Closed air-cooled reactor power generation system and use method thereof

Through the closed air-cooled reactor power generation system, the pure oxygen supply and oxygen circulation modules are adopted to solve the problem of decoupling of oxygen supply and heat dissipation, and efficient power generation and low temperature adaptation are achieved, system volume and cost are reduced, and system safety and reliability are ensured.

CN120389063APending Publication Date: 2025-07-29苏州溯驭技术有限公司
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510552784.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-29
Publication Date
2025-07-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing hydrogen fuel cell system cannot be decoupled from oxygen supply and heat dissipation, resulting in the system being unable to achieve the optimal working state and being easily damaged in low temperatures and poor air quality scenarios. The system is large in size and high in cost, and the contradiction between power increase and energy consumption is prominent.

Method used

The closed air-cooled reactor power generation system is adopted, and the pure oxygen supply and oxygen circulation module are used. The supply of hydrogen and oxygen is controlled by the hydrogen supply module and the oxygen supply module respectively. The oxygen circulation pump and water-cooled heat exchanger are combined to improve the oxygen utilization rate, and the insulating box and heating PTC are used to preheat at low temperatures to avoid air inflow.

Benefits of technology

It improves power generation efficiency, reduces power loss, reduces system volume, ensures normal operation in low-temperature environments, avoids pollution to the battery by poor air quality, has a simple system structure and high promotion and application value.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a closed air-cooled reactor power generation system and a use method thereof. The system comprises a hydrogen fuel cell stack; the hydrogen supply module is connected with the hydrogen fuel cell stack and is used for providing hydrogen for the hydrogen fuel cell stack; the oxygen supply module is connected with the hydrogen fuel cell stack and is used for providing oxygen for the hydrogen fuel cell stack; the oxygen circulation module is connected with the hydrogen fuel cell stack; and the drainage module is used for regularly discharging water accumulated in the oxygen circulation process. Pure oxygen supply is adopted, so that a fan is not needed to improve the oxygen inlet amount, the power generation efficiency can be improved, the reaction degree in the hydrogen fuel cell can be improved to a large extent, the problem of power loss introduction is avoided while the system power is improved, and the size of the hydrogen fuel cell stack body is reduced under the same power; the problem of low temperature in the prior art is solved by introducing the heat preservation box, the market blank is made up, pure oxygen is adopted, air does not need to be introduced, and the situation that batteries are polluted due to poor air quality can be avoided.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of fuel cells, and particularly relates to a closed air-cooled stack power generation system and a method for using the same. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cell systems are generally divided into open cathode type and closed cathode type, and the cooling methods are divided into air cooling and water cooling. The anode fuel of the open cathode type hydrogen fuel cell is hydrogen, and the cathode oxidant is oxygen (in the air). Generally, air cooling is used as the cooling method, which can provide oxygen and dissipate heat at the same time. The anode fuel of the closed cathode type hydrogen fuel cell is hydrogen, and the cathode oxidant can use air or pure oxygen. The cooling method can be selected from air cooling and water cooling. No matter which form of hydrogen fuel cell system, it is necessary to be equipped with corresponding auxiliary systems (BOP), which are the basis of the comprehensive functions of the hydrogen fuel cell system and the key components to ensure the normal operation of the hydrogen fuel cell system.

[0003] Existing traditional air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell systems generally use the open cathode type, using air to provide oxygen and dissipate heat from the stack. There are several drawbacks in the hydrogen fuel cell system constructed in this way: ① The oxygen supply required for the system reaction and heat dissipation are both adjusted by a fan, and decoupling cannot be achieved, which directly leads to the fact that the fuel cell cannot reach the optimal working state and has poor load-carrying capacity. ② To achieve a hydrogen fuel cell system with a larger power, it is necessary to increase the air impact area and heat dissipation of the stack, which results in a larger system volume and higher usage cost. ③ In scenarios with low temperature and poor air quality, the open cathode type is prone to damage the stack, which limits the popularization of hydrogen fuel cells.

[0004] To solve the above problems, engineers have also been continuously optimizing air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell systems, and many closed cathode type hydrogen fuel cell systems have been successively introduced. Compared with the open cathode type hydrogen fuel cell system, the oxygen intake and heat dissipation of the closed cathode type hydrogen fuel cell system are decoupled. The oxygen supply path can be adjusted separately for the oxygen supply amount, which improves the system power to a certain extent, and the selection of heat dissipation equipment is also more flexible. However, there are still some problems that are more prominent: ① The oxygen supply amount usually needs to be adjusted by an air compression device with a certain power (such as a small turbofan), resulting in a contradiction between the improvement of system power and additional energy consumption. ② It still faces the problem of fuel cell damage under low temperature and poor air quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a closed air-cooled stack power generation system and a method for using the same.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose and reach the above technical effects, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A closed air-cooled stack power generation system, comprising:

[0008] A hydrogen fuel cell stack, which is used to convert chemical energy into electrical energy;

[0009] A hydrogen supply module, which is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack and is used to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen fuel cell stack;

[0010] An oxygen supply module, which is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack and is used to supply oxygen to the hydrogen fuel cell stack;

[0011] An oxygen circulation module, which is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack.

[0012] Furthermore, the hydrogen supply module includes a hydrogen pipeline connected to the hydrogen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack and a hydrogen outlet connected to the hydrogen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack.

[0013] Furthermore, the hydrogen pipeline includes a hydrogen storage bottle, a first pressure reducing valve, a first pressure sensor, and an inlet solenoid valve arranged in sequence; an outlet solenoid valve is arranged on the hydrogen outlet.

[0014] Furthermore, the oxygen supply module includes an oxygen pipeline connected to the oxygen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack and an oxygen outlet connected to the oxygen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack.

[0015] Furthermore, the oxygen pipeline includes an oxygen storage bottle, a second pressure reducing valve, a second pressure sensor, and an oxygen solenoid valve arranged in sequence.

[0016] Furthermore, the oxygen circulation module includes a water-cooled heat exchanger fin arranged at the oxygen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack and an oxygen circulation pump, and the oxygen circulation pump is connected to the oxygen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack.

[0017] Furthermore, the hydrogen fuel cell stack is placed in a heat preservation box, and a hydrogen sensor and a temperature sensor are arranged in the heat preservation box, and both the hydrogen sensor and the temperature sensor are connected to a controller.

[0018] Furthermore, the closed-type air-cooled stack power generation system further includes a purging module and a drainage module.

[0019] Furthermore, the closed-type air-cooled stack power generation system further includes a heating PTC, which is used to preheat the hydrogen fuel cell stack before starting the hydrogen fuel cell stack in a low-temperature state.

[0020] The present invention also discloses a usage method of a closed-type air-cooled stack power generation system, including the following steps:

[0021] 1) Place the hydrogen fuel cell stack in a thermal insulation box. Connect the hydrogen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack to the hydrogen pipeline, connect the hydrogen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack to the hydrogen outlet path, connect the oxygen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack to the oxygen pipeline, and connect the oxygen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack to the oxygen outlet path;

[0022] 2) Determine whether the ambient temperature is higher than the set value. If not, directly proceed to the next step. If so, open the lid of the thermal insulation box and then proceed to the next step;

[0023] 3) Determine whether the temperature of the hydrogen fuel cell stack is normal. If so, directly proceed to the next step. If not, determine whether the temperature of the hydrogen fuel cell stack is lower than the start threshold point or higher than the protection threshold point. If it is lower than the start threshold point, start the heating PTC to heat the hydrogen fuel cell stack. If it is higher than the protection threshold point, give a fault alarm;

[0024] 4) Online detect the hydrogen pressure and oxygen pressure respectively through the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and transmit them to the controller for processing. Determine whether the hydrogen pressure and oxygen pressure are normal. If not, give a fault alarm. If so, the system starts to run. The chemical energy is converted into electrical energy through the hydrogen fuel cell. The electrical energy generated by the hydrogen fuel cell stack is subjected to power conversion, and after being stabilized by the energy storage battery, it is connected to the load through a switch;

[0025] During the operation of the system, online detect the hydrogen concentration in the thermal insulation box through the hydrogen sensor and transmit it to the controller for processing. When the hydrogen concentration in the thermal insulation box reaches the first alarm value, control the start of the stack fan and the exhaust fan for ventilation through the controller. When the hydrogen concentration reaches the second alarm, control the closing of the inlet solenoid valve and the opening of the outlet solenoid valve through the controller; when a fire occurs and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the set threshold, the hydrogen cylinder safety valve will be opened for evacuation to ensure the use safety of the entire system;

[0026] When the hydrogen fuel cell stack needs to dissipate heat, control the start of the stack fan and the exhaust fan for ventilation and heat dissipation through the controller.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0028] The present invention discloses a closed - type air - cooled reactor power generation system and its usage method. By adopting pure oxygen supply, there is no need for a blower to increase the oxygen intake, which can improve the power generation efficiency, and can also greatly enhance the reaction degree inside the hydrogen fuel cell, avoid introducing power loss problems while increasing the system power, and reduce the volume of the hydrogen fuel cell stack body under the same power; by introducing a heat preservation box, the low - temperature problem existing in the prior art is solved, enabling it to be used in low - temperature scenarios, filling the market gap, and since pure oxygen is used and there is no need to introduce air, the situation of battery pollution caused by poor air quality can be avoided; the overall system structure is simple and the usage method is convenient, having great popularization and application value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is the structural block diagram of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 is the principle block diagram of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 is the flow chart of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The present invention will be elaborated in detail below so that the advantages and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby making a clearer and more definite definition of the protection scope of the present invention.

[0033] The following gives a brief overview of one or more aspects to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This overview is not an exhaustive survey of all contemplated aspects, and is neither intended to identify key or decisive elements of all aspects nor to define the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0034] BOP refers to all components in a hydrogen fuel cell except the hydrogen fuel cell stack. Its function is to ensure the normal operation of a fuel cell vehicle, guarantee the supply of hydrogen and oxygen, temperature control of the battery, protection of the battery, etc.

[0035] As Figures 1-3 shown, a closed - type air - cooled reactor power generation system includes:

[0036] A hydrogen fuel cell stack, which is essentially a generator, used to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Pure hydrogen is introduced into the anode as fuel, and pure oxygen (with a purity of ≥99.9%) is introduced into the cathode as an oxidant. Under the action of a conventional catalyst, the pure hydrogen and pure oxygen undergo an electrochemical reaction to generate water, and an electric current is generated during the process;

[0037] The hydrogen supply module is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack and is used to supply pure hydrogen to the hydrogen fuel cell stack. The hydrogen supply module includes a hydrogen pipeline connected to the hydrogen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack and a hydrogen outlet connected to the hydrogen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack. The hydrogen pipeline includes a hydrogen storage bottle, a first pressure reducing valve, a first pressure sensor, and an inlet solenoid valve arranged in sequence. Hydrogen is generally stored in the hydrogen storage bottle. The stored high-pressure hydrogen is decompressed by the first pressure reducing valve and detected by the first pressure sensor before entering the hydrogen fuel cell stack. The inlet solenoid valve controls the hydrogen intake amount before entering the hydrogen fuel cell stack. An outlet solenoid valve is arranged on the hydrogen outlet to control the pulse discharge frequency and prevent water accumulation inside the stack;

[0038] The oxygen supply module is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack and is used to supply oxygen to the hydrogen fuel cell stack. The oxygen supply module includes an oxygen pipeline connected to the oxygen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack and an oxygen outlet connected to the oxygen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack. The oxygen pipeline includes an oxygen storage bottle, a second pressure reducing valve, a second pressure sensor, and an oxygen solenoid valve arranged in sequence. Oxygen enters the hydrogen fuel cell stack after being decompressed by the second pressure reducing valve and detected by the second pressure sensor from the oxygen storage bottle. The oxygen intake amount is controlled by the oxygen solenoid valve before entering the hydrogen fuel cell stack;

[0039] The oxygen circulation module is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack and is used to improve the utilization rate of oxygen. The oxygen circulation module includes a water-cooled heat exchanger fin and an oxygen circulation pump arranged at the oxygen outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell stack. The oxygen circulation pump is connected to the oxygen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack. The remaining oxygen from the oxygen outlet enters the water-cooled heat exchanger fin for oxygen buffering, and after buffering, the remaining oxygen is pumped back into the hydrogen fuel cell stack by the oxygen circulation pump for reuse;

[0040] The drainage module is used to regularly drain the water accumulated during the oxygen circulation process and includes a matching valve;

[0041] The purging module is used to dry the oxygen pipeline, oxygen outlet, etc. after shutdown to prevent water accumulation inside the stack from affecting the performance of the stack and includes a purger;

[0042] The heating PTC is used to preheat the hydrogen fuel cell stack, etc. before starting the hydrogen fuel cell stack in a low-temperature state.

[0043] In the present invention, in order to ensure the low-temperature performance of the system, the hydrogen fuel cell stack is placed in a heat preservation box. A hydrogen sensor and a temperature sensor are arranged in the heat preservation box. Both the hydrogen sensor and the temperature sensor are connected to a controller.

[0044] The present invention also discloses a usage method of a closed air-cooled stack power generation system, including the following steps:

[0045] 1) Place the hydrogen fuel cell stack in a thermal insulation box. Connect the hydrogen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack to the hydrogen pipeline, connect the hydrogen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack to the hydrogen outlet path, connect the oxygen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack to the oxygen pipeline, and connect the oxygen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack to the oxygen outlet path;

[0046] 2) After the control system is powered on, it will enter the standby state waiting for the start command. Once the start command arrives, it will enter the self-check process. The ambient temperature data is detected by an external temperature sensor and transmitted to the controller to determine whether the ambient temperature is higher than the set value. When the ambient temperature is higher than the set value, generally in spring, summer, and autumn, the cover of the thermal insulation box is opened, and then proceed to the next step. In low-temperature environments such as winter, the cover will remain closed and directly proceed to the next step;

[0047] 3) Determine whether the temperature of the hydrogen fuel cell stack is normal. If it is, directly proceed to the next step. If not, determine whether the temperature of the hydrogen fuel cell stack is lower than the start threshold point or higher than the protection threshold point. If it is lower than the start threshold point, start the heating PTC to heat the hydrogen fuel cell stack. If it is higher than the protection threshold point, give a fault alarm;

[0048] 4) The hydrogen pressure and oxygen pressure are respectively detected online by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor and transmitted to the controller for processing. Determine whether the hydrogen pressure and oxygen pressure are normal. If not, give a fault alarm. If so, the system starts to run. The chemical energy is converted into electrical energy through the hydrogen fuel cell. The electrical energy generated by the hydrogen fuel cell stack is subjected to power conversion and is stabilized by the energy storage battery and then connected to the load through a switch;

[0049] During the operation of the system, the hydrogen concentration in the thermal insulation box is detected online by a hydrogen sensor and transmitted to the controller for processing. When the hydrogen concentration in the thermal insulation box reaches the first alarm value, the controller controls to start the stack fan and exhaust fan in the thermal insulation box for ventilation. When the hydrogen concentration reaches the second alarm, the controller controls to close the inlet solenoid valve and open the outlet solenoid valve to discharge hydrogen; the temperature in the thermal insulation box is detected by a temperature sensor and transmitted to the controller for processing. When an accident such as a fire occurs and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the set threshold, the hydrogen cylinder safety valve connected to the hydrogen storage cylinder will be opened to empty the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage cylinder, thus ensuring the use safety of the entire system;

[0050] When the hydrogen fuel cell stack needs to dissipate heat, the controller controls to start the stack fan and exhaust fan for ventilation and heat dissipation;

[0051] When drainage is required, open the appropriate valve to drain the water accumulated during the oxygen circulation.

[0052] For the parts or structures not specifically described in the present invention, existing technologies or existing products can be adopted, and no further elaboration will be made here.

[0053] The above are only embodiments of the present invention, and thus do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made by using the content of the specification of the present invention, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, shall be equally included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A closed air-cooled reactor power generation system, characterized in that, Comprising: A hydrogen fuel cell stack for converting chemical energy into electrical energy; A hydrogen supply module connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack for supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen fuel cell stack; An oxygen supply module connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack for supplying oxygen to the hydrogen fuel cell stack; An oxygen circulation module connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack.

2. The closed air-cooled reactor power generation system according to claim 1, wherein The hydrogen supply module includes a hydrogen pipeline connected to the hydrogen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack and a hydrogen outlet connected to the hydrogen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack.

3. The closed air-cooled reactor power generation system according to claim 2, wherein The hydrogen pipeline includes a hydrogen storage bottle, a first pressure reducing valve, a first pressure sensor and an inlet solenoid valve arranged in sequence; an outlet solenoid valve is arranged on the hydrogen outlet.

4. A closed air-cooled reactor power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oxygen supply module includes an oxygen pipeline connected to the oxygen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack and an oxygen outlet connected to the oxygen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack.

5. A closed air-cooled reactor power generation system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The oxygen pipeline includes an oxygen storage bottle, a second pressure reducing valve, a second pressure sensor and an oxygen solenoid valve arranged in sequence.

6. The closed air-cooled reactor power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oxygen circulation module includes a water-cooled heat exchanger plate arranged at the oxygen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack and an oxygen circulation pump, and the oxygen circulation pump is connected to the oxygen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack.

7. A closed air-cooled reactor power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The hydrogen fuel cell stack is placed in a heat preservation box, and a hydrogen sensor and a temperature sensor are arranged in the heat preservation box, and both the hydrogen sensor and the temperature sensor are connected to a controller.

8. A closed air-cooled reactor power generation system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The closed-type air-cooled stack power generation system further includes a purging module and a drainage module.

9. A closed air-cooled reactor power generation system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The closed-type air-cooled stack power generation system further includes a heating PTC for preheating the hydrogen fuel cell stack before starting the hydrogen fuel cell stack in a low-temperature state.

10. A method for using a closed air-cooled reactor power generation system, characterized in that, Including the following steps: 1) Place the hydrogen fuel cell stack in a heat preservation box, connect the hydrogen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack to the hydrogen pipeline, connect the hydrogen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack to the hydrogen outlet, connect the oxygen inlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack to the oxygen pipeline, and connect the oxygen outlet on the hydrogen fuel cell stack to the oxygen outlet; 2) Judge whether the ambient temperature is higher than the set value. If not, directly go to the next step. If so, open the cover of the heat preservation box and then go to the next step; 3) Judge whether the temperature of the hydrogen fuel cell stack is normal. If so, directly go to the next step. If not, judge whether the temperature of the hydrogen fuel cell stack is lower than the start threshold point or higher than the protection threshold point. If it is lower than the start threshold point, start the heating PTC to heat the hydrogen fuel cell stack. If it is higher than the protection threshold point, perform a fault alarm; 4) Online detect the hydrogen pressure and oxygen pressure respectively through the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and transmit them to the controller for processing. Judge whether the hydrogen pressure and oxygen pressure are normal. If not, perform a fault alarm. If so, the system starts to operate, converts chemical energy into electrical energy through the hydrogen fuel cell, performs power conversion on the electrical energy generated by the hydrogen fuel cell stack, and is connected to the load through a switch after being stabilized by the energy storage battery; During the operation of the system, the hydrogen concentration in the incubator is detected online by a hydrogen sensor and transmitted to the controller for processing. When the hydrogen concentration in the incubator reaches the first-level alarm value, the controller controls the start of the stack fan and the exhaust fan for ventilation. When the hydrogen concentration reaches the second-level alarm, the controller controls the closing of the inlet solenoid valve and the opening of the outlet solenoid valve; when a fire occurs and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the set threshold, the hydrogen cylinder safety valve will be opened for evacuation, thus ensuring the safe use of the entire system; When the hydrogen fuel cell stack needs to dissipate heat, the controller controls the start of the stack fan and the exhaust fan for ventilation and heat dissipation.