Hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low pressure simulation test system and its drainage module and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a low-pressure exhaust simulation test system for hydrogen fuel cells, its drainage module, and drainage method. The low-pressure exhaust simulation test system for hydrogen fuel cells includes: an exhaust module with a pressure buffer tank, and a drainage module connected to the exhaust module; the pressure buffer tank is connected to the exhaust outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell; the drainage module has a first switching valve, a water storage tank, and a drainage valve sequentially connected to the pressure buffer tank via pipes; the drainage module also has a level gauge for detecting the liquid level in the water storage tank, and a second switching valve for connecting or closing the water storage tank to the outside environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of environmental testing of hydrogen fuel cell exhaust emissions, and particularly to a low-pressure simulation test system for hydrogen fuel cell exhaust, its drainage module, and drainage method. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cells designed for operation in plains areas exhibit performance degradation when operating in low-pressure environments at high altitudes. This degradation manifests in decreased performance in areas such as power, economy, start-up performance, thermal balance, reliability, durability, and emissions. The higher the altitude, the more significant the degradation, leading to a substantial reduction in the low-pressure mobility and operational capabilities of powered equipment. High-altitude environment simulation testing is a crucial method for assessing the adaptability of hydrogen fuel cells to high-altitude environments and identifying design flaws. While hydrogen fuel cell exhaust also produces liquid water, existing high-altitude environment simulation testing systems cannot reliably manage this drainage.

[0003] Existing patents involve directly introducing liquid water into a pressure buffer tank before expelling it through an exhaust fan. In this system, liquid water accumulates in the pressure buffer tank, occupying its space and weakening its volumetric effect, thus reducing pressure stability. Furthermore, when liquid water enters the exhaust fan, it can damage the fan, causing pressure fluctuations. Prolonged exposure to liquid water can lead to performance degradation or even damage to the exhaust fan. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a low-pressure exhaust simulation test system for hydrogen fuel cells, as well as its drainage module and drainage method, so that the system can drain water stably and maintain stable performance over a long period of time.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a low-pressure exhaust simulation test system for hydrogen fuel cells, comprising: an exhaust module having a pressure buffer tank, and a drainage module connected to the exhaust module; the pressure buffer tank is used to connect to the exhaust gas outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0006] The drainage module has a first switching valve, a water storage tank, and a drain valve that are sequentially connected to the pressure buffer tank via pipes; the drainage module also has a level gauge for detecting the liquid level in the water storage tank, and a second switching valve for connecting or closing the water storage tank to the outside.

[0007] Compared to existing technologies, this invention discharges liquid water generated by the hydrogen fuel cell into a pressure buffer tank. A first switching valve is opened to allow the liquid water in the pressure buffer tank to drain into a storage tank. A level gauge is used to monitor the liquid level in the storage tank. When the liquid level reaches a preset level, the first switching valve is closed, and a second switching valve is opened to connect the storage tank to the outside environment, changing the pressure inside the storage tank. Simultaneously, a drain valve is opened to allow the liquid water in the storage tank to drain. When the liquid level is lower than the preset level, the second switching valve and the drain valve are closed, and the first switching valve is opened to continue receiving liquid water from the pressure buffer tank. This allows the system to stably discharge water generated by the hydrogen fuel cell under simulated low-pressure conditions without affecting the exhaust module, ensuring stable and long-lasting system performance.

[0008] In one embodiment, the hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low-pressure simulation test control system further includes: a control module, which is electrically connected to the first switching valve, the drain valve, and the second switching valve;

[0009] When the level gauge detects that the liquid level in the water storage tank has reached the preset level, the control module controls the first switch valve to close and then controls the drain valve and the second switch valve to open; when the level gauge detects that the liquid level in the water storage tank is lower than the preset level, the control module controls the drain valve and the second switch valve to close and then controls the first switch valve to open.

[0010] In one embodiment, the drainage module further includes: a water pump connected to the drainage valve; the water pump being electrically connected to the control module; and the control module being used to control the water pump to start after controlling the drainage valve to open.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water pump and the drain valve of the water storage tank are located downstream of the water storage tank.

[0012] In one embodiment, the connecting pipe between the second switching valve and the water storage tank is higher than the highest liquid level of the water storage tank.

[0013] In one embodiment, there are two first switching valves connected in parallel between the pressure buffer tank and the water storage tank.

[0014] In one embodiment, the water storage tank is connected downstream of the pressure buffer tank.

[0015] In one embodiment, the exhaust module has a proportional valve and an exhaust fan connected to the pressure buffer tank via a pipe; the exhaust module also has a pressure gauge for detecting the pressure inside the pressure buffer tank.

[0016] The hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low-pressure simulation test system further includes: a control module, which is electrically connected to the pressure gauge, the exhaust fan, and the proportional valve;

[0017] When the pressure gauge detects that the pressure in the pressure buffer tank is greater than the preset pressure, the control module controls the proportional valve to decrease its opening; when the pressure gauge detects that the pressure in the pressure buffer tank is less than the preset pressure, the control module controls the proportional valve to increase its opening; the preset pressure is less than the pressure at the exhaust port of the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0018] The present invention also provides a drainage method for a hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low-pressure simulation test system, used in the aforementioned hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low-pressure simulation test system, the drainage method comprising:

[0019] Obtain the liquid level in the water storage tank detected by the level gauge;

[0020] Determine whether the detected liquid level has reached the preset liquid level;

[0021] If the target is reached, close the first switch valve and open the drain valve and the second switch valve to allow the water storage tank to communicate with the outside world;

[0022] If the target is not reached, close the drain valve and the second switch valve, then open the first switch valve.

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention also provide a drainage module for a low-pressure exhaust simulation test system for hydrogen fuel cells. The low-pressure exhaust simulation test system for hydrogen fuel cells includes an exhaust module with a pressure buffer tank, the pressure buffer tank being used to connect to the exhaust outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0024] The drainage module has a first switching valve, a water storage tank, and a drain valve that are sequentially connected to the pressure buffer tank via pipes; the drainage module also has a level gauge for detecting the liquid level in the water storage tank, and a second switching valve for connecting or closing the water storage tank to the outside. Attached Figure Description

[0025] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a low-pressure exhaust simulation test system for a hydrogen fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a circuit block diagram of a low-pressure exhaust simulation test system for hydrogen fuel cells according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3This is a flowchart of a drainage method for a low-pressure simulation test system for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Reference numerals: 100, Hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low-pressure simulation test system; 101, Exhaust module; 102, Drainage module; 1, First switching valve; 2, Water storage tank; 3, Drain valve; 4, Level gauge; 5, Second switching valve; 6, Water pump; 7, Floor drain; 8, Pressure buffer tank; 9, Proportional valve; 10, Exhaust fan; 11, Pressure gauge; 13, Hydrogen fuel cell. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been presented in the various embodiments of the present invention to enable the reader to better understand this application. However, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0031] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth for the purpose of illustrating various disclosed embodiments in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known apparatuses, structures, and techniques associated with this application may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0032] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the word “comprising” and its variations, such as “including” and “having”, shall be understood to have an open, inclusive meaning, that is, to be interpreted as “including, but not limited to”.

[0033] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide a clearer understanding of the purpose, features, and advantages of the present invention. It should be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative of the essential spirit of the technical solution of the present invention.

[0034] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of "in an embodiment" or "an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any manner in one or more embodiments.

[0035] The singular forms “a” and “the” used in this specification and the appended claims include plural references unless otherwise expressly stated herein. It should be noted that the term “or” is generally used to mean “and / or” unless otherwise expressly stated herein.

[0036] In the following description, in order to clearly demonstrate the structure and working method of the present invention, a number of directional terms will be used. However, terms such as "front", "back", "left", "right", "outside", "inside", "outward", "inward", "up", and "down" should be understood as convenient terms and not as limiting terms.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] The first embodiment of the present invention relates to a low-pressure exhaust simulation test system 100 for hydrogen fuel cells. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low-pressure simulation test system 100 includes: an exhaust module 101 with a pressure buffer tank 8, and a drainage module 102 connected to the exhaust module 101. The pressure buffer tank 8 is used to connect to the exhaust gas outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell 13. The drainage module 102 has a first switching valve 1, a water storage tank 2, and a drain valve 3 sequentially connected to the pressure buffer tank 8 via pipes. The drainage module 102 also has a level gauge 4 for detecting the liquid level in the water storage tank 2, and a second switching valve 5 for connecting or closing the water storage tank 2 to the outside environment.

[0039] In existing low-pressure simulation testing systems, liquid water generated by the hydrogen fuel cell 13 is directly fed into the pressure buffer tank 8 and then discharged through the exhaust fan 10. When liquid water enters the exhaust fan 10, it can damage the fan, causing pressure fluctuations. Prolonged exposure to the liquid water can lead to performance degradation or even damage to the exhaust fan 10. Furthermore, the existing system, where liquid water directly enters the pressure buffer tank 8 and is then discharged through the exhaust fan 10, causes liquid water to accumulate in the tank, occupying space and weakening its volumetric effect, thus reducing pressure stability. In this embodiment, however, the liquid water generated by the hydrogen fuel cell 13 is discharged into the pressure buffer tank 8 by opening the first valve 1, allowing the liquid water in the pressure buffer tank 8 to flow into the water storage tank 2. This releases space in the pressure buffer tank 8 and reduces the impact of liquid water on the volumetric effect. In addition, the liquid level gauge 4 is used to detect the liquid level in the water storage tank 2. When the liquid level reaches the preset level, the first switch valve 1 can be closed and the second switch valve 5 can be opened to connect the outside to the storage tank, changing the pressure inside the storage tank. At the same time, the drain valve 3 is opened, connecting the storage tank to the outside atmosphere, allowing the liquid water in the storage tank to be discharged. When the liquid level is lower than the preset level, the second switch valve 5 and the drain valve 3 can be closed and the first switch valve 1 can be opened to continue receiving liquid water from the pressure buffer tank 8. This allows the system to stably discharge the water produced by the hydrogen fuel cell 13 under simulated low-pressure exhaust environment without affecting the exhaust module 101, ensuring stable and long-lasting performance of the system.

[0040] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the water storage tank 2 is connected downstream of the pressure buffer tank 8, so that liquid water flows into the water storage tank 2 by gravity.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the connecting pipe between the second switch valve 5 and the water storage tank 2 is higher than the highest liquid level of the water storage tank 2. When the second switch valve 5 is opened, the water storage tank 2 is connected to the outside atmosphere, changing the pressure inside the water storage tank 2. The water inside the water storage tank 2 can be discharged through the drain valve 3 after the drain valve 3 is opened.

[0042] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the low-pressure exhaust simulation test control system for the hydrogen fuel cell 13 also includes a control module, which is electrically connected to the first switching valve 1, the drain valve 3, and the second switching valve 5. The first switching valve 1, the drain valve 3, and the second switching valve 5 can be electronic valves. The control module can acquire the liquid level information detected by the level gauge 4. When the level gauge 4 detects that the liquid level in the water tank 2 has reached a preset level, the control module controls the first switching valve 1 to close and then controls the drain valve 3 and the second switching valve 5 to open. When the level gauge 4 detects that the liquid level in the water tank 2 is lower than the preset level, it controls the drain valve 3 and the second switching valve 5 to close, and then controls the first switching valve 1 to open. According to the actual situation during the test, the first switching valve 1, the drain valve 3, and the second switching valve 5 are opened or closed in real time. In other embodiments, the first switching valve 1, the drain valve 3, and the second switching valve 5 can be manually controlled according to the liquid level detected by the level gauge 4.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, there are two first switching valves 1, connected in parallel between the pressure buffer tank 8 and the water storage tank 2. Specifically, one first switching valve 1 is connected to the bottom of the pressure buffer tank 8, and the other first switching valve 1 is connected to the side wall of the pressure buffer tank 8. The first switching valve 1 can be an electronic valve. In other embodiments, it can also be a manual valve.

[0044] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the drainage module 102 also includes a water pump 6 connected to the drain valve 3, and the water pump 6 is electrically connected to the control module. The control module is used to control the water pump 6 to start after the drain valve 3 is opened. In actual use, the water pump 6 can be controlled to start or stop according to the actual situation.

[0045] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the drain outlet of the water pump 6 is used to connect to the floor drain 7 through a pipe.

[0046] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the water pump 6 and drain valve 3 of the water storage tank 2 are located downstream of the water storage tank 2. When the water in the water storage tank 2 needs to be discharged, the second switch valve 5 is opened, and the water storage tank 2 is connected to the outside atmosphere. The water in the water storage tank 2 can be discharged by gravity, or it can be discharged under the power of the water pump 6 depending on the actual situation.

[0047] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the exhaust module 101 has a proportional valve 9 and an exhaust fan 10 connected to the pressure buffer tank 8 via a pipe; the exhaust module 101 also has a pressure gauge 11 for detecting the pressure inside the pressure buffer tank 8, which can be a pressure sensor. The control module is electrically connected to the pressure gauge 11, the exhaust fan 10, and the proportional valve 9. When the pressure gauge 11 detects that the pressure in the pressure buffer tank 8 is greater than the preset pressure, the control module controls the proportional valve 9 to decrease its opening; when the pressure gauge 11 detects that the pressure in the pressure buffer tank 8 is less than the preset pressure, the control module controls the proportional valve 9 to increase its opening; the preset pressure is less than the pressure at the exhaust port of the hydrogen fuel cell 13. That is to say, it is necessary to control the pressure inside the pressure buffer tank 8 to remain at a preset low pressure. Now, the exhaust fan 10 is turned on to the calibrated frequency, and the pressure inside the pressure buffer tank 8 can be adjusted in real time through the proportional valve 9 and the pressure gauge 11 to keep the pressure inside the pressure buffer tank 8 stable, that is, the low-pressure environment of the system is stable.

[0048] A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a drainage method for a low-pressure exhaust simulation test system 100 for hydrogen fuel cells. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, this drainage method is used in the hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low-pressure simulation test system 100 in the above embodiment. The drainage method includes:

[0049] Step 210: Obtain the liquid level in the water storage tank 2 as detected by the level gauge 4;

[0050] Step 220: Determine whether the detected liquid level has reached the preset liquid level;

[0051] If the desired result is reached, in step 230, first close the first switch valve 1, then open the drain valve 3 and the second switch valve 5 to connect the water storage tank 2 with the outside world; specifically, the water pump 6 can also be turned on at the same time as the drain valve 3 and the second switch valve 5 are turned on.

[0052] If the target is not reached, proceed to step 240: first close the drain valve 3 and the second switch valve 5, then open the first switch valve 1.

[0053] The features are as described above in the first embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0054] It is not difficult to see that this embodiment is a system embodiment corresponding to the first embodiment, and this embodiment can be implemented in conjunction with the first embodiment. The relevant technical details mentioned in the first embodiment are still valid in this embodiment, and will not be repeated here to reduce repetition. Accordingly, the relevant technical details mentioned in this embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment.

[0055] The third embodiment of the present invention relates to a drainage module 102 of a low-pressure exhaust simulation test system 100 for hydrogen fuel cells. For example... Figure 1As shown, the hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low-pressure simulation test system 100 includes an exhaust module 101 with a pressure buffer tank 8, which is connected to the exhaust port of the hydrogen fuel cell 13. The drainage module 102 has a first switching valve 1, a water storage tank 2, and a drain valve 3 sequentially connected to the pressure buffer tank 8 via pipes. The drainage module 102 also has a level gauge 4 for detecting the liquid level in the water storage tank 2, and a second switching valve 5 for connecting or closing the water storage tank 2 to the outside environment. This drainage module 102 is the drainage module 102 in the first embodiment and will not be described in detail here.

[0056] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but it should be understood that, if necessary, aspects of the embodiments can be modified to utilize aspects, features, and concepts from various patents, applications, and publications to provide other embodiments.

[0057] In light of the detailed description above, these and other changes can be made to the embodiments. Generally, the terminology used in the claims should not be considered limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be understood to include all possible embodiments together with the full scope of equivalents enjoyed by these claims.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific embodiments for implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low pressure simulation test system, characterized by, include: An exhaust module with a pressure buffer tank and a drainage module connected to the exhaust module; the pressure buffer tank is used to connect to the exhaust port of the hydrogen fuel cell. The drainage module has a first switching valve, a water storage tank, and a drain valve that are sequentially connected to the pressure buffer tank via pipelines; the drainage module also has a level gauge for detecting the liquid level in the water storage tank, and a second switching valve for connecting or closing the water storage tank to the outside. The hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low-pressure simulation test control system further includes: a control module, which is electrically connected to the first switching valve, the drain valve, and the second switching valve; When the level gauge detects that the liquid level in the water storage tank has reached the preset level, the control module controls the first switch valve to close and then controls the drain valve and the second switch valve to open; when the level gauge detects that the liquid level in the water storage tank is lower than the preset level, the control module controls the drain valve and the second switch valve to close and then controls the first switch valve to open. There are two first switching valves, which are connected in parallel between the pressure buffer tank and the water storage tank; one first switching valve is connected to the bottom of the pressure buffer tank, and the other first switching valve is connected to the side wall of the pressure buffer tank. The water storage tank is connected downstream of the pressure buffer tank, and the liquid water in the pressure buffer tank flows into the water storage tank by gravity. The exhaust module has a proportional valve and an exhaust fan connected to the pressure buffer tank via a pipe; the exhaust module also has a pressure gauge for detecting the pressure inside the pressure buffer tank. The hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low-pressure simulation test system further includes: a control module, which is electrically connected to the pressure gauge, the exhaust fan, and the proportional valve; When the pressure gauge detects that the pressure in the pressure buffer tank is greater than the preset pressure, the control module controls the proportional valve to decrease its opening; when the pressure gauge detects that the pressure in the pressure buffer tank is less than the preset pressure, the control module controls the proportional valve to increase its opening; the preset pressure is less than the pressure at the exhaust port of the hydrogen fuel cell.

2. The hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low-pressure simulation test system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage module also includes: a water pump connected to the drainage valve; the water pump is electrically connected to the control module; the control module is used to control the water pump to start after controlling the drainage valve to open.

3. The hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low pressure analog test system of claim 2, wherein, The water pump and the drain valve of the water storage tank are located downstream of the water storage tank.

4. The hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low pressure analog test system of claim 2, wherein, The connecting pipe between the second switch valve and the water storage tank is higher than the highest liquid level of the water storage tank.

5. A drain method of a hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low pressure simulation test system, characterized by, The drainage method for the hydrogen fuel cell exhaust low-pressure simulation test system according to any one of claims 1-4 includes: Obtain the liquid level in the water storage tank detected by the level gauge; Determine whether the detected liquid level has reached the preset liquid level; If the target is reached, after closing the first switch valve, open the drain valve and the second switch valve to allow the water storage tank to communicate with the outside. If the target is not reached, close the drain valve and the second switch valve, then open the first switch valve.

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