Hydrogen pump test structure of fuel cell BOP test bench

By improving the hydrogen pump testing structure of the fuel cell BOP test bench, and adopting pneumatic valve control for flow channels and welding connections, the problems of repetitive labor and space occupation of existing test benches have been solved, achieving an efficient and safe testing process, and reducing costs and time.

CN121024906APending Publication Date: 2025-11-28HYDROGEN (BEIJING) HYDROGEN ENERGY TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511036757.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-07-28
Publication Date
2025-11-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing fuel cell BOP test benches suffer from problems such as excessive repetitive work, large space occupation, insufficient flexibility, and high costs, which affect the project development cycle.

Method used

A hydrogen pump test structure for a fuel cell BOP test bench is designed. An improved structure and loop control are adopted. The flow channel is controlled by a pneumatic valve, and the gas source is selected by a manual switching valve. Quick-connect couplings are used to connect to the device under test. Right-angle couplings and T-joints are welded to reduce hydrogen leakage points and improve safety.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces repetitive labor, reduces space occupation by 2-3 times, lowers labor and material costs, improves test safety, shortens test cycle, and ensures stable project operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the field of fuel cells, in particular to a hydrogen pump test structure of a fuel cell BOP test bench. The device comprises an input assembly and an output assembly. The input assembly comprises an input pipe set, a conveying pipe, a gas cooler and a gas inlet pipe which are sequentially communicated, a manual switch valve is arranged on the input pipe set, and a first pneumatic switch valve, a gas preheater, a medium-pressure sensor, a second pneumatic switch valve and a proportional valve are sequentially arranged on the conveying pipe in the direction away from the input pipe set. A hydrogen flow meter and a first sensor assembly are sequentially arranged on the gas inlet pipe in the direction away from the gas cooler. The output assembly comprises an air outlet pipe and a tail row communicated with the tail end of the air outlet pipe. A second sensor assembly, a first pneumatic control valve, a third pneumatic switch valve and a second pneumatic control valve are sequentially arranged on the air outlet pipe in the direction away from the air outlet. By improving the structure and controlling the opening and closing of the loop, the repeated labor of personnel is effectively reduced, the longitudinal space is utilized, the space occupation is reduced, and the project development period is shortened.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular to a hydrogen pump test structure for a fuel cell BOP test bench. Background Technology

[0002] The Balance of Plant (BOP) fuel cell auxiliary system is an auxiliary device configured for the fuel cell stack. Under the control of the fuel cell control unit, it ensures the normal operation of the fuel cell, together forming the fuel cell system. The BOP mainly includes the air supply system, hydrogen circulation system, water and thermal management system, and control system. Key factors affecting fuel cell lifespan include dynamic operating conditions, start-up, and continuous idling, all of which are ultimately determined by the control system. With the expansion of platform projects, the verification requirements for BOP components increase, and the requirements for BOP component compatibility testing also become more stringent.

[0003] For existing test benches, the BOP test bench is built independently from individual components. It is assembled during trial production and dismantled after testing. This results in serious duplication of work. The assembled and dismantled benches occupy a huge amount of laboratory space, which is a waste of both manpower and material resources. It also lacks flexibility and affects the project development cycle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems existing in the background technology by proposing a hydrogen pump test structure for a fuel cell BOP test bench. By improving the structure and the opening and closing control of the circuit, the repetitive labor of personnel is effectively reduced, the vertical space is utilized, and the space occupation is reduced by 2-3 times. By improving the performance of individual components and merging the functions of multiple components, the overall stability of the equipment is enhanced, the overall cost is low, and the project development cycle can be shortened.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention provides a hydrogen pump test structure for a fuel cell BOP test bench, comprising an input component and an output component. The input component includes an input pipe group, a delivery pipe, a gas cooler, and an inlet pipe connected in sequence. A manual switch valve is provided on the input pipe group. A pneumatic switch valve one, a gas preheater, a medium-pressure sensor, a pneumatic switch valve two, and a proportional valve are arranged in sequence on the delivery pipe away from the input pipe group. A hydrogen flow meter and a sensor assembly one are arranged in sequence on the inlet pipe away from the gas cooler. The end of the inlet pipe has an inlet. The output component includes an outlet pipe and a tailpipe connected to the end of the outlet pipe. The starting end of the outlet pipe has an outlet. A sensor assembly two, a pneumatic regulating valve one, a pneumatic switch valve three, and a pneumatic regulating valve two are arranged in sequence on the outlet pipe away from the outlet.

[0006] Preferably, the input pipe assembly includes a nitrogen input pipe, a hydrogen input pipe, and a T-connector. The ends of the nitrogen input pipe, the hydrogen input pipe, and the delivery pipe are connected by the T-connector and welded together at the connection point. The starting end of the nitrogen input pipe has a nitrogen inlet, and the starting end of the hydrogen input pipe has a hydrogen inlet. The manual switching valves include a manual switching valve one installed on the nitrogen input pipe and a manual switching valve two installed on the hydrogen input pipe.

[0007] Preferably, the nitrogen input pipe, hydrogen input pipe, delivery pipe, inlet pipe, and outlet pipe all include multiple seamless steel pipe sections and right-angle joints connecting adjacent seamless steel pipe sections, with the right-angle joints and seamless steel pipes welded together.

[0008] Preferably, the right-angle connector includes a right-angled cylindrical body and two insert parts integrally connected to both ends of the cylindrical body.

[0009] Preferably, a T-connector 2 is welded to both the outlet pipe and the delivery pipe, and a circulation pipe is welded between the two T-connectors 2. One T-connector 2 is located between the pneumatic regulating valve 1 and the pneumatic switching valve 3, and the other T-connector 2 is located between the proportional valve and the gas cooler. When the pneumatic switching valve 3 is in the closed state, the gas enters the delivery pipe from the outlet pipe through the circulation pipe and re-enters the gas cooler for circulation.

[0010] Preferably, the first and second tee connectors have the same structure, each including a "T"-shaped cylindrical body and three insert sections that are integrally connected to the three ends of the cylindrical body.

[0011] Preferably, both sensor assembly one and sensor assembly two include a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0012] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the following beneficial technical effects: By improving the structure and the opening and closing control of the circuit, this invention effectively reduces repetitive labor and space occupation. The test structure uses pneumatic valves to control the flow channel in the functional area, combined with manual on / off valves to select the gas source. Existing quick-connect fittings are used in the test area to connect with the test piece, facilitating assembly and disassembly and reducing labor costs. Right-angle and T-joint connections are welded, reducing material costs and hydrogen leakage points, improving test safety, shortening the test cycle, and ensuring the critical nodes and stable operation of enterprise projects. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a right-angle connector.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tee connector.

[0016] Attached reference numerals: 100, Nitrogen inlet; 200, Hydrogen inlet; 1, Nitrogen input pipe; 2, Hydrogen input pipe; 3, Manual switch valve one; 4, Manual switch valve two; 5, Right-angle connector; 6, T-connector one; 7, Delivery pipe; 8, Pneumatic switch valve one; 9, Gas preheater; 10, Medium pressure sensor; 11, Pneumatic switch valve two; 12, Proportional valve; 13, T-connector two; 14, Gas cooler; 15, Inlet pipe; 151, Inlet; 16, Hydrogen flow meter; 17, Pressure sensor; 18, Temperature sensor; 19, Outlet pipe; 191, Outlet; 20, Pneumatic regulating valve one; 21, Pneumatic switch valve three; 22, Pneumatic regulating valve two; 23, Tail exhaust; 24, Circulation pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Example 1

[0018] like Figures 1-3 As shown in the figure, the hydrogen pump test structure of the fuel cell BOP test bench proposed in this embodiment includes an input component and an output component.

[0019] The input assembly includes an input pipe group, a delivery pipe 7, a gas cooler 14, and an inlet pipe 15 connected in sequence. A manual switch valve is installed on the input pipe group to control the flow of test gas. Along the direction away from the input pipe group, the delivery pipe 7 is sequentially equipped with a pneumatic switch valve 1 (first type), a gas preheater 9, a medium-pressure sensor 10, a pneumatic switch valve 2 (second type), and a proportional valve 12. When the pneumatic switch valve 1 (first type) is opened, the test gas enters the gas preheater 9 for heating. The medium-pressure sensor 10 measures the medium- and high-pressure hydrogen. The pneumatic switch valve 2 (second type) controls the flow of gas. The heated gas enters the proportional valve 12 for pressure control, and then the gas cooler 14 adjusts the gas temperature. A hydrogen flow meter 16 and a sensor assembly 1 are sequentially arranged on the inlet pipe 15 along the direction away from the gas cooler 14. The sensor assembly 1 includes a pressure sensor 17 and a temperature sensor 18. The gas, after its temperature is regulated by the gas cooler 14, has its flow rate measured by the hydrogen flow meter 16, and its pressure and temperature are detected by the pressure sensor 17 and temperature sensor 18, respectively, thus realizing the detection of the flow field. The end of the inlet pipe 15 has an inlet port 151. The inlet port of the hydrogen pump under test is connected to the inlet pipe 15 at the inlet port 151 using a quick-connect coupling, thereby allowing the test gas to be input into the hydrogen pump under test.

[0020] The input pipe assembly includes a nitrogen input pipe 1, a hydrogen input pipe 2, and a tee connector 6. The ends of the nitrogen input pipe 1, the hydrogen input pipe 2, and the delivery pipe 7 are connected via the tee connector 6 and welded together at the connection point. This welded connection reduces the number of connectors required, minimizes hydrogen leakage points, and improves safety. The nitrogen input pipe 1 has a nitrogen inlet 100 at its starting end, and the hydrogen input pipe 2 has a hydrogen inlet 200 at its starting end. The manual switching valves include a manual switching valve 3 on the nitrogen input pipe 1 and a manual switching valve 4 on the hydrogen input pipe 2. By closing the manual switching valve 3 and opening the manual switching valve 4, hydrogen can be supplied to this test structure; by closing the manual switching valve 4 and opening the manual switching valve 3, nitrogen can be supplied to this test structure. The input of hydrogen or nitrogen can be switched using the manual switching valves to select the appropriate gas for testing.

[0021] The output component includes an outlet pipe 19 and a tailpipe 23 connected to the end of the outlet pipe 19. The outlet pipe 19 has an outlet 191 at its starting end, adjacent to the inlet 151. The outlet of the hydrogen pump test piece is connected to the outlet pipe 19 at outlet 191 via a quick-connect coupling, allowing the gas discharged from the hydrogen pump test piece to re-enter the test structure. Along the outlet pipe 19 away from outlet 191, a second sensor assembly, a first pneumatic regulating valve 20, a third pneumatic switching valve 21, and a second pneumatic regulating valve 22 are sequentially arranged. The second sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor 17 and a temperature sensor 18. The pressure sensor 17 and temperature sensor 18 detect the gas pressure and temperature respectively. The gas pressure is then adjusted via the first pneumatic regulating valve 20. After opening the third pneumatic switching valve 21, the gas is delivered to the second pneumatic regulating valve 22, where the gas pressure can be adjusted. Finally, the gas is discharged through the tailpipe 23.

[0022] In the input and output components, the nitrogen input pipe 1, hydrogen input pipe 2, delivery pipe 7, inlet pipe 15, and outlet pipe 19 each include multiple seamless steel pipe sections and right-angle connectors 5 connecting adjacent seamless steel pipe sections. The seamless steel pipes are made of SUS316L. In each pipe, adjacent seamless steel pipe sections are arranged at right angles, resulting in a vertically oriented input and output component, reducing space occupancy. The right-angle connector 5 includes a right-angled cylindrical body and two integrally connected insert sections at both ends of the cylindrical body. The ends of the seamless steel pipes can be inserted into the insert sections, and two adjacent seamless steel pipes are connected via the right-angle connector 5. The right-angle connector 5 is welded to the seamless steel pipes. This welded connection reduces the number of connectors required, decreases hydrogen leakage points, and improves safety.

[0023] Each pneumatic on / off valve and pneumatic regulating valve has flanges at both ends, and corresponding flanges on the corresponding pipelines. The valves are connected to the corresponding flanges on the pipeline using bolts. The pneumatic on / off valve controls the opening and closing of the pipeline. After the dual ejector and hydrogen pump are connected to this test structure, the performance of the hydrogen pump and dual ejector can be tested by controlling the on / off state of the pneumatic on / off valve. The pneumatic regulating valve can adjust the gas pressure in the pipeline, achieving flexible adjustment from 3-20 bar.

[0024] In this test setup, the pneumatic switching valve, pneumatic regulating valve, medium-pressure sensor 10, pressure sensor 17, temperature sensor 18, and hydrogen flow meter 16 are all connected to the host computer via wiring harnesses, enabling centralized control via computer.

[0025] This embodiment effectively reduces repetitive manual labor by improving the structure and loop opening and closing control, utilizes vertical space to reduce space occupation by 2-3 times, and enhances the overall stability of the equipment by improving the performance of individual components and merging the functions of multiple components. This test structure uses pneumatic valves to control the flow channels in functional areas, combined with manual on / off valves to select the gas source. Existing quick-connect fittings are used in the test area to connect with the device under test, facilitating assembly and disassembly and reducing labor costs. Right-angle connectors 5 and T-joints are welded, reducing material costs and minimizing hydrogen leakage points, thus improving test safety. This test structure effectively ensures the critical nodes and stable operation of enterprise projects with lower costs and shorter testing cycles.

[0026] Example 2

[0027] like Figures 1-3 As shown in this embodiment, the hydrogen pump test structure of the fuel cell BOP test bench is different from that of Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, both the outlet pipe 19 and the delivery pipe 7 are welded with a two-way connector 13. A circulation pipe 24 is welded between the two three-way connectors 13. One three-way connector 13 is located between the pneumatic regulating valve 20 and the pneumatic switching valve 21, and the other three-way connector 13 is located between the proportional valve 12 and the gas cooler 14. The three-way connectors 16 and 23 have the same structure, both including a "T"-shaped cylinder and three insert sections 2 integrally connected to the three ends of the cylinder. The ends of the seamless steel pipes are first inserted into the insert sections 2 and then welded, resulting in a high degree of connection reliability. When the pneumatic switching valve 21 is in the closed state, the gas enters the delivery pipe 7 from the outlet pipe 19 through the circulation pipe 24 and re-enters the gas cooler 14 for circulation.

[0028] In this embodiment, when the pneumatic switch valve 21 is open, the gas is discharged from the outlet pipe 19 via the pneumatic switch valve 21, the pneumatic regulating valve 22, and the tailpipe 23. When the pneumatic switch valve 21 is closed, the gas to be discharged from the outlet pipe 19 is re-transported to the delivery pipe 7 through the circulation pipe 24, and then fed into the hydrogen pump test piece via the gas cooler 14 and the inlet pipe 15 for testing.

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydrogen pump test structure for a fuel cell BOP test bench, characterized in that, include: The input component includes an input pipe group, a delivery pipe (7), a gas cooler (14), and an inlet pipe (15) connected in sequence. A manual switch valve is provided on the input pipe group. A pneumatic switch valve one (8), a gas preheater (9), a medium pressure sensor (10), a pneumatic switch valve two (11), and a proportional valve (12) are arranged in sequence on the delivery pipe (7) in the direction away from the input pipe group. A hydrogen flow meter (16) and a sensor assembly one are arranged in sequence on the inlet pipe (15) in the direction away from the gas cooler (14). An inlet port (151) is provided at the end of the inlet pipe (15). The output component includes an air outlet pipe (19) and a tailpipe (23) connected to the end of the air outlet pipe (19). The starting end of the air outlet pipe (19) has an air outlet (191). The air outlet pipe (19) is provided with a sensor assembly two, a pneumatic regulating valve one (20), a pneumatic switching valve three (21), and a pneumatic regulating valve two (22) in sequence along the direction away from the air outlet (191).

2. The hydrogen pump test structure of a fuel cell BOP test bench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input pipe assembly includes a nitrogen input pipe (1), a hydrogen input pipe (2), and a three-way connector (6). The ends of the nitrogen input pipe (1), the hydrogen input pipe (2), and the delivery pipe (7) are connected by the three-way connector (6) and welded together at the connection point. The starting end of the nitrogen input pipe (1) has a nitrogen inlet (100), and the starting end of the hydrogen input pipe (2) has a hydrogen inlet (200). The manual switch valve includes a manual switch valve (3) installed on the nitrogen input pipe (1) and a manual switch valve (4) installed on the hydrogen input pipe (2).

3. The hydrogen pump test structure of a fuel cell BOP test bench according to claim 2, characterized in that, Nitrogen input pipe (1), hydrogen input pipe (2), delivery pipe (7), inlet pipe (15) and outlet pipe (19) all include multiple seamless steel pipes and right-angle joints (5) that connect adjacent seamless steel pipes. The right-angle joints (5) and seamless steel pipes are welded together.

4. The hydrogen pump test structure of a fuel cell BOP test bench according to claim 3, characterized in that, The right-angle connector (5) includes a right-angled cylindrical body and two insert parts integrally connected to both ends of the cylindrical body.

5. The hydrogen pump test structure of a fuel cell BOP test bench according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the outlet pipe (19) and the delivery pipe (7) are welded with a two-way connector (13). A circulation pipe (24) is welded between the two two-way connectors (13). One three-way connector (13) is located between the pneumatic regulating valve (20) and the pneumatic switch valve (21). The other three-way connector (13) is located between the proportional valve (12) and the gas cooler (14). When the pneumatic switch valve (21) is closed, the gas enters the delivery pipe (7) from the outlet pipe (19) through the circulation pipe (24) and re-enters the gas cooler (14) for circulation.

6. The hydrogen pump test structure of a fuel cell BOP test bench according to claim 5, characterized in that, The structure of the tee connector one (6) and the tee connector two (13) is the same, both including a "T"-shaped cylinder two and three insert parts two that are integrally connected to the three ends of the cylinder two.

7. The hydrogen pump test structure of a fuel cell BOP test bench according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both sensor assembly one and sensor assembly two include a pressure sensor (17) and a temperature sensor (18).