Fuel cell two-phase flow research test apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a fuel cell two-phase flow research test equipment and a control method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of fluid dynamics experiments. The equipment comprises a fuel cell simulation experiment device, a heating device and a data acquisition assembly. The fuel cell simulation experiment device comprises a metal layer, a flow channel layer and a transparent layer arranged in sequence. The metal layer is provided with a water storage tank. The flow channel layer is provided with a fluid channel. The side of the fluid channel in contact with the metal layer is provided with a through hole. The metal layer can simulate water generated by the cathode of the fuel cell. The water in the water storage tank enters the fluid channel through the through hole, facilitating observation of the water two-phase flow. The transparent layer is provided with a fluid detection channel. The data acquisition assembly is arranged in the fluid detection channel. The medium in the fluid channel is monitored and data is collected. The heating device heats the medium in the fuel cell simulation experiment device, providing the same water boiling point temperature range for the simulation experiment device as the fuel cell. The application can reduce the data acquisition difficulty of the fuel cell two-phase flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fluid dynamics testing technology, and in particular to a two-phase flow research and testing device for fuel cells and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous growth of energy demand and increasing emphasis on environmental protection, fuel cells, which directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions, have attracted widespread attention as efficient and clean energy conversion devices. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) operating at the boiling point of water exhibit enhanced reactivity due to their higher operating temperatures, promoting electrochemical reactions. However, water management is extremely important for these fuel cells. On the one hand, high temperatures can exacerbate the evaporation of liquid water, potentially causing dryness of the membrane electrode assembly and affecting proton conduction performance. On the other hand, an imbalance between water production and discharge can lead to flooding, hindering gas diffusion within the electrodes. Therefore, it is necessary to study the two-phase flow of fuel cells at the boiling point of water. Research data on the two-phase flow of fuel cells at this temperature can help optimize fuel cell design.

[0003] Two-phase flow research methods in related technologies mainly rely on in-situ visualization, that is, directly observing and acquiring data on the flow field under the actual operating conditions of the fuel cell. However, this method is difficult to apply to investigating two-phase flow in proton exchange membrane fuel cells under high temperature and high pressure, and data acquisition is challenging. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to propose a research and testing device and control method for fuel cell two-phase flow, which aims to provide a device for simulating the operating environment of fuel cells and reduce the difficulty of data acquisition for fuel cell two-phase flow.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of this application provides a fuel cell two-phase flow research and experimental device, including a fuel cell simulation experimental device, a heating device, and a data acquisition component;

[0006] The fuel cell simulation experimental device includes a metal layer, a flow channel layer, and a transparent layer arranged sequentially; the metal layer is provided with a water storage tank; the flow channel layer is provided with a fluid channel, and the side of the fluid channel in contact with the metal layer is provided with a through hole; the transparent layer is provided with at least one fluid detection channel, and the fluid detection channel is provided with the data acquisition component, which is used to collect medium monitoring data in the fluid channel;

[0007] The heating device is used to heat the medium in the fuel cell simulation experimental device, which includes water and gas.

[0008] In some embodiments, the heating device includes a constant temperature chamber, in which a heating tube and a temperature sensor are disposed; the fuel cell simulation experimental device is disposed inside the constant temperature chamber.

[0009] In some embodiments, the fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing equipment further includes a gas supply device, which includes a gas pump, an air filter, a gas supply pipeline, and a mass flow meter; one end of the gas supply pipeline is connected to the gas pump, and the other end of the gas supply pipeline is connected to the inlet of the fluid channel; the mass flow meter is disposed on the gas supply pipeline; and the air filter is disposed at the gas inlet end of the gas pump.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing equipment further includes a liquid supply device, which includes a liquid injection pump and a liquid supply pipeline. One end of the liquid supply pipeline is connected to the liquid injection pump, and the other end of the liquid supply pipeline is connected to the water storage tank of the metal layer.

[0011] In some embodiments, the heating device further includes a gas heater and a reaction vessel, the gas heater being disposed on the gas supply pipeline and the reaction vessel being disposed on the liquid supply pipeline.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing apparatus further includes a fluid discharge pipeline, one end of which is connected to the outlet of the fluid channel, and the other end of which is connected to a water storage tank.

[0013] In some embodiments, the transparent layer is provided with a fluid inlet channel, a fluid outlet channel, and a plurality of fluid detection channels perpendicular to the plane of the fluid channel. The fluid inlet channel and the fluid outlet channel are respectively distributed at diagonal positions of the transparent layer. The fluid inlet channel forms the inlet of the fluid channel, and the fluid outlet channel forms the outlet of the fluid channel.

[0014] The fluid channel is Z-shaped.

[0015] In some embodiments, the data acquisition component includes a plurality of pressure sensors disposed in the fluid detection channel;

[0016] The data acquisition component also includes a temperature sensor, which is disposed in the water storage tank of the metal layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the data acquisition component further includes a camera, the camera being positioned at a shooting angle toward the transparent layer.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of this application proposes a control method for a fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing apparatus, applied to the fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing apparatus described in the above embodiment. The control method includes the following steps:

[0019] The heating device is controlled according to a preset temperature to provide the same water boiling point temperature range as the fuel cell for the fuel cell simulation experimental device.

[0020] When the fuel cell simulation experimental device reaches the boiling point temperature range of water, the control data acquisition component collects data.

[0021] This application proposes a fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing device and its control method. The fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing device includes a fuel cell simulation experimental apparatus, a heating device, and a data acquisition component. The fuel cell simulation experimental apparatus includes a metal layer, a flow channel layer, and a transparent layer arranged sequentially. The metal layer has a water storage tank, and the flow channel layer has a fluid channel. A through-hole is provided on the side of the fluid channel in contact with the metal layer. The metal layer can simulate the water generated at the cathode of the fuel cell. Water from the storage tank enters the fluid channel through the through-hole, facilitating the observation of the two-phase flow. The transparent layer has at least one fluid detection channel, and the data acquisition component is located in the fluid detection channel. The data acquisition component can collect monitoring data of the medium in the fluid channel. The heating device can heat the medium in the fuel cell simulation experimental apparatus, thereby providing the fuel cell simulation experimental apparatus with the same water boiling point temperature range as the fuel cell. The device of this application can simulate the operating environment of a fuel cell, and using this device for two-phase flow research can reduce the difficulty of data acquisition for fuel cell two-phase flow. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the fuel cell simulation experimental device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the metal layer structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel layer structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transparent layer structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a front view of the fuel cell simulation experimental apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a top view of the fuel cell simulation experimental apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental equipment for studying two-phase flow in fuel cells provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the constant temperature chamber provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the camera distribution locations provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0032] It should be noted that although the system is divided into functional modules and the flowchart shows a logical order, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be executed in a different order than the module division in the system or the order in the flowchart. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and the aforementioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0034] In related technologies, fuel cells include an anode reaction chamber, a cathode reaction chamber, and a proton exchange membrane (PEM) formed by metal plates. Fuel is introduced into the anode reaction chamber, where it undergoes an oxidation reaction, releasing electrons and ions. For example, in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, hydrogen gas releases electrons at the anode, forming hydrogen ions (H+). Electrons are conducted to the cathode through an external circuit, while ions migrate to the cathode through the PEM. In the cathode reaction chamber, the oxidant combines with the ions and electrons that migrated from the anode, undergoing a reduction reaction. For example, in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, oxygen combines with hydrogen ions and electrons to form water. The oxidation-reduction process at the cathode generates heat. For PEM fuel cells operating in the boiling point range of water, due to the high operating temperature, directly investigating the two-phase flow under high temperature and high pressure is difficult, and data acquisition is challenging.

[0035] Based on this, this application provides a fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing device and its control method, aiming to provide a device that can simulate the operating environment of fuel cells in the boiling point temperature range, and reduce the difficulty of data acquisition for fuel cell two-phase flow in the boiling point temperature range.

[0036] The fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing equipment and its control method provided in this application are specifically described through the following embodiments. First, the fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing equipment in this application embodiment is described.

[0037] This application proposes a fuel cell two-phase flow research and experimental device, including a fuel cell simulation experimental device, a heating device, and a data acquisition component.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a fuel cell simulation experimental device is shown. The fuel cell simulation experimental device includes a metal layer 103, a flow channel layer 102, and a transparent layer 101 arranged sequentially. The metal layer, flow channel layer, and transparent layer are stacked sequentially, and the transparent layer can be made of glass.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the metal layer structure shows that the metal layer is provided with a water storage tank 201, a water inlet 202 and a water outlet 203. The water storage tank of the metal layer is used to store liquid water. The water storage tank can be set in the water storage sealing groove 204 (the water storage sealing groove 204 is set outside the water storage tank). The water storage sealing groove can prevent the liquid water in the water storage tank from flowing out. In this embodiment, the metal layer can simulate the outward diffusion of water and heat from the metal cathode of the fuel cell.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the flow channel layer structure. A fluid channel 301 is provided on the flow channel layer, and the fluid channel can be disposed within a flow channel sealing groove 302 (the flow channel sealing groove 302 is disposed around the fluid channel). The flow channel sealing groove prevents the medium inside the flow channel from flowing out. A through-hole (not shown in the diagram) is provided on the side of the fluid channel that contacts the metal layer. This through-hole is a micro-hole used to simulate the microporous layer of a fuel cell in a proton exchange membrane, allowing water from the metal layer's water tank to permeate into the fluid channel for experimental observation. Furthermore, the fluid channel can also be vented with gas (such as air or oxygen) to simulate the reaction environment of the fuel cell's cathode reaction chamber.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the transparent layer structure is shown. The transparent layer is provided with at least one fluid detection channel 401, such as... Figure 4 The transparent layer shown has six fluid detection channels connected to the fluid channel. Data acquisition components, such as pressure sensors or differential pressure sensors, are installed in the fluid detection channels to collect monitoring data such as pressure or differential pressure in the fluid channel.

[0042] The heating device is used to heat the medium in the fuel cell simulation experimental device, such as heating the liquid water in the water storage tank and heating the gas introduced into the fluid channel. The heating temperature of the heating device is controllable, and it can provide the fuel cell simulation experimental device with the same boiling point temperature range as the fuel cell.

[0043] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 This is a front view of the fuel cell simulation experimental setup. Figure 6 This is a top view of the fuel cell simulation experimental setup. The transparent layer has a fluid inlet channel 402, a fluid outlet channel 403, and several fluid detection channels 401, all perpendicular to the plane of the fluid channels. After the transparent layer and the flow channel layer are stacked, the fluid inlet channel forms the inlet of the fluid channel, and the fluid outlet channel forms the outlet of the fluid channel. The fluid inlet and outlet channels are diagonally opposite to the rectangular transparent layer, and the fluid channels are Z-shaped, allowing for a wider range of gas and liquid movement and a longer fluid channel within a limited space, facilitating experimental observation.

[0044] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The metal layer is also equipped with a liquid detection channel 205, which is connected to the water storage tank. A temperature sensor is installed in the liquid detection channel to monitor the temperature of the liquid water in the water storage tank.

[0045] Accordingly, the data acquisition component includes multiple pressure sensors disposed in the fluid detection channels. The data acquisition component also includes a temperature sensor disposed in the water storage tank of the metal layer, specifically in a liquid detection channel connected to the water storage tank. For example, pressure sensors can be disposed in any two fluid detection channels, and differential pressure data of the fluid channels can be acquired based on these two pressure sensors.

[0046] In some embodiments, the fuel cell simulation experimental apparatus further includes a flow channel sealing gasket and a water storage tank sealing gasket. The flow channel sealing gasket is disposed between the transparent layer and the flow channel layer, and the water storage tank sealing gasket is disposed between the flow channel layer and the metal layer. The transparent layer, flow channel sealing gasket, flow channel layer, water storage tank sealing gasket, and metal layer are assembled by bolts. The flow channel sealing gasket matches the flow channel sealing groove to prevent liquid water from leaking from the side of the fuel cell simulation experimental apparatus and affecting the experimental results. The metal layer is used to simulate the liquid water generated at the cathode after the chemical reaction in a high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The water storage tank sealing gasket is the same size as the water storage tank sealing groove to prevent liquid water from leaking from gaps.

[0047] In some embodiments, the heating device of this embodiment includes a constant temperature chamber, please refer to... Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental equipment for studying two-phase flow in fuel cells. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the incubator, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the fuel cell simulation experimental device 702 can be mounted inside the constant temperature chamber 701 via a fixed base 703. Figure 8 As shown, the constant temperature chamber contains several heating tubes 801, a temperature sensor 802, and a temperature controller 803. Specifically, the heating tubes can be ceramic heating tubes, with three ceramic heating tubes arranged vertically at the rear of the chamber. The temperature sensor and temperature controller are located at the front and top of the chamber, as far away from the ceramic heating tubes as possible, so that the measured temperature is representative of the entire high-temperature constant temperature chamber. The chamber body can be made of acrylic material for easy observation and to provide a high-temperature operating environment for the fuel cell simulation experimental device.

[0048] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 The fuel cell two-phase flow research and experimental equipment also includes a gas supply device 710, which comprises an air pump 713, an air filter 711, a gas supply pipeline 712, and a mass flow meter 714. One end of the gas supply pipeline is connected to the air pump, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the fluid channel. The mass flow meter is installed on the gas supply pipeline, and the air filter is installed at the gas inlet of the air pump. The gas supply pipeline is made of high-temperature resistant material. The air filter, air pump, and mass flow meter are all connected by the gas supply pipeline. The mass flow meter can transmit data bidirectionally to the control processor via a USB converter. On one hand, the control processor collects the data measured by the mass flow meter; on the other hand, the control processor controls the mass flow rate passing through the mass flow meter. The gas supply device can provide air or oxygen or other gases to the fluid channel.

[0049] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 7 The fuel cell two-phase flow research and experimental equipment also includes a liquid supply device 720, which comprises a liquid injection pump 721 and a liquid supply pipeline 722. One end of the liquid supply pipeline is connected to the liquid injection pump, and the other end is connected to the water storage tank of the metal layer. The liquid supply device can replenish liquid water to the fuel cell simulation experimental device during the experiment.

[0050] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 7The heating device also includes a gas heater 715 and a reaction vessel 723. The gas heater is installed on the gas supply line of the gas supply device. Specifically, the outlet of the gas heater is connected to the fluid inlet channel of the transparent layer through the gas supply line, providing high-temperature gas for the non-in-situ visualized fuel cell simulation experimental device. The reaction vessel is installed on the liquid supply line of the liquid supply device. The liquid supply line is made of high-temperature resistant material. The outlet of the liquid injection pump is connected to the inlet of the reaction vessel through the liquid supply line. The reaction vessel is used to heat liquid water, and its outlet is connected to the water inlet of the metal layer through the liquid supply line. The reaction vessel provides high-temperature liquid water for the fuel cell simulation experimental device.

[0051] Furthermore, pipe holes can be provided on the side of the thermostat chamber to facilitate the supply of high-temperature liquid water and air to the fuel cell simulation experimental device through the gas supply pipeline and liquid supply pipeline, while the thermostat chamber is sealed.

[0052] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 7 The fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing equipment also includes a fluid discharge pipeline 704. One end of the fluid discharge pipeline is connected to the outlet of the fluid channel, and the other end is connected to a water storage tank 705, which is used to collect the liquid water discharged from the fluid channel. The fluid discharge pipeline is equipped with a back pressure valve 706, and the pressure in the fluid channel is controlled by the back pressure valve. The back pressure valve is connected to the fluid outlet channel of the transparent layer.

[0053] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9 The data acquisition component also includes a camera 901. The camera is set at a shooting angle toward the transparent layer of the fuel cell simulation experimental device 702. The camera can be a high-speed acquisition camera. The high-speed camera is placed directly in front of the outside of the constant temperature chamber to record the two-phase flow changes during the experiment of the fuel cell simulation experimental device.

[0054] Understandably, fuel cell two-phase flow research and experimental equipment may also include a control processor, which is connected to data acquisition components (differential pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and high-speed cameras, etc.) to collect various experimental data. The control processor may also be connected to a gas pump, heating devices (gas heaters, reactors, and thermostats, etc.), back pressure valves, and mass flow meters and temperature sensors in the gas supply device and reactor to control the gas supply, gas temperature, and liquid temperature.

[0055] In one experimental example, please refer to Figure 7Differential pressure sensors 707 can be installed in the two fluid detection channels of the required transparent layer. The two sensing ends of the differential pressure sensors are connected to the two required fluid detection channels (i.e., pressure test ports) through pipes. They are electrically connected to the data acquisition card for signal acquisition. The measured differential pressure signal is transmitted to the control processor through the acquisition board, which can measure the pressure difference between any two pressure test ports. A liquid temperature sensor 708 is installed in the liquid detection channel of the metal layer to measure the temperature of the liquid water in the water storage tank of the metal layer.

[0056] According to some embodiments of this application, the usage process of the fuel cell two-phase flow research experimental equipment of this application is as follows:

[0057] First, fill the liquid injection pump, reaction vessel, metal layer water tank, and liquid supply pipeline with liquid water. Start the air pump to inject air into the fluid channel. At the same time, set the reaction vessel, constant temperature chamber, and gas heater to the required temperature for heating. This ensures that the air supply pipeline and fluid channel are filled with heated air, and the liquid supply pipeline and water tank are filled with heated liquid water before the formal experiment.

[0058] Then, the fluid flow rate is controlled by setting the flow rate of the mass flow meter and the liquid injection pump, and the pressure in the flow channel is controlled by the back pressure valve until the working temperature and fluid flow rate reach the set value and stabilize. The high-speed camera is turned on to record the flow pattern information of the two-phase flow at this time. The differential pressure sensor is connected to the two pressure test ports required for measurement to test the pressure distribution in the flow channel. The pressure test data is read by the acquisition card and uploaded to the computer, thus completing a set of tests under working conditions.

[0059] Finally, turn off the air pump and the micro-injection pump to end the test for this set of conditions. Different operating conditions can be adjusted by adjusting the heating temperature of the heating device, the air supply speed of the air supply device (i.e., controlling the flow rate of the mass flow meter), the liquid supply speed of the liquid injection pump of the liquid supply device (i.e., adjusting the propulsion speed of the liquid injection pump), and the discharge speed of the back pressure valve.

[0060] It should be noted that the fuel cell simulation experimental device in this application embodiment is easy to disassemble. If it is necessary to test fluid channels of other shapes, the flow channel layer can be replaced to complete the test of different types of flow channels.

[0061] This application also proposes a control method for a fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing device, applied to the fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing device described in the above embodiment. The control method of this application includes the following steps:

[0062] The heating device is controlled according to a preset temperature to provide the same water boiling point temperature range as the fuel cell for the fuel cell simulation experimental device.

[0063] When the fuel cell simulation experimental device reaches the boiling point temperature range of water, the control data acquisition component collects data.

[0064] In some embodiments, the control method of this application can be specifically applied to a control processor, and the specific control process of the control processor is as follows:

[0065] After adding liquid water to the liquid injection pump, reaction vessel, water storage tank in the metal layer, and liquid supply pipeline, and adding air to the gas supply pipeline, gas heater, and fluid channel, the thermostat is started and adjusted to the preheating temperature. The inlet and outlet valves of the reaction vessel are closed, the temperature and stirring speed are set, and the liquid water in the reaction vessel is heated. The gas heater temperature is set for preheating. According to the preset air flow rate, the air pump power is turned on, allowing dry and clean air to enter the gas supply pipeline. The control processor determines whether the water storage tank and fluid channel are stable under the preset operating conditions (i.e., the fluid channel reaches a certain pressure, and the water storage tank reaches the boiling point temperature of water) by monitoring the temperature sensor in the water storage tank and the differential pressure sensor in the fluid channel.

[0066] Once the water tank and fluid channel are stable under the preset operating conditions, increase the air flow rate to purge the liquid water in the channel and then adjust it to the required mass flow rate for the experiment. Open the inlet and outlet valves of the reactor, set the injection speed of the liquid injection pump, and start injecting liquid water. At the same time, collect experimental data through the differential pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and high-speed camera.

[0067] It should be noted that during the experiment, when the liquid water pressure in the storage tank reached the breakthrough pressure for water to penetrate the carbon paper, water droplets began to penetrate the carbon paper diffusion layer and emerge from the fluid channel. Under the purging action of the introduced gas, they were carried away from the flow channel. The data collected during this process constituted a set of experimental data. A high-speed camera recorded the dynamic characteristics of droplet growth, deformation, and separation from a small hole. The ambient temperature, air mass flow rate, and pressure difference at different time points were also recorded for this set of experiments. By changing the air mass flow rate for each set, the influence of gas mass flow rate on droplet detachment was studied. Based on the liquid water discharge time and pressure drop characteristics, the liquid water removal efficiency under different parameters was analyzed.

[0068] This application provides an experimental apparatus for studying two-phase flow in fuel cells, enabling in-situ visualization experiments within the boiling point temperature range of water. The heating device allows the entire experiment to be conducted within the boiling point temperature range of water, while the transparent layer allows a high-speed camera to clearly capture the two-phase flow within the fluid channel. Conducting in-situ experiments at high temperatures eliminates the introduction of hydrogen and prevents chemical reactions. The water tank in the metal layer simulates the liquid water generated during the chemical reaction at the cathode, and the micropores in the flow channel layer simulate the generation of liquid water. The inlet and outlet of the fluid channel are located diagonally across the rectangular flow channel layer, allowing for a longer flow channel and a wider range of gas-liquid movement, facilitating observation. The differential pressure testing ports are evenly distributed, allowing the use of differential pressure sensors to measure the pressure difference in various parts of the flow channel.

[0069] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, and "more than" means two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three cases: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0070] The preferred embodiments of the present application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this does not limit the scope of the claims of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and substance of the embodiments of the present application shall be within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A research and experimental apparatus for two-phase flow in fuel cells, characterized in that, Includes a fuel cell simulation experimental device, a heating device, and a data acquisition component; The fuel cell simulation experimental device includes a metal layer, a flow channel layer, and a transparent layer arranged sequentially. The metal layer has a water storage tank and a water storage sealing groove, with the water storage sealing groove located around the water storage tank. The flow channel layer has a fluid channel and a flow channel sealing groove, with the flow channel sealing groove located around the fluid channel. A through-hole is provided on the side of the fluid channel that contacts the metal layer. This through-hole simulates the microporous layer of a fuel cell in a proton exchange membrane. The metal layer simulates the water production process at the fuel cell cathode. Water from the water storage tank enters the fluid channel through the through-hole. The transparent layer has a fluid detection channel, and the fluid detection channel is equipped with the data acquisition component. The data acquisition component is used to collect medium monitoring data from the fluid channel. The heating device is used to heat the medium in the fuel cell simulation experimental device, providing the fuel cell simulation experimental device with the same water boiling point temperature range as the fuel cell. The medium in the fuel cell simulation experimental device includes water and gas. The fuel cell simulation experimental device also includes a flow channel sealing gasket and a water tank sealing gasket. The flow channel sealing gasket is disposed between the transparent layer and the flow channel layer, and the water tank sealing gasket is disposed between the flow channel layer and the metal layer. The flow channel sealing gasket is matched with the flow channel sealing groove, and the water tank sealing gasket is the same size as the water tank sealing groove. The fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing equipment also includes a gas supply device and a liquid supply device. The gas supply device includes a gas pump, an air filter, a gas supply pipeline, and a mass flow meter. One end of the gas supply pipeline is connected to the gas pump, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the fluid channel. The mass flow meter is installed on the gas supply pipeline. The air filter is installed at the gas inlet end of the gas pump. The liquid supply device includes a liquid injection pump and a liquid supply pipeline. One end of the liquid supply pipeline is connected to the liquid injection pump, and the other end is connected to the water storage tank of the metal layer. The heating device includes a constant temperature chamber, which is equipped with a heating tube and a temperature sensor; the fuel cell simulation experimental device is installed inside the constant temperature chamber; the heating device also includes a gas heater and a reaction vessel, which are installed on the gas supply pipeline and the reaction vessel are installed on the liquid supply pipeline. The transparent layer is provided with a fluid inlet channel, a fluid outlet channel and a plurality of fluid detection channels perpendicular to the plane of the fluid channel. The fluid inlet channel and the fluid outlet channel are respectively distributed at diagonal positions of the transparent layer. The fluid inlet channel forms the inlet of the fluid channel and the fluid outlet channel forms the outlet of the fluid channel. The data acquisition component includes a differential pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and multiple pressure sensors. The temperature sensor is installed in the water storage tank of the metal layer. The two sensing ends of the differential pressure sensor are connected to the two fluid detection channels through pipes. The pressure sensors are installed in the fluid detection channels. The data acquisition component also includes a camera, which is set at a shooting angle toward the transparent layer.

2. The experimental apparatus for studying two-phase flow in fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing equipment also includes a fluid discharge pipeline, one end of which is connected to the outlet of the fluid channel, and the other end of which is connected to a water storage tank.

3. The experimental apparatus for studying two-phase flow in fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid channel is Z-shaped.

4. A control method for a fuel cell two-phase flow research and experimental device, characterized in that, The control method, applied in the fuel cell two-phase flow research and testing equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprises the following steps: Liquid water is added to the liquid injection pump, reaction vessel, water storage tank of the metal layer, and liquid supply pipeline, and air is added to the gas supply pipeline, gas heater and fluid channel; Control the start of the constant temperature chamber and adjust the constant temperature chamber to the preheating temperature value; Close the inlet and outlet valves of the reactor, set the temperature and stirring speed, and heat the liquid water in the reactor; Set the gas heater temperature for preheating; According to the preset air flow rate, turn on the air pump power to allow air to enter the air supply line; By analyzing the changes in the values ​​of the temperature sensor in the water storage tank and the differential pressure sensor in the fluid channel, it can be determined whether the water storage tank and the fluid channel are stable under the preset working conditions. Once the water tank and fluid channel are stable under the preset operating conditions, increase the air flow rate to purge the liquid water in the fluid channel and then adjust it to the mass flow rate required for the experiment. Open the inlet and outlet valves of the reactor, set the injection speed of the liquid injection pump, and inject liquid water; at the same time, collect experimental data through differential pressure sensor, temperature sensor and high-speed camera.

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