System and method for testing cold and hot impact of fuel cell

Abstract

The invention discloses a fuel cell cold and hot impact test system and method, and relates to the technical field of fuel cell test.The fuel cell cold and hot impact test system comprises a heat exchanger, a heating assembly, a refrigeration assembly and a purging assembly; the heating assembly, the refrigerating assembly and the purging assembly are connected with the heat exchanger to form a second circulation loop, a third circulation loop and a fourth circulation loop correspondingly. The first circulation loop and the second circulation loop are used for carrying out a thermal shock test on the tested fuel cell, and then the fourth circulation loop is used for carrying out purging on the heat exchanger; the first circulation loop and the third circulation loop are used for carrying out a cold shock test on the tested fuel cell, and then the fourth circulation loop is used for carrying out purging on the heat exchanger; and repeating the steps until the test is finished. According to the invention, after each thermal shock test or cold shock test, the heat exchanger is purged once, so that the cold and hot switching speed during the cold and hot shock test of the fuel cell is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel cell testing, and in particular to a fuel cell thermal shock testing system and method. Background Art

[0002] As a key development direction in the new energy transportation sector, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) face a significant impact on their commercialization process due to their environmental adaptability and reliability. This is especially true in regions with extreme climates (such as Northeast my country), where outdoor temperatures often drop below -20°C in winter, while enclosed environments like underground garages can maintain temperatures around 20°C. The sudden temperature fluctuations (instantaneous switching from 20°C to -20°C) caused by frequent vehicle ingress and egress can subject the fuel cell system to severe thermal shock, leading to stress cracking of the proton exchange membrane, failure of the bipolar plate seals, and degradation of the catalyst layer's hydrothermal cycle, seriously threatening the system's lifespan and safety. Therefore, developing a test system and method capable of accurately simulating temperature shocks is crucial to improving the cold-region adaptability of fuel cell systems.

[0003] Environmental testing for fuel cells in the industry mainly focuses on performance evaluation at steady-state temperature (such as GB / T38914-2020 "Low-temperature performance test method for fuel cell systems"). The test system mostly uses traditional high and low temperature test chambers for one-way temperature control. Although it can simulate fixed low-temperature working conditions, it is difficult to reproduce the working conditions of rapid switching between hot and cold temperatures across temperature zones. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present invention provide a fuel cell thermal shock test system and method to solve the technical problem of slow hot and cold temperature switching speed when the existing fuel cell thermal shock test system performs thermal shock tests on the fuel cell.

[0005] In a first aspect, a fuel cell thermal shock test system is provided, comprising: a heat exchanger, a heating component, a cooling component, and a purge component; The heat exchanger is used to connect with the fuel cell under test to form a first circulation loop; The heating component, the refrigeration component and the purge component are connected to the heat exchanger to form a second circulation loop, a third circulation loop and a fourth circulation loop respectively; Performing a thermal shock test on the fuel cell under test using the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop, and then performing a purge on the heat exchanger using the fourth circulation loop; Performing a cold shock test on the fuel cell under test using the first circulation loop and the third circulation loop, and then purging the heat exchanger using the fourth circulation loop; Repeat the thermal shock test-purge-cold shock test-purge until the test is completed.

[0006] In some embodiments, the refrigeration assembly includes a first refrigeration unit and a second refrigeration unit, the second refrigeration unit is connected to the heat exchanger to form a third circulation loop, the first refrigeration unit is connected to the second refrigeration unit to form a fifth circulation loop, and the refrigeration capacity of the first refrigeration unit is greater than the refrigeration capacity of the second refrigeration unit.

[0007] In some embodiments, the fuel cell thermal shock testing system further includes: A circulating medium supply box is used to provide a circulating medium with a preset reference temperature. The circulating medium supply box is connected with the heating assembly and the first refrigeration unit to form a sixth circulating loop and a seventh circulating loop respectively.

[0008] In some embodiments, the fuel cell thermal shock testing system further includes: a first four-way valve, the first four-way valve being connected to the heat exchanger, the heating assembly, the second refrigeration unit, and the purge assembly; A second four-way valve is connected to the heat exchanger, the heating component, and the second refrigeration unit.

[0009] In some embodiments, the fuel cell thermal shock testing system further includes: a first three-way valve connected to the heating assembly, the first four-way valve, and the second four-way valve; a second three-way valve connected to the second refrigeration unit, the first four-way valve, and the second four-way valve; A third three-way valve is connected to the first refrigeration unit and the second refrigeration unit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fuel cell thermal shock testing system further includes: A circulating medium recovery box is connected to the second four-way valve.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fuel cell thermal shock testing system further includes: The flow meter is provided, and the second four-way valve is arranged between the second four-way valve and the heat exchanger.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fuel cell thermal shock testing system further includes: A circulating medium replenishing box is used to be connected to the fuel cell under test.

[0013] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.

[0014] In a second aspect, a fuel cell thermal shock test method is provided, comprising the following steps: Perform a thermal shock test on the fuel cell under test using the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop, and then perform a purge on the heat exchanger using the fourth circulation loop; Perform a cold shock test on the fuel cell under test using the first circulation loop and the third circulation loop, and then perform a purge on the heat exchanger using the fourth circulation loop; Repeat the thermal shock test-purge-cold shock test-purge until the test is completed.

[0015] The beneficial effects brought about by the technical solution provided by the present invention include: An embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel cell thermal shock testing system and method. The fuel cell thermal shock testing system features a purge assembly that purges the heat exchanger after each thermal shock test or cold shock test. This prevents heat exchange between high-temperature and low-temperature circulating media, improves the heat exchanger's hot-cold switching speed, and thus, the hot-cold switching speed during fuel cell thermal shock testing. Compared to existing testing systems, this system offers higher test efficiency, better reflects the fuel cell's temperature adaptability, and can also be used to explore rapid aging testing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the principle of a fuel cell thermal shock test system provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic flow chart of a fuel cell thermal shock test method provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Reference numerals: 1. Heat exchanger; 2. Heating component; 3. Refrigeration assembly; 31. First refrigeration unit; 32. Second refrigeration unit; 4. Purge components; 501, first four-way valve; 502, second four-way valve; 601, first three-way valve; 602, second three-way valve; 603, third three-way valve; 7. Circulating medium recovery box; 8. Flow meter; 9. Fuel cell under test; 10. Circulating medium replenishing box; 11. Circulating medium supply box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel cell thermal shock test system, which can solve the technical problem of slow hot and cold temperature switching speed when performing thermal shock tests on fuel cells in existing fuel cell thermal shock test systems.

[0020] See also Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel cell thermal shock test system, including: a heat exchanger 1, a heating component 2, a cooling component 3 and a purge component 4.

[0021] The heat exchanger 1 is connected to the fuel cell 9 under test via a pipeline to form a first circulation loop. The heating component 2, the cooling component 3 and the purge component 4 are connected to the heat exchanger 1 via pipelines to form a second circulation loop, a third circulation loop and a fourth circulation loop respectively.

[0022] Specifically, the first, second, and third circulation loops are each provided with a circulating medium. The heat exchanger 1 generally has two pairs of input and output interfaces, through which the circulating medium flows in and out, and undergoes heat exchange within the heat exchanger 1. One pair of input and output interfaces is connected to the fuel cell under test 9 to form the first circulation loop, while the other pair of input and output interfaces is connected to the heating assembly 2, the cooling assembly 3, and the purge assembly 4 to the heat exchanger 1 to form the second, third, and fourth circulation loops, respectively. The heating assembly 2 can heat the circulating medium in the second circulation loop, maintaining it between a preset reference temperature and a preset first temperature. The heating assembly 2 can cool the circulating medium in the third circulation loop, maintaining it between a preset second temperature and a preset reference temperature. The preset reference temperature is generally between 7°C and 12°C, the preset first temperature is generally 85°C, and the preset second temperature is generally 0°C. The heating assembly 2, the cooling assembly 3, and the fuel cell under test 9 are generally integrated with a circulation pump to provide power for the circulating medium. The purge assembly 4 provides compressed air with a maximum pressure of 1 MPa, which is used to purge the residual circulating medium in the pipeline and heat exchanger when switching between hot and cold shock tests. The heat exchanger 1 can be a plate heat exchanger.

[0023] When the fuel cell undergoes thermal shock testing: A thermal shock test is performed on the fuel cell 9 under test using the first and second circulation loops, and then the heat exchanger 1 is purged using the fourth circulation loop. Specifically, the heating assembly 2 is operated, the circulating medium in the second circulation loop circulates, and the circulating medium in the first circulation loop circulates through the heat exchanger 1. The high temperature generated by the heating assembly 2 is applied to the fuel cell 9 under test, and a thermal shock test is performed.

[0024] A cold shock test is performed on the fuel cell 9 under test using the first and third circulation loops, and then the heat exchanger 1 is purged using the fourth circulation loop. Specifically, the refrigeration component 3 is in operation, the circulating medium in the third circulation loop circulates, and the circulating medium in the first circulation loop circulates through the heat exchanger 1. The low temperature generated by the refrigeration component 3 is applied to the fuel cell 9 under test, and a thermal shock test is performed.

[0025] Repeat the thermal shock test-purge-cold shock test-purge until the test is completed.

[0026] The fuel cell thermal shock test system in this embodiment features a purge assembly that purges the heat exchanger after each thermal or cold shock test. This prevents heat exchange between the high-temperature and low-temperature circulating media, improves the heat exchanger's hot-to-cold switching speed, and thus, the switching speed during fuel cell thermal shock testing. Compared to existing testing systems, this system offers greater testing efficiency, better reflects the fuel cell's temperature adaptability, and can also be used to explore rapid aging tests.

[0027] As an optional implementation, in one embodiment of the invention, see Figure 1 As shown, the refrigeration assembly 3 includes a first refrigeration unit 31 and a second refrigeration unit 32. The second refrigeration unit 32 is connected to the heat exchanger 1 to form a third circulation loop. The first refrigeration unit 31 and the second refrigeration unit 32 are connected to form a fifth circulation loop. The refrigeration capacity of the first refrigeration unit 31 is greater than the refrigeration capacity of the second refrigeration unit 32.

[0028] Specifically, the first refrigeration unit 31 can cool the circulating medium in the fifth circulation loop, maintaining it between a preset third temperature and a preset reference temperature, which can be -45°C. The second refrigeration unit 32 can cool the circulating medium in the third circulation loop, maintaining it between a preset second temperature and a preset reference temperature. In this embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration assembly 3 is configured as a first refrigeration unit 31 and a second refrigeration unit 32, and the refrigeration capacity of the first refrigeration unit 31 is greater than that of the second refrigeration unit 32. Through two-stage refrigeration, the refrigeration efficiency can be improved, and the circulating medium in the third circulation loop can be quickly cooled.

[0029] As an optional implementation, in one embodiment of the invention, see Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell thermal shock test system also includes: a circulating medium supply box 11, which is used to provide a circulating medium with a preset reference temperature. The circulating medium supply box 11 is connected to the heating component 2 and the first refrigeration unit 31 to form a sixth circulation loop and a seventh circulation loop respectively.

[0030] When the heating component 2 and the first refrigeration unit 31 are not working, the circulating medium of the preset reference temperature can be provided by the circulating medium supply box 11 to cool down or heat up the heating component 2 and the first refrigeration unit 31. At this time, the sixth circulation loop or the seventh circulation loop works, and the working method is similar to that of the heat exchanger, so that the heating component 2 and the first refrigeration unit 31 are at a suitable standby temperature, thereby extending the service life of the heating component 2 and the first refrigeration unit 31.

[0031] As an optional implementation, in one embodiment of the invention, see Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell thermal shock test system further includes: a first four-way valve 501 and a second four-way valve 502 .

[0032] The first four-way valve 501 is connected to the heat exchanger 1 , the heating component 2 , the second refrigeration unit 32 and the purge component 4 .

[0033] The second four-way valve 501 is connected to the heat exchanger 1 , the heating assembly 2 , and the second refrigeration unit 32 .

[0034] Specifically, when performing a thermal shock test, the A and C channels of the first four-way valve 501 are connected, and the A and C channels of the second four-way valve 502 are connected. When performing a cold shock test, the B and C channels of the first four-way valve 501 are connected, and the B and C channels of the second four-way valve 502 are connected. When purging is performed after a thermal shock test or a cold shock test, the C and D channels of the first four-way valve 501 are connected, and the C and D channels of the second four-way valve 502 are connected. As an optional implementation, in one embodiment of the invention, see Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell thermal shock test system further includes: a first three-way valve 601 , a second three-way valve 602 and a third three-way valve 603 .

[0035] The first three-way valve 601 is connected to the heating component 2 , the first four-way valve 501 and the second four-way valve 502 .

[0036] The second three-way valve 602 is connected to the second refrigeration unit 32 , the first four-way valve 501 , and the second four-way valve 502 .

[0037] The third three-way valve 603 is connected to the first refrigeration unit 31 and the second refrigeration unit 32 .

[0038] Specifically, when performing a thermal shock test, channels A and C of the first three-way valve 601 are connected. When performing a cold shock test, channels A and C of the second three-way valve 602 are connected, and channels A and C of the third three-way valve 603 are connected. When channels A and C of the first three-way valve 601 are connected, the heating component 2 outputs a self-circulation. When channels A and C of the second three-way valve 602 are connected, the second refrigeration unit 32 outputs a self-circulation. When channels A and C of the third three-way valve 603 are connected, the first refrigeration unit 31 outputs a self-circulation. In this way, the circulating medium supply box 11 can be used to cool down or heat up the heating component 2, the first refrigeration unit 31, and the second refrigeration unit 32.

[0039] As an optional implementation, in one embodiment of the invention, see Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell thermal shock test system further includes a circulating medium recovery tank 7, which is connected to the second four-way valve 502. Specifically, the circulating medium recovery tank 7 is connected to the D channel of the second four-way valve 502. When the purge assembly purges the residual circulating medium in the pipeline and heat exchanger, the residual circulating medium can be blown into the circulating medium recovery tank 7 for storage.

[0040] As an optional implementation, in one embodiment of the invention, see Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell thermal shock test system further includes a flow meter 8, which is disposed between the second four-way valve 502 and the heat exchanger 1. The flow meter 8 is used to display the flow rate in the pipeline during the purge operation. When the flow meter 8 displays zero, the purge operation can be terminated.

[0041] As an optional implementation, in one embodiment of the invention, see Figure 1As shown, the fuel cell thermal shock test system further includes a circulating medium replenishing tank 10, which is connected to the fuel cell under test 9. The circulating medium replenishing tank 10 is used to replenish the circulating medium in the fuel cell under test 9 and remove internal bubbles. The circulating medium is generally deionized water or low-conductivity antifreeze.

[0042] In addition, multiple temperature and pressure sensors are installed on the connecting pipes of the fuel cell thermal shock test system, providing real-time feedback on the temperature and pressure of the corresponding pipes. Manual valves can also be installed on the sixth and seventh circulation loops to open or close them. The pipes of the sixth and seventh circulation loops can be covered with 19mm thermal insulation cotton, while the pipes of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth circulation loops can be covered with 38mm thermal insulation cotton to improve the thermal insulation effect of the system test.

[0043] See also Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a fuel cell thermal shock test method, comprising the following steps: Step S10 : performing a thermal shock test on the fuel cell 9 to be tested using the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop, and then performing a purge on the heat exchanger 1 using the fourth circulation loop.

[0044] In step S20 , a cold shock test is performed on the fuel cell 9 to be tested using the first circulation loop and the third circulation loop, and then a purge is performed on the heat exchanger 1 using the fourth circulation loop.

[0045] Step S30 , repeating the thermal shock test-purge-cold shock test-purge until the test is completed.

[0046] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper" and "lower" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. Unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it 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 it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be internal communication between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] It should be noted that, in the present invention, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are merely used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply the existence of any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the element.

[0048] The foregoing description is intended only to provide specific embodiments of the present invention, which will enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be construed in the widest possible manner consistent with the principles and novel features of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell thermal shock test system, characterized in that: include: Heat exchanger (1), heating assembly (2), cooling assembly (3) and purge assembly (4); The heat exchanger (1) is used to connect with the fuel cell (9) to be tested to form a first circulation loop; The heating component (2), the refrigeration component (3) and the purge component (4) are connected to the heat exchanger (1) to form a second circulation loop, a third circulation loop and a fourth circulation loop respectively; Performing a thermal shock test on the fuel cell (9) under test using the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop, and then performing a purge on the heat exchanger (1) using the fourth circulation loop; Performing a cold shock test on the fuel cell (9) under test using the first circulation loop and the third circulation loop, and then performing a purge on the heat exchanger (1) using the fourth circulation loop; Repeat the thermal shock test-purge-cold shock test-purge until the test is completed.

2. The fuel cell thermal shock test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigeration assembly (3) comprises a first refrigeration unit (31) and a second refrigeration unit (32); the second refrigeration unit (32) is connected to the heat exchanger (1) to form a third circulation loop; the first refrigeration unit (31) and the second refrigeration unit (32) are connected to form a fifth circulation loop; the refrigeration capacity of the first refrigeration unit (31) is greater than the refrigeration capacity of the second refrigeration unit (32).

3. The fuel cell thermal shock test system according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: A circulating medium supply box (11) is used to provide a circulating medium at a preset reference temperature, and the circulating medium supply box (11) is connected to the heating component (2) and the first refrigeration unit (31) to form a sixth circulating loop and a seventh circulating loop, respectively.

4. The fuel cell thermal shock test system according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: a first four-way valve (501), the first four-way valve (501) being connected to the heat exchanger (1), the heating component (2), the second refrigeration unit (32) and the purge component (4); A second four-way valve (502), the second four-way valve (502) is connected to the heat exchanger (1), the heating component (2), and the second refrigeration unit (32).

5. The fuel cell thermal shock test system according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: a first three-way valve (601), the first three-way valve (601) being connected to the heating component (2), the first four-way valve (501) and the second four-way valve (502); a second three-way valve (602), the second three-way valve (602) being connected to the second refrigeration unit (32), the first four-way valve (501), and the second four-way valve (502); A third three-way valve (603), the third three-way valve (603) is connected to the first refrigeration unit (31) and the second refrigeration unit (32).

6. The fuel cell thermal shock test system according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: A circulating medium recovery box (7), the circulating medium recovery box (7) is connected to the second four-way valve (502).

7. The fuel cell thermal shock test system according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: A flow meter (8), wherein the second four-way valve (502) is provided between the second four-way valve (502) and the heat exchanger (1).

8. The fuel cell thermal shock test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A circulating medium replenishing box (10) is used to be connected to the fuel cell (9) to be tested.

9. The fuel cell thermal shock testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchanger (1) is a plate heat exchanger.

10. A fuel cell thermal shock test method, using the fuel cell thermal shock test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Performing a thermal shock test on the fuel cell (9) under test using the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop, and then performing a purge on the heat exchanger (1) using the fourth circulation loop; Performing a cold shock test on the fuel cell (9) under test using the first circulation loop and the third circulation loop, and then performing a purge on the heat exchanger (1) using the fourth circulation loop; Repeat the thermal shock test-purge-cold shock test-purge until the test is completed.

Images