Solid oxide cell air system and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of batteries, in particular to a solid oxide battery air system and a control method thereof. The solid oxide battery air system comprises: an air compressor, an air inlet of the air compressor being communicated with an electrolysis assembly through a backflow pipeline, the air compressor being used for receiving waste gas generated by the electrolysis assembly; a first temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor being arranged on the backflow pipeline and being used for detecting a temperature parameter of the waste gas in the backflow pipeline; a flow guide assembly, the flow guide assembly being arranged on the backflow pipeline and being used for opening or closing the backflow pipeline; and a controller, the controller being signal-connected with the first temperature sensor and the flow guide assembly and being used for driving the flow guide assembly to execute the opening or closing action. The waste gas temperature is monitored through the temperature sensing sensor arranged on the backflow pipeline, and then the flow guide assembly is used for allowing only the waste gas meeting the working temperature of the air compressor to enter the air compressor for driving, so that the waste gas utilization of the solid oxide battery air system is automatically completed, and the working efficiency of the air compressor is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically to an air system for a solid oxide battery and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] A Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) is a high-temperature electrochemical device that uses electrical energy to efficiently convert water vapor (H2O) or carbon dioxide (CO2) into hydrogen (H2), oxygen (O2), or syngas (containing CO and H2). Its core technology principle is the opposite of that of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), which generates electricity through a hydrogen-oxygen reaction. SOEC, on the other hand, uses electrical energy to drive a chemical reaction, achieving green energy storage and conversion. SOEC systems require operation in a high-temperature environment, approximately 600–1000°C. Therefore, the fluid entering the SOEC electrolysis device must meet temperature requirements, resulting in a heating power requirement. For high-power systems, the heating power consumption will be even higher. Since power consumption is strongly correlated with system efficiency, reducing power consumption can improve efficiency.

[0003] In related technologies, the gas discharged from the SOEC electrolysis unit enters the air compressor, driving the compressor turbine to rotate. The turbine is coaxially connected to the compressor impeller, which in turn drives the impeller to rotate at high speed, compressing the air entering the air compressor's intake side. This pressurizes the air entering the fuel cell stack. Because it utilizes exhaust gas for driving, the air compressor's power consumption can be significantly reduced, with even better energy-saving effects for high-power applications. However, existing air compressors cannot operate in high-temperature environments, and prolonged use in high-temperature environments will reduce their service life. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In related technologies, solid oxide battery air systems utilize exhaust gas to improve the working efficiency of air compressors, but the service life of air compressors is greatly reduced under high-temperature conditions.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an air system for a solid oxide battery, comprising: an electrolysis assembly, an air compressor, a first temperature sensor, a flow guiding assembly, and a controller; wherein...

[0006] An air compressor, the air inlet of which is connected to the electrolysis component through a return pipeline, is used to receive the waste gas produced by the electrolysis component;

[0007] A first temperature sensor is installed on the return pipe, and the first temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas in the return pipe.

[0008] A flow guiding component is disposed on the return pipeline, and the flow guiding component is used to open or close the return pipeline;

[0009] A controller, which is signal-connected to the first temperature sensor and the flow guiding component, is used to drive the flow guiding component to perform an on or off action; wherein...

[0010] If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas meets the preset threshold, the flow guiding component is driven to open the return pipeline so that the exhaust gas in the electrolysis component is discharged into the air compressor.

[0011] If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas does not meet the preset threshold, the flow guiding component will be driven to shut off the return pipeline.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the flow guiding component includes: a shut-off valve disposed on the return pipeline, the shut-off valve being signal-connected to the controller.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the flow guiding component further includes: a bypass pipeline connected to the return pipeline, wherein a bypass valve is provided on the bypass pipeline.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, a safety pressure relief valve is provided on the return line.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, a first heat exchanger is provided on the return pipeline, the first heat exchanger is signal-connected to the controller, and the first heat exchanger is used to adjust the temperature of the gas in the return pipeline.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, a second heat exchanger is provided on the return pipeline. The second heat exchanger includes: a first heat exchange channel, the inlet of which is configured to receive compressed air input from the air compressor, and the outlet of the first heat exchange channel is configured to deliver the compressed air input from the air compressor to the electrolysis assembly; and a second heat exchange channel, the inlet of which is configured to receive exhaust gas discharged from the electrolysis assembly, and the outlet of the second heat exchange channel is configured to deliver the exhaust gas discharged from the electrolysis assembly to the return pipeline.

[0017] The first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel are isolated from each other and are used to exchange heat between them to adjust the temperature of the compressed air flowing through the first heat exchange channel and / or the exhaust gas flowing through the second heat exchange channel.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the electrolysis assembly includes:

[0019] A heater for receiving compressed air from the air compressor, the heater being connected to the controller signal;

[0020] The electrolytic cell has its air inlet connected to the heater, and its exhaust gas outlet connected to the reflux pipeline.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the electrolysis assembly further includes a temperature sensing component for detecting the temperature of the compressed air to be introduced into the electrolysis cell.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the temperature sensing component includes:

[0023] The second temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the heater inlet.

[0024] The third temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the heater outlet.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a control method for the air system of a solid oxide battery as described in any of the above claims, comprising the following steps:

[0026] Air is supplied to the air compressor, and compressed air is delivered to the electrolysis assembly through the air compressor;

[0027] The temperature of the exhaust gas in the return pipeline is detected using a first temperature sensor; wherein...

[0028] If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas meets the preset threshold, the flow guiding component is driven to open the return pipeline so that the exhaust gas in the electrolysis component is discharged into the air compressor.

[0029] If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas does not meet the preset threshold, the flow guiding component will be driven to shut off the return pipeline.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this application include:

[0031] This application monitors the exhaust gas temperature by installing a temperature sensor on the return pipeline, and then adjusts the flow guide component to only allow exhaust gas that meets the operating temperature of the air compressor to be introduced into the air compressor for driving. This automatically completes the utilization of exhaust gas from the solid oxide battery air system while ensuring the working efficiency of the air compressor. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the solid oxide battery air system in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 2This is a control flowchart of the solid oxide battery air system in the embodiments of this application.

[0035] In the diagram: 1. Air compressor; 2. First temperature sensor; 3. Shut-off valve; 4. Bypass valve; 5. Safety relief valve; 6. First heat exchanger; 7. Second heat exchanger; 81. Heater; 82. Electrolytic cell; 91. Second temperature sensor; 92. Third temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0037] In related technologies, solid oxide battery air systems utilize exhaust gas to improve the working efficiency of air compressors, but the service life of air compressors is greatly reduced under high-temperature conditions.

[0038] Firstly, such as Figure 1 As shown, this application provides an air system for a solid oxide battery, which includes: an electrolysis unit, an air compressor 1, a first temperature sensor 2, and a flow guiding component.

[0039] An air compressor 1, whose inlet is connected to the electrolysis assembly via a return pipeline, is used to receive the exhaust gas produced by the electrolysis assembly; a first temperature sensor 2 is located on the return pipeline and is used to detect the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas in the return pipeline; a flow guiding assembly is located on the return pipeline and is used to open or close the return pipeline; a controller is signal-connected to the first temperature sensor 2 and the flow guiding assembly, and the controller is used to drive the flow guiding assembly to perform an opening or closing action; wherein...

[0040] If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas meets the preset threshold, the flow guiding component is driven to open the return pipeline so that the exhaust gas in the electrolysis component is discharged into the air compressor 1;

[0041] If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas does not meet the preset threshold, the flow guiding component will be driven to shut off the return pipeline.

[0042] It is worth noting that this application has installed a temperature sensor on the return pipeline to monitor the exhaust gas temperature, and then adjusted the flow guide component to only allow exhaust gas that meets the working temperature of the air compressor to be introduced into the air compressor for driving, thereby automatically completing the utilization of exhaust gas from the solid oxide battery air system while ensuring the working efficiency of the air compressor.

[0043] Preferably, the air compressor 1 includes an E-turbo air compressor (electric turbocharger).

[0044] It is worth noting that the air compressor 1 uses the gas discharged from the SOEC electrolysis unit to drive the turbine to rotate. The turbine is coaxially connected with the compressor impeller, which drives the impeller to rotate at high speed to compress the air on the intake side of the air compressor 1.

[0045] In some alternative embodiments, the flow guiding component includes a shut-off valve 3 disposed on the return pipeline, the shut-off valve 3 being signal-connected to the controller.

[0046] Understandably, the shut-off valve 3 is controlled by the controller. The controller first determines whether the exhaust gas discharged from the return pipeline meets the operating temperature of the air compressor 1 based on the exhaust gas temperature. If the exhaust gas temperature parameter does not meet the preset threshold, the controller controls the shut-off valve 3 to close. If the exhaust gas temperature parameter meets the preset threshold, the controller controls the shut-off valve 3 to open.

[0047] In some preferred embodiments, the flow guiding component further includes a bypass pipeline connected to the return pipeline, wherein a bypass valve 4 is provided on the bypass pipeline.

[0048] Understandably, the bypass line is used to discharge waste gas from the return line.

[0049] Furthermore, the controller is signal-connected to bypass valve 4; wherein,

[0050] If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas meets the preset threshold, the controller drives the bypass valve 4 to close and simultaneously controls the shut-off valve 3 to open, so that the exhaust gas in the electrolysis assembly is discharged into the air compressor 1.

[0051] If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas does not meet the preset threshold, the controller drives the bypass valve 4 to open and simultaneously controls the shut-off valve 3 to close, so that the exhaust gas in the electrolysis unit is discharged from the tail section through the bypass pipeline.

[0052] In a first preferred embodiment provided in this application, a safety relief valve 5 is provided on the return pipeline, and the safety relief valve 5 is a mechanical pressure relief valve.

[0053] Understandably, mechanical pressure relief valves can open automatically at a set pressure, thus enabling automatic control without the need for a dedicated controller.

[0054] In a second preferred embodiment provided in this application, a safety relief valve 5 is provided on the return pipeline, and a pressure sensor is provided on the return pipeline.

[0055] Understandably, the pressure sensor monitors the return line pressure in real time. If the pressure exceeds the normal value, the controller will immediately and automatically activate the safety relief valve 5 to release pressure and regulate the system pressure. The safety valve balances the system pressure, serving as a final safety measure and significantly enhancing system safety.

[0056] In some alternative implementations, a heat exchange assembly is provided on the return line.

[0057] It is worth noting that after the waste gas generated by the electrolysis unit is discharged into the return pipeline, the waste gas in the return pipeline is first cooled by heat exchange components.

[0058] Specifically, the heat exchange assembly includes: a first heat exchanger 6; wherein,

[0059] The first heat exchanger 6 is installed on the return pipeline. The first heat exchanger 6 is connected to the controller signal and is used to adjust the temperature of the exhaust gas discharged from the electrolysis component in the return pipeline.

[0060] It is worth noting that the first heat exchanger 6 is used to adjust the temperature of the exhaust gas discharged into the air compressor 1. The controller can drive the first heat exchanger 6 to adjust the temperature according to the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 2.

[0061] In some preferred embodiments, a water supply preheating interface is reserved on the first heat exchanger 6, and the heat exchange water of the first heat exchanger 6 is connected to the water supply device of the fixed oxide battery air system.

[0062] It is worth noting that the electrolysis unit requires a relatively high temperature to operate, which necessitates converting the liquid water from the water supply device into water vapor via a water evaporator before it is fed into the electrolysis unit for reaction. However, the process of converting liquid water into water vapor via the water evaporator is energy-intensive. In this application, the liquid water supplied by the water supply device passes through the first heat exchanger 6 before entering the water evaporator, allowing the liquid water to exchange heat with the exhaust gas in the return pipeline. On the one hand, this lowers the exhaust gas temperature, reducing it to a level suitable for the normal operation of the air compressor 1. On the other hand, it raises the temperature of the liquid water before it enters the water evaporator, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the water evaporator.

[0063] In some optional embodiments, a second heat exchanger 7 is provided on the return line, the second heat exchanger 7 comprising:

[0064] The first heat exchange channel has an inlet configured to receive compressed air input from the air compressor 1, and an outlet configured to deliver the compressed air input from the air compressor 1 to the electrolysis assembly; the second heat exchange channel has an inlet configured to receive exhaust gas discharged from the electrolysis assembly, and an outlet configured to deliver the exhaust gas discharged from the electrolysis assembly to the return pipeline.

[0065] The first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel are isolated from each other and are used to exchange heat between them to adjust the temperature of the compressed air flowing through the first heat exchange channel and / or the exhaust gas flowing through the second heat exchange channel.

[0066] It is worth noting that, as mentioned above, the compressed air in the electrolysis unit needs to be preheated before being fed into the electrolysis cell 82 for reaction. The exhaust gas discharged from the electrolysis cell 82 needs to be cooled before being fed into the air compressor 1. In the above embodiment, while the low-temperature compressed air output from the air compressor 1 cools the exhaust gas discharged from the electrolysis unit through heat exchange, the low-temperature compressed air also heats up during the heat exchange process, thereby reducing the energy consumption required for preheating the electrolysis unit.

[0067] In some specific embodiments, the electrolysis assembly includes: a heater 81 and an electrolytic cell 82; wherein,

[0068] Heater 81 is used to receive compressed air from air compressor 1, and heater 81 is connected to the controller signal; electrolytic cell 82 has its air inlet connected to heater 81, and its exhaust outlet connected to the return pipeline.

[0069] In some alternative embodiments, the electrolysis assembly further includes a temperature sensing component for detecting the temperature of the compressed air to be introduced into the electrolysis cell 82.

[0070] Understandably, the controller determines whether the temperature meets the requirements based on the temperature information detected by the temperature sensing component. If the temperature does not meet the requirements, it simultaneously controls the heater 81 and the second heat exchanger 7 to perform heating or heat exchange operations until the air temperature inside the electrolysis assembly meets the preset requirements.

[0071] In some preferred embodiments, the temperature sensing component includes: a second temperature sensor 91 and a third temperature sensor 92; wherein,

[0072] The second temperature sensor 91 is used to detect the temperature of the air inlet of the heater 81; the third temperature sensor 92 is used to detect the temperature of the air outlet of the heater 81.

[0073] It should be noted that the second temperature sensor 91 and the third temperature sensor 92 detect the air temperature at different points in the process. During the operation of the solid oxide battery air system, the air temperature inside the electrolytic module is adjusted in a timely manner based on the temperature information from different locations.

[0074] Secondly, this application provides a control method for a solid oxide battery air system as described in any of the above claims, comprising the following steps:

[0075] Step S1: Supply air to the air compressor 1 and deliver compressed air to the electrolysis assembly through the air compressor 1.

[0076] Understandably, after the operating command is issued, the air compressor operates as required, and the air enters the second heat exchanger 7 and is then fed into the electrolysis unit.

[0077] Step S2, as follows Figure 1 As shown, the second temperature sensor 91 monitors the temperature of the compressed air in the pipeline, which meets the requirements.

[0078] Specifically, if the monitoring value is high or low, if it is too high, the power requirement of heater 81 will be reduced; if it is too low, the second heat exchanger 7 will be added to work, or the heat exchanger will be driven to stop working.

[0079] It should be noted that heater 81 needs to determine the appropriate heating power based on the temperature monitoring value of the second temperature sensor 91 before it can be put into operation.

[0080] Step S3: Adjust the heating power of heater 81 again based on the temperature monitoring value of the third temperature sensor 92.

[0081] Specifically, the power P adjustment formula for heater 81 includes:

[0082]

[0083] In the formula, ṁ is the air mass flow rate (kg / s), cp is the specific heat capacity of air at constant pressure (J / (kg·K)), Tset is the target temperature (charge stack inlet set temperature), T1 is the preheater outlet temperature (electric heater inlet temperature), and K... p For proportional gain, K i T1 is the integral gain, and T2 is the outlet temperature of the electric heater (inlet temperature of the fuel cell stack).

[0084] In step S4, after the electrolytic cell 82 reacts, waste gas is discharged into the return pipeline.

[0085] Step S5: Use the first temperature sensor 2 to detect the temperature of the exhaust gas in the return pipeline; wherein,

[0086] Scenario A: If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas meets the preset threshold, the flow guiding component is driven to open the return pipeline so that the exhaust gas in the electrolysis component is discharged into the air compressor 1.

[0087] Specifically, if the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas meets the preset threshold, the shut-off valve 3 is opened to allow the exhaust gas after electrolysis reaction in the return gas pipe to enter the air compressor 1.

[0088] In case B, if the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas does not meet the preset threshold, the flow guiding component will be driven to shut off the return pipeline.

[0089] Specifically, if the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas does not meet the preset threshold (i.e., the temperature exceeds the threshold), the shut-off valve 3 shuts off the return pipeline and opens the bypass valve 4, so that the exhaust gas in the return pipeline is discharged through the bypass pipeline.

[0090] Furthermore, concurrently with step S5, a mechanical safety relief valve monitors the system pressure in real time. If the pressure exceeds the normal value, it automatically opens to relieve pressure and regulate the system pressure.

[0091] In summary, the embodiments of this application use a combination of shut-off valve, bypass valve and temperature sensor to strictly control the temperature entering the air compressor, which greatly increases the service life of the air compressor.

[0092] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0093] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0094] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. 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 this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A solid oxide battery air system, characterized in that, include: Electrolysis components; An air compressor (1) has its air inlet connected to the electrolysis assembly via a return pipeline. The air compressor (1) is used to receive the waste gas produced by the electrolysis assembly. The first temperature sensor (2) is installed on the return pipeline and is used to detect the temperature parameters of the exhaust gas in the return pipeline. A flow guiding component is disposed on the return pipeline, and the flow guiding component is used to open or close the return pipeline; A controller, which is signal-connected to the first temperature sensor (2) and the flow guiding component, is used to drive the flow guiding component to perform a conduction or cutoff action; wherein, If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas meets the preset threshold, the flow guiding component is driven to open the return pipeline so that the exhaust gas in the electrolysis component is discharged into the air compressor (1). If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas does not meet the preset threshold, the flow guiding component is driven to shut off the return pipeline to prevent the exhaust gas from entering the air compressor (1).

2. The solid oxide battery air system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow guiding component includes a shut-off valve (3) located on the return pipeline, and the shut-off valve (3) is connected to the controller signal.

3. The solid oxide battery air system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The flow guiding component further includes: a bypass pipeline connected to the return pipeline, and a bypass valve (4) is provided on the bypass pipeline.

4. The solid oxide battery air system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The return pipeline is equipped with a safety pressure relief valve (5).

5. The solid oxide battery air system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The return pipeline is equipped with a second heat exchanger (7), which includes: The first heat exchange channel has an inlet configured to receive compressed air input from the air compressor (1) and an outlet configured to deliver the compressed air input from the air compressor (1) to the electrolysis assembly. The second heat exchange channel has an inlet configured to receive exhaust gas discharged from the electrolysis unit, and an outlet configured to transport the exhaust gas discharged from the electrolysis unit to the return pipeline. The first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel are isolated from each other, and are used to exchange heat between them to adjust the temperature of the compressed air flowing through the first heat exchange channel and / or the exhaust gas flowing through the second heat exchange channel.

6. The solid oxide battery air system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The return pipeline is equipped with a first heat exchanger (6), which is used to adjust the temperature of the medium in the return pipeline.

7. The solid oxide battery air system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolysis assembly includes: A heater (81) for receiving compressed air from the air compressor (1), the heater (81) being signal-connected to the controller; The electrolytic cell (82) has its air inlet connected to the heater (81), and its exhaust outlet is connected to the return pipeline.

8. The solid oxide battery air system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The electrolysis assembly further includes a temperature sensing component, which is used to detect the temperature of the compressed air to be introduced into the electrolysis cell (82).

9. The solid oxide battery air system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The temperature sensing component includes: A second temperature sensor (91) is used to detect the temperature of the air inlet of the heater (81); A third temperature sensor (92) is used to detect the temperature of the outlet of the heater (81).

10. A control method for an air system of a solid oxide battery as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Air is supplied to the air compressor (1) and compressed air is delivered to the electrolysis assembly through the air compressor (1); The temperature of the exhaust gas in the return pipe is detected using the first temperature sensor (2); wherein, If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas meets the preset threshold, the flow guiding component is driven to open the return pipeline so that the exhaust gas in the electrolysis component is discharged into the air compressor (1). If the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas does not meet the preset threshold, the flow guiding component will be driven to shut off the return pipeline.

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