Proton exchange membrane fuel cell wide temperature range control system and control method

Abstract

The invention discloses a wide temperature range control system and control method for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and relates to the technical field of fuel cells, when the wide temperature range control system for the proton exchange membrane fuel cell is used, required preset values of airflow in an air path and temperature, humidity, pressure and flow of the airflow can be allocated according to requirements; dual temperature control is performed on the fuel cell through the oil bath circulating device and the transparent environment box so as to increase the control response speed of the temperature, and under the allocation of the control terminal, rapid and stable temperature control can be realized in a preset temperature range of the reaction device, so that the fuel cell stably operates at any temperature from room temperature to the preset temperature. The transparent environment box is matched with the visual window of the fuel cell, distribution and transmission of liquid water from the room temperature to the preset temperature range can be observed, the temperature of the fuel cell can be controlled at any temperature in the temperature range, and therefore the two-phase flow dynamic mechanism and the water management technology in the wide temperature range can be studied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to a wide temperature range control system and control method for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Background Art

[0002] As the demand for clean energy accelerates, proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology that uses hydrogen as an energy source is developing rapidly. However, some problems need to be solved before fuel cells can be more widely used. Among them, water thermal management is an issue that has been focused on in the research of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Temperature is an important factor in water management and has a great impact on the distribution and transmission of liquid water. Under the same boundary conditions, lower temperatures are more likely to cause liquid water to accumulate in the flow channel and cause flow field blockage, which will affect mass transfer and lead to decreased fuel cell performance. In addition, with the increasing demand for high-power fuel cell stack application scenarios, the structure of the water thermal management system has become more complex.

[0003] Increasing the operating temperature can avoid liquid water blockage and simplify the thermal management system, while also reducing carbon monoxide poisoning in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, in order to directly observe the actual two-phase flow dynamics after the temperature is increased, a corresponding optical visualization fuel cell system needs to be built. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application aims to solve one of the above technical problems in the prior art. To this end, an embodiment of the present application provides a wide temperature range control system for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

[0005] The embodiment of the present application also provides a control method for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell wide temperature range control system.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, a wide temperature range control system for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is provided, comprising a reaction device, a transparent environmental box and a fuel cell arranged in the transparent environmental box, wherein visualization windows are arranged at positions corresponding to the anode and cathode of the fuel cell, and the temperature in the transparent environmental box is adjustable; an air circuit for supplying an air flow with rated pressure, flow, temperature and humidity to the cathode of the fuel cell; a hydrogen circuit for supplying a hydrogen flow with rated pressure, flow, temperature and humidity to the cathode of the fuel cell; an oil bath circulation device for adjusting the temperature of the fuel cell; an image processing module for photographing two-phase flow information of the cathode and anode of the fuel cell; a control terminal, wherein the control terminal is capable of regulating the temperature of the fuel cell and the pressure, flow, temperature and humidity of the airflow in the air circuit, and the rate at which the control terminal collects the pressure, humidity, temperature and pressure drop data of the fuel cell with time series is consistent with the rate at which the image processing module captures the two-phase flow distribution with time series and transmits images.

[0007] The above-mentioned wide temperature range control system of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell has at least the following beneficial effects: when in use, the temperature, humidity, pressure and flow rate of the air flow and hydrogen flow in the gas path can be adjusted to the required preset values ​​according to the needs, so as to test the reaction of the fuel cell under different conditions in the future; the temperature of the fuel cell is controlled by the oil bath circulation device, and the temperature control response speed can be improved by the dual temperature control of the fuel cell by the oil bath circulation device and the transparent environmental box, and then under the deployment of the control terminal, the temperature control of the reaction device can be achieved quickly and stably within the preset temperature range, so that the fuel cell can operate stably at any temperature from room temperature to the preset temperature. The transparent environmental box cooperates with the visualization window set at the position of the anode and cathode of the fuel cell, so that the distribution and transmission of liquid water within the range from room temperature to the preset temperature can be observed, and the temperature of the fuel cell can be controlled within any temperature within the temperature range. By comparing the rate at which the control terminal collects the pressure, humidity, temperature and pressure drop data of the fuel cell with the time series with the two-phase flow distribution and transmission image captured by the image processing module with the time series, it is possible to study the dynamic mechanism of two-phase flow and water management technology within a wide temperature range, especially the formation and transmission process of liquid water in the temperature range of water boiling point and above.

[0008] According to the wide temperature range control system of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell described in the embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, the oil bath circulation device includes a constant temperature oil bath pot, a first circulation oil circuit, and a second circulation oil circuit. The circulating medium of the constant temperature oil bath pot is glycerol. The constant temperature oil bath pot adjusts the temperature of the cathode of the fuel cell through the first circulation oil circuit, and the constant temperature oil bath pot adjusts the temperature of the anode of the fuel cell through the second circulation oil circuit.

[0009] According to the wide temperature range control system of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell described in the embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, the oil bath circulation device also includes a cooling oil circuit, and the return oil ends of the first circulation oil circuit and the second circulation oil circuit are both connected in parallel with the cooling oil circuit, and the cooling oil circuit is used to cool the circulating medium.

[0010] According to the wide temperature range control system of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell described in the embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, air inlets and outlets are respectively provided on both sides of the transparent environmental box, and a box temperature sensor, a fan and a box heater for temperature control are provided inside the transparent environmental box.

[0011] According to the wide temperature range control system of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell described in the embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, the transparent parts of the anode and cathode of the fuel cell are made of quartz glass, the anode and cathode of the fuel cell are processed by hollow aluminum plates to form a hollow flow field, and a hollow part is formed between the two ends of the anode and cathode of the fuel cell, and the hollow part is connected to the oil bath circulation device.

[0012] According to the wide temperature range control system of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell described in the embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, the part of the air path connected to the inlet end of the cathode of the fuel cell is provided with a first regulating device, and the first regulating device includes an air filter, an air compressor, an air mass flow controller, an air heating device and a cathode spray humidifier arranged in sequence.

[0013] According to the wide temperature range control system of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell described in the embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, a first recovery device is arranged at the part of the air path connected to the outflow end of the cathode of the fuel cell, and the first recovery device includes a once-connected air path back pressure valve, an air path cooler and a steam-water separator.

[0014] According to the wide temperature range control system of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell described in the embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, the hydrogen gas circuit includes a high-pressure hydrogen tank, a pressure reducing valve, a hydrogen mass flow controller, a hydrogen heating device, an anode spray humidifier, a hydrogen circuit back pressure valve and a hydrogen circulation pump.

[0015] According to the wide temperature range control system of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell described in the embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, the image processing module includes a cathode high-speed camera, an anode high-speed camera, a cathode fill light and an anode fill light. The cathode high-speed camera and the anode high-speed camera respectively shoot the two-phase flow information of the cathode and anode of the fuel cell, and the cathode fill light and the anode fill light provide clear background lighting conditions for image recording.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present application, a control method for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell wide temperature range control system is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0017] Acquiring temperature data of the fuel cell and temperature data in the transparent environmental box, the control terminal adjusting the temperature of the fuel cell to a preset temperature through the oil bath circulation device, and adjusting the temperature in the transparent environmental box to the preset temperature at the same time;

[0018] Adjust the heating temperature in the air gas circuit and the heating temperature in the hydrogen gas circuit through the control terminal;

[0019] After the control terminal has adjusted the pressure, flow rate and humidity data of the air flow in the air path and the hydrogen path, the air path is connected to the fuel cell, and the temperature of the fuel cell and the transparent environmental box is controlled in real time to fluctuate within an error range;

[0020] The control terminal collects the pressure, humidity, temperature and pressure drop data of the fuel cell in time series, and the image processing module captures the two-phase flow distribution and transmission images in time series, and the acquisition rate of the control terminal is made consistent with the capture rate of the image processing module, so that each set of pressure, humidity, temperature and pressure drop data has an image to compare with it.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become apparent from the description below, or will be learned through the practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present application is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments;

[0023] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a wide temperature range optical visualization proton exchange membrane fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fuel cell in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a transparent environmental box in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cathode inner end plate of a fuel cell in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inner end plate of the anode of a fuel cell in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 6 It is a control flow chart of a control method for a wide temperature range optical visualization proton exchange membrane fuel cell system in an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure numerals: air filter 1; second circulating oil pump 2; first circulating oil pump 3; air compressor 4; air path valve 5; air mass flow controller 6; air heating device 7; cathode spray humidifier 8; air path high temperature resistant humidity sensor 9; hydrogen path high temperature resistant humidity sensor 10; anode spray humidifier 11; hydrogen heating device 12; hydrogen mass flow controller 13; pressure reducing valve 14; high pressure hydrogen tank 15; anode high speed camera 16; anode fill light 17; box heater 18; box temperature sensor 19; battery temperature sensor 20; transparent environmental box 21; fan 211; air inlet 212; air outlet 213; threaded hole 214; cathode fill light 22; cathode high Speed ​​camera 23; constant temperature oil bath 24; steam-water separator 25; air path cooler 26; air path back pressure valve 27; fuel cell 28; cathode hollow part 281; cathode outer end plate 282; cathode hollow aluminum plate 283; cathode inner end plate 284; cathode pressure drop measuring port 2841; cathode inlet 2842; cathode outlet 2843; anode inner end plate 285; anode pressure drop measuring port 2851; anode inlet 2852; anode outlet 2853; anode hollow aluminum plate 286; anode outer end plate 287; anode hollow part 289; hydrogen path back pressure valve 29; hydrogen circulation pump 30; electronic thermostat 31; oil path cooler 32; data acquisition card 33; host computer 34. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] This section will describe in detail the specific embodiments of the present application. The preferred embodiments of the present application are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the accompanying drawings is to supplement the description of the text part of the specification with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and the overall technical solution of the present application, but it cannot be understood as a limitation on the scope of protection of the present application.

[0031] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that descriptions involving orientation, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0032] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "more" means more than two, "greater than", "less than", "exceed", etc. are understood to exclude the number itself, and "above", "below", "within", etc. are understood to include the number itself. If there is a description of "first" or "second", it is only used for the purpose of distinguishing technical features, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0033] In the description of this application, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as setting, installing, connecting, etc. should be understood in a broad sense, and technicians in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 The embodiment of the present application provides a wide temperature range control system for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, which specifically includes a reaction device, an air gas circuit, a hydrogen gas circuit, an oil bath circulation device, an image processing module and a control terminal.

[0035] The reaction device includes a transparent environment box 21 and a fuel cell 28 disposed in the transparent environment box 21 . Visual windows are provided at positions of the fuel cell 28 corresponding to the anode and the cathode. The temperature in the transparent environment box 21 is adjustable.

[0036] The air circuit is used to supply an air flow with a rated pressure, flow rate, temperature and humidity to the cathode of the fuel cell 28 .

[0037] The hydrogen gas circuit is used to supply a hydrogen gas flow with a rated pressure, flow rate, temperature and humidity to the cathode of the fuel cell 28 .

[0038] When in use, the temperature, humidity, pressure and flow rate of the air flow in the air path and the hydrogen flow in the hydrogen path can be adjusted to the required preset values ​​according to demand, so as to subsequently test the reaction of the fuel cell 28 under different conditions.

[0039] The oil bath circulation device is used to adjust the temperature of the fuel cell 28. The temperature of the fuel cell 28 is controlled by the oil bath circulation device. The temperature control response speed of the fuel cell 28 can be improved by performing dual temperature control of the fuel cell 28 through the oil bath circulation device and the transparent environmental box 21. Then, under the deployment of the control terminal, fast and stable temperature control can be achieved within the preset temperature range of the reaction device, so that the fuel cell 28 can operate stably at any temperature from room temperature to the preset temperature.

[0040] The transparent environmental box 21 cooperates with the visualization windows set at the positions corresponding to the anode and cathode of the fuel cell 28, which can observe the distribution and transmission of liquid water in the temperature range from room temperature to a preset temperature, and can control the temperature of the fuel cell 28 to any temperature within the temperature range.

[0041] The image processing module is used to capture the two-phase flow information of the cathode and anode of the fuel cell 28 .

[0042] The control terminal is electrically connected to the reaction device, air circuit, hydrogen circuit, oil bath circulation device and image processing module, so that the collection of various data is gathered to the control terminal for processing. The control terminal can regulate the temperature of the fuel cell 28 and the pressure, flow, temperature and humidity of the airflow in the gas circuit. The rate at which the control terminal collects the pressure, humidity, temperature and pressure drop data of the fuel cell 28 with time series is consistent with the rate at which the image processing module captures the two-phase flow distribution with time series and transmits the image.

[0043] By comparing the rate at which the control terminal collects the time-series pressure, humidity, temperature, and pressure drop data of the fuel cell 28 with the time-series two-phase flow distribution and transmission images captured by the image processing module one by one, it is possible to study the dynamic mechanism of two-phase flow and water management technology within a wide temperature range, especially the formation and transmission process of liquid water in the temperature range of and above the boiling point of water.

[0044] Specifically, the power supply system and the electronic load are not shown in the figure. The power supply system is used to provide a power source for the system components, and the electronic load is used to provide different load operating conditions for the system.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the control terminal includes a data acquisition card 33 and a host computer 34.

[0046] In some embodiments, the image processing module includes a cathode high-speed camera 23, an anode high-speed camera 16, a cathode fill light 22, and an anode fill light 17. The cathode high-speed camera 23 and the anode high-speed camera 16 respectively shoot the two-phase flow information of the cathode and anode of the fuel cell 28, and transmit the data to the host computer 34 in real time. Before recording the image, the time and time resolution of the high-speed camera are adjusted to be consistent with the program of the host computer 34, so as to facilitate comparison with sensor information such as temperature, humidity, and pressure drop. The brightness and position of the cathode fill light 22 and the anode fill light 17 can be manually adjusted to provide clear background lighting conditions for image recording.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the portion of the air path connected to the inlet end of the cathode of the fuel cell 28 is provided with a first regulating device, which includes an air filter 1, an air compressor 4, an air path valve 5, an air mass flow controller 6, an air heating device 7 and a cathode spray humidifier 8 which are arranged in sequence. In order to measure the humidity of the air flow in the air path, the first regulating device also includes an air path high temperature resistant humidity sensor 9.

[0048] Furthermore, a first recovery device is provided at the outflow end of the air path connected to the cathode of the fuel cell 28 , and the first recovery device includes a once-connected air path back pressure valve 27 , an air path cooler 26 , and a steam-water separator 25 .

[0049] After being filtered by the air filter 1, the air is pressurized by the air compressor 4, and then enters the air mass flow controller 6 through the air path valve 5 for flow control, and then is heated and humidified by the air heating device 7 and the cathode spray humidifier 8 in sequence, and then is sent to the fuel cell 28 for chemical reaction. After the reaction, the remaining gas and the generated water are cooled by the air path cooler 26 after coming out of the fuel cell 28 and separated into two phases through the steam-water separator 25.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen circuit of this embodiment includes a high-pressure hydrogen tank 15, a pressure reducing valve 14, a hydrogen mass flow controller 13, a hydrogen heating device 12, an anode spray humidifier 11, a hydrogen circuit high temperature humidity sensor 10, a hydrogen circuit back pressure valve 29, and a hydrogen circulation pump 30. After being output from the high-pressure hydrogen tank 15, the hydrogen reaches the pressure reducing valve 14 for pressure reduction, then enters the hydrogen mass flow controller 13 for flow control, and then is heated and humidified by the hydrogen heating device 12 and the anode spray humidifier 11 in sequence, and then is sent to the anode flow field of the fuel cell 28 to react, and finally the unreacted hydrogen is recycled through the hydrogen circulation pump 30.

[0051] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the fuel cell 28 is placed in a transparent environmental box 21 with controllable temperature.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the oil bath circulation device includes a constant temperature oil bath pot 24, a first circulation oil circuit, and a second circulation oil circuit. The circulation medium of the constant temperature oil bath pot 24 is glycerol with a temperature of up to 120°C. The constant temperature oil bath pot 24 adjusts the temperature of the cathode of the fuel cell 28 through the first circulation oil circuit, and the constant temperature oil bath pot 24 adjusts the temperature of the anode of the fuel cell 28 through the second circulation oil circuit. A first circulation oil pump 3 is arranged in the first circulation oil circuit, and a second circulation oil pump 2 is arranged in the second circulation oil circuit.

[0053] Among them, the transparent parts of the anode and cathode of the fuel cell 28 are made of quartz glass, and the anode and cathode of the fuel cell are processed by hollow aluminum plates to form a hollow flow field. A hollow part is formed between the two ends of the anode and cathode of the fuel cell, and the hollow part is connected to the oil bath circulation device.

[0054] Specifically, four pieces of quartz glass are used as the cathode outer end plate 282, the cathode inner end plate 284, the anode outer end plate 287, and the anode inner end plate 285. Compared with the plastic material currently used in transparent fuel cells, quartz glass greatly reduces the deformation degree of the end plate at high temperature and avoids the leakage of liquid and gas.

[0055] The cathode inner end plate 284 and the anode inner end plate 285 are respectively provided with a plurality of cathode voltage drop measuring ports 2841 and anode voltage drop measuring ports 2851, which can be used to measure the voltage drop of a plurality of segments in the flow channel.

[0056] The cathode hollow aluminum plate 283 and the anode hollow aluminum plate 286 are used to form the cathode hollow part 281 and the anode hollow part 289 respectively. Glycerin circulates through the two hollow parts to adjust the temperature of the fuel cell 28. The cathode hollow aluminum plate 283 is provided with a temperature measuring hole, in which a battery temperature sensor 20 is installed. The battery temperature sensor 20 transmits the signal to the data acquisition card 33 for signal conversion and then transmits it to the host computer 34.

[0057] After the glycerin in the constant temperature oil bath pot 24 is heated to the target temperature, it is respectively sent to the cathode hollow aluminum plate 283 and the anode hollow aluminum plate 286 of the fuel cell 28 through the first circulating oil pump 3 and the second circulating oil pump 2, and then enters the constant temperature oil bath pot 24 again to realize oil bath circulation after coming out of the hollow aluminum plate. The rotation speed of the first circulating oil pump 3 and the second circulating oil pump 2 can be adjusted by the host computer program to control the circulation speed of the oil, and the temperature of the constant temperature oil bath pot 24 is also controlled by the program in the host computer 34.

[0058] In addition, the oil bath circulation device also includes a cooling oil circuit, and the return oil ends of the first circulation oil circuit and the second circulation oil circuit are both connected in parallel with cooling oil circuits, and the cooling oil circuits are used to cool the circulating medium. The cooling oil circuit includes an oil circuit cooler 32 and an electronic thermostat 31. When the electronic thermostat 31 is closed, the passage to the oil circuit cooler 32 is closed, and the glycerol directly returns to the constant temperature oil bath pot 24 after coming out of the cathode and anode of the fuel cell 28. When the electronic thermostat 31 is opened, the glycerol is transmitted to the oil circuit cooler 32 after coming out of the cathode and anode to achieve cooling, and then returns to the constant temperature oil bath pot 24.

[0059] An air inlet 212 and an air outlet 213 are respectively provided on both sides of the transparent environment box 21 .

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the transparent environmental box 21 is made of a high temperature resistant transparent glass plate, wherein two surfaces are provided with threaded holes 214 of various apertures, air inlet holes 212, and air outlet holes 213. The threaded holes 214 are used to connect the air path, hydrogen path, constant temperature oil bath device, sensor circuit and fuel cell 28. The design of the threaded holes 214 is conducive to improving the sealing of the transparent environmental box 21 and reducing heat loss.

[0061] Furthermore, the transparent environment box 21 is provided with a box heater 18, a box temperature sensor 19, and a fan 211 for temperature control. The ambient temperature in the transparent environment box 21 can be controlled to any temperature within 120°C and kept constant through the control program of the host computer 34. On the one hand, the fan 211 can promote the gas flow in the box to improve the uniformity of the temperature distribution in the box. On the other hand, when cooling is required, the high-temperature gas can be quickly discharged from the air outlet 213 through the fan 211, so that the ambient temperature in the box can be quickly reduced. The air inlet 212 and the air outlet 213 are in a normally closed state and are only opened when rapid cooling is required.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, on the one hand, the data acquisition card 33 collects the air flow temperature, humidity, pressure, and pressure drop information in the gas path, and transmits this information to the host computer 34; on the other hand, the data acquisition card 33 also receives the control signal from the host computer 34 and transmits it to the air mass flow controller 6, the hydrogen mass flow controller 13, the cathode spray humidifier 8, the anode spray humidifier 11, the box heater 18, the fan 211, the constant temperature oil bath pot 24, the first circulating oil pump 3, and the second circulating oil pump 2, thereby controlling the flow, temperature, humidity of the air and hydrogen and the temperature of the fuel cell 28.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the air circuit back pressure valve 27 and the hydrogen circuit back pressure valve 29 control the pipeline pressures of the cathode and the anode respectively, providing different pressure environments for the operation of the fuel cell 28 .

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the air path cooler 26 is used to cool the gas-liquid mixture to below 60°C to prevent high temperature damage to people or objects. The steam-water separator 25 separates the liquid water produced by the cathode from the gas and collects the liquid water. The hydrogen circulation pump 30 is used to recycle the unreacted hydrogen at the anode.

[0065] The embodiment of the present application also provides a control method for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell wide temperature range control system. Based on the proton exchange membrane fuel cell wide temperature range control system described above, it is possible to achieve temperature, humidity, and pressure settings under different operating conditions, and at the same time control the temperature change process, thereby providing experimental conditions for liquid water management research and application under a wide temperature range.

[0066] The control method of the wide temperature range control system of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell comprises the following steps:

[0067] Acquire the temperature data of the fuel cell 28 and the temperature data in the transparent environmental box 21, and the control terminal adjusts the temperature of the fuel cell 28 to a preset temperature through the oil bath circulation device, and adjusts the temperature in the transparent environmental box 21 to a preset temperature at the same time;

[0068] Adjust the heating temperature in the air gas circuit and the heating temperature in the hydrogen gas circuit through the control terminal;

[0069] After the control terminal adjusts the pressure, flow rate and humidity data of the air flow in the air path and the hydrogen path, the air path is connected to the fuel cell 28, and the temperature control of the fuel cell 28 and the transparent environment box 21 is controlled in real time to fluctuate within the error range;

[0070] The control terminal collects the pressure, humidity, temperature and pressure drop data of the fuel cell 28 with time series, and the image processing module captures the two-phase flow distribution and transmission images with time series, and makes the collection rate of the control terminal consistent with the capture rate of the image processing module, so that each set of pressure, humidity, temperature and pressure drop data has an image to compare with it.

[0071] Further, according to Figure 1 Build the system and check the function and air tightness of each component to ensure the normal operation of the system.

[0072] When the system is turned on, the temperature of the air heating device 7 and the hydrogen heating device 12 are first set. Then, the temperature difference between the temperature signal of the fuel cell 28 and the transparent environmental box 21 measured by the host computer 34 and the target temperature is used to control the box heater 18 and the constant temperature oil bath 24 to start heating until the target temperature value is reached.

[0073] Then, the gas flow rate is preset by the air mass flow controller 6 and the hydrogen mass flow controller 13. The fan 211 is turned on to maintain a uniform temperature distribution in the box.

[0074] After the temperature of each component reaches the predetermined temperature, the air circuit valve 5, the pressure reducing valve 14, the air compressor 4, and the high-pressure hydrogen tank 15 are opened in sequence. The pipeline pressure is set by adjusting the air circuit back pressure valve 27 and the hydrogen circuit back pressure valve 29.

[0075] At this time, the cathode spray humidifier 8 and the anode spray humidifier 11 are turned on for humidification through the program of the host computer 34, and the spray volume and gas humidity are controlled through the feedback signals of the host computer 34, the air path high temperature resistant humidity sensor 9 and the hydrogen path high temperature resistant humidity sensor 10. Due to the increase in gas flow and the influence of humidification, the temperature of the fuel cell 28 drops slightly.

[0076] At this time, the host computer 34 controls the temperature of the constant temperature oil bath 24 through the difference between the temperature signal of the battery temperature sensor 20 and the target temperature value, and maintains the temperature of the fuel cell 28 near the target value and fluctuates within the allowable error range. At this time, the temperature of the transparent environmental box 21 is maintained at the target temperature value, and the circulation rates of the first circulating oil pump 3 and the second circulating oil pump 2 are adjusted to the intermediate value.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, the difference between the temperature signal of the battery temperature sensor 20 obtained by the host computer 34 and the target temperature value is less than the preset difference value. At this time, the temperature of the constant temperature oil bath 24 is fine-tuned to dynamically adjust the temperature of the fuel cell 28 in a small range, maintaining it near the set value and fluctuating within the allowable error range. At this time, the temperature of the transparent environment box 21 is maintained at the target temperature value, and the circulation rates of the first circulating oil pump 3 and the second circulating oil pump 2 are adjusted to the intermediate value.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, when the fuel cell 28 needs to be heated up significantly, the electronic thermostat 31, the air inlet 212, and the air outlet 213 are kept closed, and the difference between the temperature signal of the battery temperature sensor 20 obtained by the data acquisition card 33 and the target temperature value is greater than the preset difference value, and the temperature signal of the battery temperature sensor 20 is less than the target temperature value.

[0079] At this time, the program of the host computer 34 controls the temperature of the constant temperature oil bath 24 and the box heater 18 to quickly rise to the target temperature value, while accelerating the circulation rate of the first circulating oil pump 3 and the second circulating oil pump 2, so that the temperature of the fuel cell 28 quickly reaches near the target temperature.

[0080] When the difference between the temperature signal of the battery temperature sensor 20 acquired by the data acquisition card 33 and the target temperature value is less than the preset difference value, the program of the host computer 34 maintains the temperature of the fuel cell 28 at the set value and makes it fluctuate within the allowable error range by fine-tuning the temperature of the constant temperature oil bath 24. At this time, the temperature of the transparent environment box 21 is maintained at the target temperature value, and the circulation rates of the first circulating oil pump 3 and the second circulating oil pump 2 are adjusted to the intermediate value.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, when the fuel cell 28 needs to be cooled significantly, the difference between the temperature signal of the battery temperature sensor 20 obtained by the data acquisition card 33 and the target temperature value is greater than the preset difference value, and the temperature signal of the battery temperature sensor 20 is greater than the target temperature value.

[0082] At this time, the program of the host computer 34 controls the constant temperature oil bath pot 24 and the box heater 18 to stop heating, the air inlet 212 and the air outlet 213 are opened, and the fan 211 quickly discharges the high-temperature gas in the transparent environment box 21, so that the ambient temperature in the box quickly drops to the target temperature value.

[0083] The electronic thermostat 31 is opened to allow the glycerol to enter the oil circuit cooler 32 for cooling, and then return to the constant temperature oil bath pot 24. The temperature of the fuel cell 28 is rapidly reduced to near the set value through the oil bath cooling cycle and the exhaust heat of the gas in the box.

[0084] When the difference between the temperature signal of the battery temperature sensor 20 acquired by the data acquisition card 33 and the target temperature value is less than the preset difference value, the electronic thermostat 31, the air inlet 212, and the air outlet 213 are closed, and the program of the host computer 34 maintains the temperature of the fuel cell 28 near the target value and fluctuates within the allowable error range by fine-tuning the temperature of the constant temperature oil bath 24. At this time, the temperature of the transparent environmental box 21 is maintained at the target temperature value, and the circulation rates of the first circulating oil pump 3 and the second circulating oil pump 2 are adjusted to the intermediate value.

[0085] The reliable experimental temperature of existing optical visualization systems is 90°C or below. If the temperature continues to rise, it will cause problems such as component deformation, failure to reach the set temperature, or unstable temperature maintenance, making it impossible to study water management technology at higher temperatures.

[0086] When the wide temperature range control system of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell of the present application is in use, the air and hydrogen are heated to the set temperature by the air heating device 7 and the hydrogen heating device 12, and then humidified by the cathode spray humidifier 8 and the anode spray humidifier 11 respectively. By controlling the water spray amount of the spray humidifier, accurate humidification of gases at different temperatures can be achieved.

[0087] Using quartz glass to make the transparent visual windows of the cathode and anode of the fuel cell 28 can prevent the transparent material from being severely deformed at high temperatures, thereby improving the reliability of operation and results.

[0088] Furthermore, a hollow aluminum plate is installed at the cathode and anode respectively, forming a hollow part with the transparent glass, and an oil bath circulation device is used to control the temperature of the fuel cell 28. The use of the oil bath circulation device and the transparent environment box 21 to perform dual temperature control on the fuel cell 28 can improve the temperature control response speed.

[0089] Furthermore, the proposed control method can satisfy fast and stable temperature control within the system temperature range, so that the fuel cell 28 can operate stably at any temperature from room temperature to 120°C.

[0090] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made within the knowledge scope of ordinary technicians in the technical field without departing from the purpose of the present application.

Claims

1. A wide temperature range control system for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, characterized in that: include A reaction device, comprising a transparent environmental box and a fuel cell arranged in the transparent environmental box, wherein the fuel cell is provided with visual windows at positions corresponding to the anode and the cathode, and the temperature in the transparent environmental box is adjustable; An air circuit, for supplying an air flow of rated pressure, flow, temperature and humidity to the cathode of the fuel cell; A hydrogen gas circuit, used to supply a hydrogen gas flow of rated pressure, flow, temperature and humidity to the cathode of the fuel cell; An oil bath circulation device for regulating the temperature of the fuel cell; An image processing module, used for photographing two-phase flow information of the cathode and anode of the fuel cell; A control terminal, wherein the control terminal is capable of regulating the temperature of the fuel cell and the pressure, flow, temperature and humidity of the airflow in the gas path, and the rate at which the control terminal collects the time-series pressure, humidity, temperature and pressure drop data of the fuel cell is consistent with the rate at which the image processing module captures the time-series two-phase flow distribution and transmission images.

2. The wide temperature range control system for proton exchange membrane fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oil bath circulation device includes a constant temperature oil bath pot, a first circulating oil circuit, and a second circulating oil circuit. The circulating medium of the constant temperature oil bath pot is glycerol. The constant temperature oil bath pot adjusts the temperature of the cathode of the fuel cell through the first circulating oil circuit, and the constant temperature oil bath pot adjusts the temperature of the anode of the fuel cell through the second circulating oil circuit.

3. The wide temperature range control system for proton exchange membrane fuel cells according to claim 2, characterized in that: The oil bath circulation device further comprises a cooling oil circuit, and the return oil ends of the first circulation oil circuit and the second circulation oil circuit are both connected in parallel with the cooling oil circuit, and the cooling oil circuit is used for cooling the circulating medium.

4. The wide temperature range control system for proton exchange membrane fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: Air inlet holes and air outlet holes are respectively arranged on both sides of the transparent environmental box, and a box temperature sensor, a fan and a box heater for temperature control are arranged inside the transparent environmental box.

5. The wide temperature range control system for proton exchange membrane fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transparent parts of the anode and cathode of the fuel cell are made of quartz glass. The anode and cathode of the fuel cell are processed by hollow aluminum plates to form a hollow flow field. A hollow part is formed between the two ends of the anode and cathode of the fuel cell, and the hollow part is connected to the oil bath circulation device.

6. The wide temperature range control system for proton exchange membrane fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The portion of the air path connected to the inlet end of the cathode of the fuel cell is provided with a first regulating device, which includes an air filter, an air compressor, an air mass flow controller, an air heating device and a cathode spray humidifier which are arranged in sequence.

7. The wide temperature range control system for proton exchange membrane fuel cells according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first recovery device is arranged at the portion of the air path connected to the outflow end of the cathode of the fuel cell. The first recovery device includes a once-connected air path back pressure valve, an air path cooler and a steam-water separator.

8. The wide temperature range control system for proton exchange membrane fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen gas circuit comprises a high-pressure hydrogen tank, a pressure reducing valve, a hydrogen mass flow controller, a hydrogen heating device, an anode spray humidifier, a hydrogen circuit back pressure valve and a hydrogen circulation pump.

9. The wide temperature range control system for proton exchange membrane fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The image processing module includes a cathode high-speed camera, an anode high-speed camera, a cathode fill light and an anode fill light. The cathode high-speed camera and the anode high-speed camera respectively shoot the two-phase flow information of the cathode and anode of the fuel cell, and the cathode fill light and the anode fill light provide clear background lighting conditions for image recording.

10. A control method for a wide temperature range control system of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, based on the wide temperature range control system of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The steps include: Acquiring temperature data of the fuel cell and temperature data in the transparent environmental box, the control terminal adjusting the temperature of the fuel cell to a preset temperature through the oil bath circulation device, and adjusting the temperature in the transparent environmental box to the preset temperature at the same time; Adjust the heating temperature in the air gas circuit and the heating temperature in the hydrogen gas circuit through the control terminal; After the control terminal has adjusted the pressure, flow rate and humidity data of the air flow in the air path and the hydrogen path, the air path is connected to the fuel cell, and the temperature of the fuel cell and the transparent environmental box is controlled in real time to fluctuate within an error range; The control terminal collects the pressure, humidity, temperature and pressure drop data of the fuel cell in time series, and the image processing module captures the two-phase flow distribution and transmission images in time series, and the acquisition rate of the control terminal is made consistent with the capture rate of the image processing module, so that each set of pressure, humidity, temperature and pressure drop data has an image to compare with it.

Images