Humidity testing device for fuel cell membrane humidifier

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of fuel cell membrane humidifiers, and particularly discloses a fuel cell membrane humidifier humidity testing device, which comprises a base in which a gas channel is arranged; the top cover is sequentially provided with a first probe insertion hole, a second probe insertion hole and a wet bulb gauze lead hole, the first probe insertion hole and the second probe insertion hole are both communicated with the gas channel, a communication groove is communicated between the wet bulb gauze lead hole and the second probe insertion hole, and the top cover is in sealed connection with the base; a ball head of the dry bulb hygrometer is inserted into the first probe insertion hole; a bulb of the wet bulb hygrometer is inserted into the second probe insertion hole; one end of the gauze is sleeved on a bulb of the wet bulb hygrometer, and the other end of the gauze is communicated to the outside of the top cover after sequentially passing through the communicating groove and the wet bulb gauze lead hole. The device can be used for rapidly testing the dry and wet conditions of the gas at the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell membrane humidifier, and is simple in structure, short in response time and high in precision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell membrane humidifier technology, specifically a humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cell membrane humidifier test benches are generally used to detect the dryness and wetness of the gas at the proton exchange membrane, calculate the increase in water content based on the measurement results, evaluate the humidification effect, provide measurement basis for maintaining the water balance inside the fuel cell, and also evaluate the proton conduction capacity of the proton exchange membrane.

[0003] Existing humidity detection technologies for fuel cells mainly include optical absorption methods, MEMS sensor methods, and capacitive methods. Among these, optical absorption methods are limited by complex high-pressure sealing structures and high spectral calibration costs; MEMS sensors are prone to encapsulation failure and drift under long-term high-pressure environments; and capacitive methods pose a risk of condensation contamination and have insufficient pressure resistance. While traditional wet-bulb and dry-bulb hygrometers offer advantages such as simple principles, low cost, and strong adaptability to high-humidity environments, their open structure cannot withstand the high-pressure conditions within fuel cell gas pipelines. Furthermore, the open structure necessitates gas sampling followed by detection, resulting in long response times and making them unsuitable for direct real-time humidity detection in fuel cells. This is particularly problematic during testing, as it can delay the testing process and affect the results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier, which can be used to quickly test the dryness and wetness of the gas at the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell membrane humidifier. It has a simple structure, short response time, and high accuracy.

[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier, comprising:

[0007] A base, wherein the base has a gas passage;

[0008] The top cover is provided with a first probe socket, a second probe socket, and a wet bulb gauze lead hole in sequence. The first probe socket and the second probe socket are both connected to the gas channel. A connecting groove is provided between the wet bulb gauze lead hole and the second probe socket. The top cover is sealed to the base.

[0009] A dry-bulb hygrometer, wherein the bulb of the dry-bulb hygrometer is inserted into the first probe socket;

[0010] A wet-bulb hygrometer, wherein the bulb of the wet-bulb hygrometer is inserted into the second probe socket;

[0011] The gauze is fitted at one end to the bulb of the wet bulb hygrometer, and the other end of the gauze passes through a connecting groove and a wet bulb gauze lead hole to the outside of the top cover.

[0012] In a further embodiment, one end of the gas channel is located on one side of the base, and the other end of the gas channel passes through the base. The gas channel is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole, which are respectively connected to the first probe insertion hole and the second probe insertion hole.

[0013] In a further embodiment, one end of the gas channel is connected to a gas inlet tube.

[0014] In a further embodiment, one end of the wet-bulb gauze lead hole is connected to a pipe, the other end of the pipe is connected to a water tank, and the other end of the gauze passes through the pipe and is connected to the water tank.

[0015] In a further embodiment, a flow regulating valve is connected to the pipeline.

[0016] In a further embodiment, a sealing plate is provided between the base and the top cover, and the sealing plate has channels corresponding to the first probe insertion hole, the second probe insertion hole, the wet bulb gauze lead hole, and the connecting groove.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the base is provided with a fixing strip, the fixing strip is provided with a insertion hole, the top cover is provided with a insertion rod, and the insertion rod is connected to the insertion hole.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the top cover has a movable groove at its end, and the insertion rod is slidably connected within the movable groove.

[0019] In a further embodiment, an operating block is connected to the end of the insertion rod away from the insertion hole, and a tension spring is connected between the operating block and the movable groove.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the humidity testing device for the fuel cell membrane humidifier includes two gas paths, one for drying gas and one for humidifying gas, separated by a humidifying membrane. The gas path is connected to the drying gas path.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0022] This invention designs a dry-bulb and wet-bulb hygrometer for detecting the proton exchange membrane of a fuel cell. A gas channel is designed to connect with the gas at the proton exchange membrane, avoiding cumbersome data collection and allowing for real-time measurement. The humidity of the fuel cell membrane humidifier is directly evaluated by the temperature difference between the dry-bulb and wet-bulb hygrometers, resulting in simple and direct assessment. The base and top cover facilitate the placement of the dry-bulb and wet-bulb hygrometers, preventing contamination of the experimental gas and its impact on the test results. Gauze provides capillary action to maintain proper moisture in the wet-bulb hygrometer.

[0023] This invention uses gauze to wrap the pipe, which prevents gas leakage in the test pipeline, keeps the test airflow stable, and avoids errors caused by flow fluctuations.

[0024] The present invention connects the gas channel to the gas path of the dry gas, tests the humidity at the gas inlet and outlet on the dry side, and calculates the increase in water content based on the measurement results, which can improve the evaluation effect. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the base and top cover after connection in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal connection of the base in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover connection in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a top view of the base and top cover after they are connected in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Fixing strip; 3. Insertion hole; 4. Gas channel; 5. Movable groove; 6. Operating block; 7. Top cover; 8. First probe insertion hole; 9. Second probe insertion hole; 10. Wet bulb gauze lead hole; 11. First through hole; 12. Second through hole; 13. Groove; 14. Rectangular groove; 15. Insertion rod; 16. Sealing plate; 17. Connecting groove; 18. Mounting groove; 19. Tension spring. Detailed Implementation

[0032] 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. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown, a humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier includes:

[0034] Base 1, with gas channel 4 inside;

[0035] Top cover 7, on which a first probe insertion hole 8, a second probe insertion hole 9 and a wet bulb gauze lead hole 10 are sequentially provided. The first probe insertion hole 8 and the second probe insertion hole 9 are both connected to the gas channel 4. A connecting groove 17 connects the wet bulb gauze lead hole 10 and the second probe insertion hole 9. Top cover 7 is sealed to base 1.

[0036] Dry-bulb hygrometer, with the bulb of the dry-bulb hygrometer inserted into the first probe socket 8;

[0037] The wet-bulb hygrometer has its bulb inserted into the second probe socket 9.

[0038] The gauze is fitted onto the bulb of the wet bulb hygrometer at one end, and the other end of the gauze passes through the connecting groove 17 and the wet bulb gauze lead hole 10 in sequence to connect to the outside of the top cover 7.

[0039] Its working principle is as follows: The gas to be tested is introduced into the dry-bulb hygrometer and wet-bulb hygrometer through the gas channel 4 in a sealed manner. The top cover 7 and the base 1 are connected to each other to seal the bottom of the dry-bulb hygrometer and wet-bulb hygrometer to prevent interference from impurities. By wetting the gauze, the gauze is kept at a reasonable humidity. When the gas to be tested passes through the dry-bulb hygrometer and wet-bulb hygrometer, the water absorption capacity of the dry-bulb hygrometer and wet-bulb hygrometer will be different due to the different water content of the gas itself, which will lead to different temperatures. If the water content is not saturated, the surface of the bulb of the wet-bulb hygrometer will continuously evaporate water vapor and absorb the heat of vaporization. Therefore, the temperature indicated by the wet-bulb hygrometer is lower than that indicated by the dry-bulb hygrometer. By reading the temperature difference indicated by the dry and wet bulbs, the relative humidity of the gas to be tested can be found by referring to the reference table attached to the hygrometer.

[0040] In a further embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, one end of the gas channel 4 is located on one side of the base 1, and the other end of the gas channel 4 passes through the base 1. The gas channel 4 has a first through hole 11 and a second through hole 12 respectively, which connect to the first probe socket 8 and the second probe socket 9. This facilitates the introduction of the gas to be tested from the gas channel 4 into the dry-bulb hygrometer and wet-bulb hygrometer for measurement. There can be more than one base 1, as long as the gas channels 4 within them are sealed and connected.

[0041] In a further embodiment, one end of the gas channel 4 is connected to a gas inlet tube. This facilitates the introduction of the gas to be tested into the gas channel 4.

[0042] One end of the wet-bulb gauze lead hole 10 is connected to a pipe, and the other end of the pipe is connected to a water tank. The other end of the gauze passes through the pipe and is connected to the water tank. In this way, the water tank can maintain the capillary effect of the gauze, so that it will not run dry and cause inaccurate experimental measurement results.

[0043] A flow control valve is connected to the pipeline. By adjusting the flow control valve, the amount of gas to be measured flowing through the gauze can be adjusted, further preventing errors caused by flow fluctuations. A gas tubing can be used for the pipeline, and a gas flow control valve can be selected.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, a sealing plate 16 is provided between the base 1 and the top cover 7. The sealing plate 16 has channels corresponding to the first probe insertion hole 8, the second probe insertion hole 9, the wet bulb gauze lead hole 10, and the connecting groove 17. Figure 4 This arrangement ensures that the base 1, top cover 7, and sealing plate 16 correspond to each other, allowing the gas to be measured to reach the dry-bulb and wet-bulb hygrometers smoothly. The groove 13 corresponding to the sealing plate 16 can also be formed on the top cover 7.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, a fixing strip 2 is provided on the base 1, and a fixing hole 3 is provided on the fixing strip 2. A fixing rod 15 is provided on the top cover 7, and the fixing rod 15 is connected to the fixing hole 3. This facilitates the installation and manufacturing of the base 1 and the top cover 7. It is conceivable that the fixing rod 15 is connected to the fixing hole 3 by a snap-fit. Alternatively, a set screw can be used to tightly connect the base 1, the top cover 7, and the sealing strip.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, a movable groove 5 is provided at the end of the top cover 7, and a fixing rod 15 is slidably connected in the movable groove 5. The movable groove 5 allows the fixing rod 15 to slide, making it easier to open the top cover 7.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, an operating block 6 is connected to the end of the insertion rod 15 away from the insertion hole 3, and a tension spring 19 is connected between the operating block 6 and the movable groove 5. Through the tension of the tension spring 19, there is a spring return force between the operating block 6 and the insertion rod 15, which can prevent the top cover 7 from loosening naturally, causing the insertion rod 15 to slide out of the insertion hole 3.

[0048] In some embodiments, the fuel cell membrane humidifier humidity testing device includes two gas paths, one for drying gas and one for humidifying gas, separated by a humidifying membrane. Gas channel 4 is connected to the drying gas path. This enhances the evaluation effect. When the gas is too dry, it directly reflects the effect of the exhaust gas from the fuel cell after being treated by the proton exchange membrane. It can be used to directly evaluate the function of the proton exchange membrane, monitor and ensure that the proton exchange membrane is maintained at a suitable humidity, thereby ensuring the efficient and stable operation of the fuel cell stack. If the displayed output gas dryness meets the operating requirements of the fuel cell stack, the evaluation is considered satisfactory; otherwise, it is not satisfactory, and an alarm is triggered.

[0049] The dry-bulb hygrometer and wet-bulb hygrometer of the present invention can also be configured as thermocouples with data output, which facilitates the real-time display or transmission of the measured humidity results to experimental equipment for maintenance and monitoring.

[0050] In a specific implementation, refer to Figure 2 The present invention discloses a humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier, comprising a base 1, a gas channel 4 on one side of the base 1, and a rectangular groove 14 on the upper surface of the base 1. A groove 13 is formed at the bottom of the inner cavity of the rectangular groove 14. A first through hole 11 and a second through hole 12 communicating with the gas channel 4 are respectively formed at the bottom of the inner cavity of the groove 13. A sealing plate 16 is provided inside the groove 13. A connecting groove 17 is formed at the bottom of the sealing plate 16. A top cover 7 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the sealing plate 16 and engages with the rectangular groove 14. A first probe insertion hole 8, a second probe insertion hole 9 and a wet bulb gauze lead hole 10 are respectively formed on the upper surface of the top cover 7. The first probe insertion hole 8 and the wet bulb gauze lead hole 10 are both connected to the connecting groove 17.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the second probe socket 9 is located between the first probe socket 8 and the wet bulb gauze lead hole 10. The first probe socket 8 is located above the first through hole 11, and the wet bulb gauze lead hole 10 is located above the second through hole 12. The top cover 7 and the sealing plate 16 are integrally formed, so that the connection between the top cover 7 and the sealing plate 16 is firm. The first probe socket 8 and the second probe socket 9 are the same size.

[0052] By sealing the inside of the first probe socket 8 with a dry-bulb hygrometer and the inside of the second probe socket 9 with a wet-bulb hygrometer, and by connecting the top of the wet-bulb gauze lead hole 10 to a gas tube with the other end inserted into a sealed water tank, and by wrapping the outside of the wet-bulb hygrometer with wet gauze that passes through the wet-bulb gauze lead hole 10 and the gas tube and is also introduced into the sealed water tank, the airtightness of the gas channel 4 is ensured. The experimental gas is dispersed and circulated inside the gas channel 4. In this way, the humidity of the gas can be measured in real time using both dry-bulb and wet-bulb hygrometers. This solves the technical problem that in the existing technology, when detecting the humidity of experimental gases, it is usually necessary to extract and collect the gas before detection, which is a relatively cumbersome operation and reduces the detection efficiency of experimental gases.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, fixing strips 2 are symmetrically fixedly installed on the upper surface of the base 1, and the top cover 7 is located between the two fixing strips 2. The front surface of the fixing strips 2 is symmetrically provided with insertion holes 3, such as... Figure 5 As shown, movable grooves 5 are provided on both sides of the top cover 7. Installation grooves 18 are symmetrically provided on the inner side of the movable grooves 5. A tension spring 19 is fixedly installed on the inner side of each installation groove 18. An operating block 6 is fixedly connected to one end of the tension spring 19. Insertion rods 15 penetrating the top cover 7 are fixedly installed on the opposite sides of the two operating blocks 6. One end of the insertion rod 15 is inserted into the insertion hole 3. The insertion rod 15 is located inside the tension spring 19. The operating block 6 is slidably connected to the movable groove 5.

[0054] The top cover 7 and the base 1 are connected by a rectangular groove 14, a groove 13 and a sealing plate 16. At the same time, the elastic tension of the tension spring 19 is used to insert the insertion rod 15, which is connected to it through the operating block 6, into the insertion hole 3 opened in the fixing strip 2, so as to facilitate the connection and fixation between the top cover 7 and the base 1 and improve the assembly efficiency.

[0055] In this embodiment, during installation, the dry-bulb hygrometer is first inserted into the first probe socket 8. Then, the wet-bulb hygrometer with a wet gauze covering it is inserted into the second probe socket 9. The wet gauze is led out from the wet-bulb gauze lead hole 10. At the same time, the top of the wet-bulb gauze lead hole 10 is connected to an air tube. The other end of the air tube is inserted into a sealed water tank filled with water. The wet gauze passes through the air tube and is introduced into the sealed water tank to ensure the airtightness of the gas channel 4 and to provide moisture to the wet gauze. Then, the operating block 6 is moved to stretch the tension spring 19, causing the insertion rod 15 connected to the operating block 6 to retract into the top cover 7. Then, the top cover 7 is placed inside the rectangular groove 14 opened in the base 1, while the sealing plate 16 is located inside the groove 13. Finally, the operating block 6 is released. At this time, under the elastic tension of the tension spring 19, one end of the insertion rod 15 is inserted into the insertion hole 3 opened in the fixing strip 2, so that the top cover 7 is connected and fixed to the base 1. In use, the experimental gas is passed through gas channel 4, and the gas can be detected using a dry-bulb hygrometer and a wet-bulb hygrometer.

[0056] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein.

[0057] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0058] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier, characterized in that, include: A base (1) having a gas channel (4) inside; The top cover (7) is provided with a first probe socket (8), a second probe socket (9) and a wet bulb gauze lead hole (10) in sequence. The first probe socket (8) and the second probe socket (9) are both connected to the gas channel (4). A connecting groove (17) is provided between the wet bulb gauze lead hole (10) and the second probe socket (9). The top cover (7) is sealed to the base (1). A dry-bulb hygrometer, wherein the bulb of the dry-bulb hygrometer is inserted into the first probe socket (8); A wet-bulb hygrometer, wherein the bulb of the wet-bulb hygrometer is inserted into the second probe socket (9); The gauze is fitted at one end to the bulb of the wet bulb hygrometer, and the other end of the gauze passes through the connecting groove (17) and the wet bulb gauze lead hole (10) to the outside of the top cover (7).

2. The humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the gas channel (4) is provided on one side of the base (1), and the other end of the gas channel (4) passes through the base (1). The gas channel (4) is provided with a first through hole (11) and a second through hole (12) that are connected to the first probe socket (8) and the second probe socket (9).

3. The humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the gas channel (4) is connected to a gas inlet tube.

4. The humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the wet-bulb gauze lead hole (10) is connected to a pipe, the other end of the pipe is connected to a water tank, and the other end of the gauze passes through the pipe and is connected to the water tank.

5. The humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 4, characterized in that, A flow regulating valve is connected to the pipeline.

6. The humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing plate (16) is provided between the base (1) and the top cover (7). The sealing plate (16) has channels corresponding to the first probe insertion hole (8), the second probe insertion hole (9), the wet bulb gauze lead hole (10), and the connecting groove (17).

7. The humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (1) is provided with a fixing strip (2), the fixing strip (2) is provided with a insertion hole (3), the top cover (7) is provided with an insertion rod (15), and the insertion rod (15) is connected to the insertion hole (3).

8. The humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 7, characterized in that, The top cover (7) has a movable groove (5) at its end, and the insertion rod (15) is slidably connected in the movable groove (5).

9. A humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 8, characterized in that, An operating block (6) is connected to the end of the insertion rod (15) away from the insertion hole (3), and a tension spring (19) is connected between the operating block (6) and the movable groove (5).

10. The humidity testing device for a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel cell membrane humidifier humidity testing device includes two gas paths, which are separated by a humidifying gas and a drying gas, respectively. The gas channel (4) is connected to the drying gas path.

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