulation testing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The proportional valve is provided in multiple ways and the multiple proportional valves are connected in parallel with each other.

7. The hydrogen circulation testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen circulation testing device also includes a temperature rise testing unit, which includes multiple temperature sensors, respectively located at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump.

8. The hydrogen circulation testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen circulation testing device also includes a flow resistance testing unit, which includes multiple pressure sensors, respectively located at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump.

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