A method and apparatus for verifying a design of a fuel cell plate structure

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of fuel cell polar plate structure design verification method and device in the technical field of fuel cell, comprising: sealing tool, smoke generator, bubble generator, water vapor generator, main pipeline and multiple electromagnetic valves, heating plate is installed in the sealing tool, the fuel cell polar plate is placed on heating plate, the water vapor generator, bubble generator and smoke generator are respectively connected with the main pipeline by electromagnetic valve, one end of the main pipeline is respectively connected with water source and gas source by electromagnetic valve, the other end of the main pipeline is respectively connected with the gas path entrance and water path entrance of fuel cell polar plate by electromagnetic valve, the gas path outlet and water path outlet of fuel cell polar plate are respectively connected with back pressure valve;Can effectively verify flow channel design;Can test two-phase flow, result is directly visible;Can greatly reduce the cost brought by need to pack test.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to a method and apparatus for verifying the design of fuel cell electrode structures. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell consists of dozens or even hundreds of bipolar plates and membrane electrode assemblies stacked together. The consistency of gas intake for each plate determines the performance of each membrane electrode assembly. Each bipolar plate is composed of dozens of flow fields. The gas flow fields mainly ensure the uniformity of gas distribution, guaranteeing that the reaction medium in each region is as uniform as possible, and avoiding localized undergassing or insufficient reaction efficiency that could lead to localized overheating.

[0003] In addition, inadequate shutdown and purging of fuel cells, coupled with storage in low-temperature environments, can cause the internal liquid water to freeze. As the ice expands, it can damage the fuel cell stack.

[0004] Current methods for verifying gas distribution uniformity primarily rely on simulation or flow meter monitoring. However, simulations are influenced by experience and actual operating conditions, leading to discrepancies between simulation results and real-world applications. Flow meters, on the other hand, cannot determine the gas distribution and flow state in each channel.

[0005] Determining whether the power-off purging process is successful primarily relies on detecting the stack's internal resistance or performing purging verification on a test bench followed by stack disassembly and observation. Internal resistance testing can only measure the overall stack resistance, not the internal resistance of each individual cell. This can lead to some individual cells failing to completely expel internal droplets during purging. The stack disassembly and observation procedure is complex, time-consuming in repetitive testing, and can also cause performance degradation due to frequent disassembly and reassembly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of the invention, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0007] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for verifying the design of fuel cell electrode structure, which can effectively verify the flow channel design; can test two-phase flow, and the results are intuitively visible; and can significantly reduce the cost of stacking and testing.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for verifying the design of fuel cell electrode plate structure, which adopts the following technical solution: including: a sealing fixture, a smoke generator, a bubble generator, a water vapor generator, a main pipeline and multiple solenoid valves. A heating plate is installed inside the sealing fixture, and the fuel cell electrode plate is placed on the heating plate. The water vapor generator, the bubble generator and the smoke generator are respectively connected to the main pipeline through solenoid valves. One end of the main pipeline is connected to a water source and a gas source through solenoid valves. The other end of the main pipeline is connected to the gas inlet and the water inlet of the fuel cell electrode plate through solenoid valves. The gas outlet and the water outlet of the fuel cell electrode plate are respectively connected to back pressure valves.

[0009] Optionally, the solenoid valve includes a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a third solenoid valve, a fourth solenoid valve, a fifth solenoid valve, a sixth solenoid valve, a seventh solenoid valve, and an eighth solenoid valve. The water source is connected to one end of the main pipeline through a secondary pipeline and the first solenoid valve. The gas source is connected to one end of the main pipeline through a secondary pipeline and the second solenoid valve. The steam generator is connected to the main pipeline through the third solenoid valve. The bubble generator is connected to the main pipeline through the fourth solenoid valve. The smoke generator is connected to the main pipeline through the fifth solenoid valve.

[0010] Optionally, the other end of the main pipeline is connected to one of the gas inlets via a sixth solenoid valve, the other end of the main pipeline is connected to another gas inlet via an eighth solenoid valve, and the other end of the main pipeline is connected to a water outlet via a seventh solenoid valve.

[0011] Optionally, one gas outlet of the fuel cell electrode plate is connected to a first back pressure valve, the other gas outlet of the fuel cell electrode plate is connected to a third back pressure valve, and the water outlet of the fuel cell electrode plate is connected to a second back pressure valve.

[0012] Optionally, a pressure plate with an observation window is provided on the top of the fuel cell electrode plate.

[0013] Optionally, the water source is equipped with a heating module.

[0014] A method for implementing a fuel cell electrode structure design verification device as described above includes the following steps:

[0015] Install the fuel cell plates into the sealing fixture, open the second, fifth, sixth, and eighth solenoid valves, the first back pressure valve, and the third back pressure valve, and intermittently introduce smoke-laden gas or pure gas into the fuel cell plates according to the different gas volumes during stack operation, and observe the smoke flow rate trend in each flow channel of the fuel cell plates.

[0016] A method for implementing a fuel cell electrode structure design verification device as described above includes the following steps:

[0017] Install the fuel cell plates into the sealing fixture, turn on the heating plate, adjust to the stack operating temperature, and open the second, third, fifth, sixth, and eighth solenoid valves, the first back pressure valve, and the third back pressure valve. According to the different gas volumes during stack operation, intermittently introduce smoke-laden gas or pure gas into the fuel cell plates and observe the smoke flow rate trend in each flow channel of the fuel cell plates.

[0018] A method for implementing a fuel cell electrode structure design verification device as described above includes the following steps:

[0019] The process includes the following steps: installing the fuel cell electrode plate into a sealing fixture, opening the first solenoid valve, the fourth solenoid valve, the seventh solenoid valve, and the second back pressure valve, and observing the distribution and flow of air bubbles in the cooling channel of the fuel cell electrode plate under different flow rates, pressures, and temperatures by adjusting the water flow rate and temperature and the diameter of the second back pressure valve.

[0020] A method for implementing a fuel cell electrode structure design verification device as described above includes the following steps:

[0021] A certain amount of deionized water is sprayed onto the surface of the fuel cell plates using a sprayer. Then, a heating plate is used or the cooling channel liquid is heated and circulated. The second, sixth, and eighth solenoid valves, the first back pressure valve, and the third back pressure valve are opened to control different temperatures and different purge gas volumes inside the fuel cell plates. The sealing fixture is then observed.

[0022] In summary, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. This invention involves passing the smoke generated by a smoke generator into the electrode plates and observing the gas flow state on the working surface of the bipolar plates.

[0024] 2. This invention involves introducing a bubble generator into the cooling surface of the electrode plate to observe whether there are dead zones in the cooling channel design and whether there are significant differences in flow rate in different areas.

[0025] 3. This invention improves the cold resistance of fuel cell stacks by heating and controlling the temperature of fuel cell plates and testing the purging effect of residual liquid water on the plate surface under different gas volumes and temperatures.

[0026] 4. This invention can effectively verify the flow channel design; it can test two-phase flow with intuitive results; and it can significantly reduce the cost of stacking and testing. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fuel cell electrode structure design verification device of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing fixture structure of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. First solenoid valve; 2. Second solenoid valve; 3. Third solenoid valve; 4. Fourth solenoid valve; 5. Fifth solenoid valve; 6. Sixth solenoid valve; 7. Seventh solenoid valve; 8. Eighth solenoid valve; 9. Electrode plate; 10. Gas inlet; 11. Water inlet; 12. Gas outlet; 13. Water outlet; 14. First back pressure valve; 15. Second back pressure valve; 16. Third back pressure valve; 17. Steam generator; 18. Bubble generator; 19. Smoke generator; 20. Pressure plate; 21. Heating plate. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] Reference Figures 1-2 This invention discloses a fuel cell electrode plate structure design verification device, comprising: a sealing fixture, a smoke generator 19, a bubble generator 18, a water vapor generator 17, a main pipeline, and multiple solenoid valves. A heating plate 21 is installed inside the sealing fixture, and the fuel cell electrode plate 9 is placed on the heating plate 21. The water vapor generator 17, the bubble generator 18, and the smoke generator 19 are connected to the main pipeline through solenoid valves. One end of the main pipeline is connected to a water source and a gas source through solenoid valves, and the other end of the main pipeline is connected to the gas inlet 10 and the water inlet 11 of the fuel cell electrode plate 9 through solenoid valves. The gas outlet 12 and the water outlet 13 of the fuel cell electrode plate 9 are connected to back pressure valves.

[0036] In detail, in this embodiment, the solenoid valves include a first solenoid valve 1, a second solenoid valve 2, a third solenoid valve 3, a fourth solenoid valve 4, a fifth solenoid valve 5, a sixth solenoid valve 6, a seventh solenoid valve 7, and an eighth solenoid valve 8. The water source is connected to one end of the main pipeline through a secondary pipeline and the first solenoid valve 1. The gas source is connected to one end of the main pipeline through a secondary pipeline and the second solenoid valve 2. The water vapor generator 17 is connected to the main pipeline through the third solenoid valve 3. The bubble generator 18 is connected to the main pipeline through the fourth solenoid valve 4. The smoke generator 19 is connected to the main pipeline through the fifth solenoid valve 5.

[0037] In detail, in this embodiment, the other end of the main pipeline is connected to one of the gas inlets 10 via the sixth solenoid valve 6, the other end of the main pipeline is connected to another gas inlet 10 via the eighth solenoid valve 8, and the other end of the main pipeline is connected to the water outlet 13 via the seventh solenoid valve 7.

[0038] In detail, in this embodiment, one of the gas outlets 12 of the fuel cell plate 9 is connected to the first back pressure valve 14, the other gas outlet 12 of the fuel cell plate 9 is connected to the third back pressure valve 16, and the water outlet 13 of the fuel cell plate 9 is connected to the second back pressure valve 15.

[0039] In detail, in this embodiment, a pressure plate 20 with an observation window is provided on the top of the fuel cell electrode plate 9.

[0040] In detail, in this embodiment, the water source is equipped with a heating module.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] Based on the same concept as Embodiment 1 above, a method for implementing the fuel cell electrode structure design verification device as described above is also included, comprising the following steps:

[0043] Install the fuel cell plate 9 into the sealing fixture, open the second solenoid valve 2, the fifth solenoid valve 5, the sixth solenoid valve 6, the eighth solenoid valve 8, the first back pressure valve 14, and the third back pressure valve 16, and intermittently introduce smoke-laden gas or pure gas into the fuel cell plate 9 according to the different gas volumes during the operation of the fuel cell stack, and observe the trend of smoke flow velocity in each flow channel of the fuel cell plate 9.

[0044] Example 3

[0045] Based on the same concept as Embodiment 1 above, a method for implementing the fuel cell electrode structure design verification device as described above is also included, comprising the following steps:

[0046] Install the fuel cell plate 9 into the sealing fixture, turn on the heating plate 21, adjust it to the stack operating temperature, and open the second solenoid valve 2, the third solenoid valve 3, the fifth solenoid valve 5, the sixth solenoid valve 6, the eighth solenoid valve 8, the first back pressure valve 14, and the third back pressure valve 16. According to the different gas volumes during stack operation, intermittently introduce smoke-laden gas or pure gas into the fuel cell plate 9, and observe the smoke flow velocity trend of each flow channel of the fuel cell plate 9.

[0047] Example 4

[0048] Based on the same concept as Embodiment 1 above, a method for implementing the fuel cell electrode structure design verification device as described above is also included, comprising the following steps:

[0049] The fuel cell electrode plate 9 is installed in the sealing fixture. The first solenoid valve 1, the fourth solenoid valve 4, the seventh solenoid valve 7 and the second back pressure valve 15 are opened. By adjusting the water flow rate and temperature and the diameter of the second back pressure valve 15, the distribution and flow of air bubbles in the cooling channel of the fuel cell electrode plate 9 under different flow rates, pressures and temperatures are observed.

[0050] Example 5

[0051] Based on the same concept as Embodiment 1 above, a method for implementing the fuel cell electrode structure design verification device as described above is also included, comprising the following steps:

[0052] A certain amount of deionized water is sprayed onto the surface of the fuel cell plate 9 using a sprayer. Then, the cooling channel liquid is heated and circulated using a heating plate 21. The second solenoid valve 2, the sixth solenoid valve 6, the eighth solenoid valve 8, the first back pressure valve 14, and the third back pressure valve 16 are opened to control different temperatures and different purge gas volumes within the fuel cell plate 9. The sealing fixture is then observed.

[0053] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for verifying the design of fuel cell electrode structures, characterized in that: The device includes a fuel cell electrode plate structure design verification device, which includes: a sealing fixture, a smoke generator (19), a bubble generator (18), a water vapor generator (17), a main pipeline and multiple solenoid valves. A heating plate (21) is installed inside the sealing fixture. The fuel cell electrode plate (9) is placed on the heating plate (21). The water vapor generator (17), the bubble generator (18) and the smoke generator (19) are connected to the main pipeline through solenoid valves. One end of the main pipeline is connected to a water source and a gas source through solenoid valves. The other end of the main pipeline is connected to the gas inlet (10) and the water inlet (11) of the fuel cell electrode plate (9) through solenoid valves. The gas outlet (12) and the water outlet (13) of the fuel cell electrode plate (9) are connected to back pressure valves. The solenoid valves include a first solenoid valve (1), a second solenoid valve (2), a third solenoid valve (3), a fourth solenoid valve (4), a fifth solenoid valve (5), a sixth solenoid valve (6), a seventh solenoid valve (7), and an eighth solenoid valve (8). The water source is connected to one end of the main pipeline through a secondary pipeline and the first solenoid valve (1). The gas source is connected to one end of the main pipeline through a secondary pipeline and the second solenoid valve (2). The water vapor generator (17) is connected to the main pipeline through the third solenoid valve (3). The bubble generator (18) is connected to the main pipeline through the fourth solenoid valve (4). The smoke generator (19) is connected to the main pipeline through the fifth solenoid valve (5). The other end of the main pipeline is connected to one of the gas inlets (10) via the sixth solenoid valve (6), the other end of the main pipeline is connected to another gas inlet (10) via the eighth solenoid valve (8), and the other end of the main pipeline is connected to the water outlet (13) via the seventh solenoid valve (7). One of the gas outlets (12) of the fuel cell plate (9) is connected to the first back pressure valve (14), the other gas outlet (12) of the fuel cell plate (9) is connected to the third back pressure valve (16), and the water outlet (13) of the fuel cell plate (9) is connected to the second back pressure valve (15). The steps for implementing the fuel cell electrode structure design verification method are as follows: Install the fuel cell plate (9) into the sealing fixture, open the second solenoid valve (2), the fifth solenoid valve (5), the sixth solenoid valve (6), the eighth solenoid valve (8), the first back pressure valve (14) and the third back pressure valve (16), and intermittently introduce smoke-laden gas or pure gas into the fuel cell plate (9) according to the different gas volumes when the fuel cell stack is working, and observe the trend of smoke flow speed in each flow channel of the fuel cell plate (9); Alternatively, the fuel cell plate (9) can be installed in a sealing fixture, the heating plate (21) can be turned on and adjusted to the working temperature of the fuel cell stack. The second solenoid valve (2), the third solenoid valve (3), the fifth solenoid valve (5), the sixth solenoid valve (6), the eighth solenoid valve (8), the first back pressure valve (14) and the third back pressure valve (16) can be turned on. Depending on the different gas volume when the fuel cell stack is working, smoke-laden gas or pure gas can be intermittently introduced into the fuel cell plate (9) and the smoke flow rate trend of each flow channel of the fuel cell plate (9) can be observed. Alternatively, the fuel cell electrode plate (9) can be installed in a sealing fixture, and the first solenoid valve (1), the fourth solenoid valve (4), the seventh solenoid valve (7), and the second back pressure valve (15) can be opened. By adjusting the water flow rate and temperature and the diameter of the second back pressure valve (15), the distribution and flow of bubbles in the cooling channel of the fuel cell electrode plate (9) under different flow rates, pressures, and temperatures can be observed. Alternatively, a certain amount of deionized water can be sprayed onto the surface of the fuel cell electrode plate (9) beforehand using a sprayer. Then, a heating plate (21) or the cooling channel liquid can be heated and circulated. The second solenoid valve (2), the sixth solenoid valve (6), the eighth solenoid valve (8), the first back pressure valve (14), and the third back pressure valve (16) can be opened to control different temperatures and different purge gas volumes inside the fuel cell electrode plate (9) and observe the sealing fixture.

2. The fuel cell electrode structure design verification method according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure plate (20) with an observation window is provided on the top of the fuel cell electrode plate (9).

3. The fuel cell electrode structure design verification method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water source is equipped with a heating module.

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