Fuel cell monitoring system in salt spray environment and test method

Abstract

The invention provides a fuel cell monitoring system in a salt mist environment, which comprises a salt mist generation assembly, a test platform, a salt mist spraying assembly and an electrochemical test assembly, and is characterized in that the salt mist generation assembly is used for generating salt mist with a set concentration, and the test platform is used for installing a to-be-tested fuel cell; the salt mist spraying assembly is connected with the salt mist generating assembly, is provided with a cathode gas outlet end connected with a cathode of a fuel cell to be tested, and is used for conveying salt mist generated by the salt mist generating assembly to the cathode of the fuel cell to be tested at a set rate, and the electrochemical testing assembly is provided with a plurality of detection ends connected with the fuel cell to be tested; according to the invention, the salt mist spraying assembly is connected with the salt mist generation assembly, so that salt mist can be sprayed to the fuel cell to be detected on the test platform at a set rate, and the actual condition that the fuel cell impacts the salt mist in the moving process can be simulated more appropriately in the real condition; further, the influence of the salt mist on the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell in a real situation is reflected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell performance testing technology, and in particular to a fuel cell monitoring system and testing method under salt spray conditions. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the surge in global greenhouse gas emissions has led to various environmental problems such as extreme weather and rising sea levels, making energy structure transformation imperative. Hydrogen energy, due to its zero carbon emissions, high calorific value, and diverse sources, has been listed by the International Energy Agency as a core pathway to achieving carbon neutrality. Fuel cells, as a key technology for the efficient conversion of hydrogen energy, directly convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. They are characterized by high conversion efficiency and clean, pollution-free operation, and have enormous application potential in transportation, energy storage, and distributed energy supply.

[0003] However, the application of fuel cells in salt spray environments such as marine and coastal areas still faces severe challenges. Studies have shown that seawater droplets, after being broken up by waves, bubbles bursting, and evaporating, form salt-containing aerosol particles with a diameter of less than 5 μm. Taking the southeastern coast of my country as an example, the annual average chloride ion concentration in salt spray ranges from 0.148 to 0.480 mg / m³. Therefore, in marine and coastal areas, fuel cells are inevitably affected by salt spray ions in the air during operation. Existing research has shown that chloride ions, sodium ions, and other substances in salt spray, once they enter the fuel cell, can trigger multiple failure mechanisms, such as decreased catalyst activity and accelerated chemical degradation of membrane materials, significantly reducing the performance and lifespan of the fuel cell and severely restricting its large-scale application in scenarios such as ships and offshore platforms.

[0004] Current research methods for fuel cells in salt spray environments still have significant limitations. Traditional corrosive environments show a large difference in performance degradation before and after experiments compared to real salt spray environments. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a fuel cell monitoring system and testing method under salt spray conditions, which can provide a more realistic testing environment and improve the accuracy of testing.

[0006] This invention provides a fuel cell monitoring system for salt spray environments, comprising: Salt spray generating component, used to generate salt spray of a set concentration; The test platform is used to install the fuel cell to be tested; A salt spraying assembly, connected to the salt spray generating assembly and having a cathode outlet connected to the cathode of the fuel cell under test, is used to deliver salt spray generated by the salt spray generating assembly to the cathode of the fuel cell under test at a set rate; and The electrochemical testing assembly has multiple detection terminals for connection to the fuel cell under test, used to detect changes in the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell under test.

[0007] In other embodiments, the salt spraying assembly includes a booster pump and a salt spray outlet pipe. The inlet of the booster pump is connected to the outlet of the salt spray generating assembly. One end of the salt spray outlet pipe forms the cathode outlet, and the other end is connected to the outlet of the booster pump.

[0008] In other embodiments, the salt spray generating assembly includes a first air source, a first air source flow controller, a salt spray generator, a salt spray detector, a second air source, a second air source flow controller, and a mixing tank. The outlet of the first air source is connected to the inlet of the first air source flow controller, the outlet of the first air source flow controller is connected to the inlet of the salt spray generator, the outlet of the salt spray generator is connected to the inlet of the salt spray detector, the outlet of the salt spray detector is connected to the first inlet of the mixing tank, the outlet of the second air source is connected to the inlet of the second air source flow controller, the outlet of the second air source flow controller is connected to the second inlet of the mixing tank, and the outlet of the mixing tank is connected to the inlet of the booster pump.

[0009] In other embodiments, the salt spray generator includes a salt solution tank, an air inlet pipe, and an air outlet pipe. The salt solution tank is filled with a salt solution prepared in a certain proportion. One end of the air inlet pipe extends below the liquid surface of the salt solution tank, and the other end is connected to the first air source flow controller. The air outlet pipe is fixed on the upper cover of the salt solution tank and is connected to the first air inlet end of the mixing tank. The air inlet pipe blows gas into the salt solution, so that part of the salt solution forms gas and is discharged through the air outlet pipe.

[0010] In other embodiments, the solution in the salt solution tank is one of 3 wt% NaCl solution, 3 wt% KCl solution, and 3 wt% NaBr solution.

[0011] In other embodiments, a first solenoid valve is provided between the outlet of the salt spray detector and the first inlet of the mixing tank.

[0012] In other embodiments, a host computer is also included. The host computer is electrically connected to the first gas source flow controller, the salt spray detector, the second gas source flow controller, the first solenoid valve, the booster pump, and the electrochemical testing component. The host computer is used to control the working status of the first gas source flow controller, the salt spray generator, the second gas source flow controller, and the booster pump, the opening and closing status of the first solenoid valve, and to acquire the detection results of the salt spray detector and the electrochemical testing component.

[0013] In other embodiments, a gas processing device is also included, wherein a closed space for testing is formed within the gas processing device, the test platform is disposed within the closed space, and the gas processing device is used to process the salt spray generated during the test.

[0014] In other embodiments, the gas processing device includes a test chamber, a condenser, and a condensate collection tank. The test platform is located inside the test chamber, the air inlet of the condenser is connected to the test chamber, and the liquid outlet of the condenser is connected to the condensate collection tank.

[0015] The present invention also includes a method for monitoring fuel cells under salt spray conditions, implemented based on the fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray conditions described in any one of the above-mentioned methods, comprising the following steps: S1: Establish a fuel cell monitoring system for salt spray environment; S2: Prepare salt spray; Prepare a salt solution of appropriate concentration according to the test requirements and put it into the salt spray generator as the salt spray source; S3: Activate the fuel cell and test its initial electrochemical performance; S4: Test the effects of different types and the same concentration of salt spray on the electrochemical performance of fuel cells; S5: Test the effect of salt spray of the same type but different concentrations on the electrochemical performance of fuel cells; S6: Analyze the data obtained in steps S3, S4 and S5.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention includes a salt spray generating component, a test chamber, a salt spray spraying component, and an electrochemical testing component. The salt spray generating component generates salt spray of a predetermined concentration. The test chamber forms a testing space and houses a test platform for mounting the fuel cell under test. The salt spray spraying component is located within the test chamber and connected to the salt spray generating component, spraying salt spray onto the test platform at a predetermined rate. The electrochemical testing component has multiple detection terminals connected to the fuel cell under test for detecting changes in the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell. In this invention, the salt spray generating component and the salt spray spraying component are included. The salt spray generating component generates salt spray of a predetermined concentration, and the salt spray spraying component, connected to the salt spray generating component, sprays salt spray onto the fuel cell under test on the test platform at a predetermined rate. This more closely simulates the actual situation of a fuel cell impacting salt spray during movement, thus reflecting the impact of salt spray on the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell in real-world conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray environment in this invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a medium salt spray generator; Wherein: 1-Salt spray generating component, 1-First air source, 12-First air source flow controller, 13-Salt spray generator, 131-Salt solution tank, 132-Inlet pipe, 133-Outlet pipe, 14-Salt spray detector, 15-Second air source, 16-Second air source flow controller, 17-Mixing tank, 18-First solenoid valve; 2-Test platform; 3-Salt spraying assembly, 31-Booster air pump, 32-Salt spray outlet pipe; 4-Electrochemical testing components; 5-Host computer; 6-Gas processing device, 61-Test chamber, 62-Condenser, 63-Condensate collection tank. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this application and are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the principles of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0020] like Figure 1-2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray conditions, comprising: a salt spray generating component 1, a test platform 2, a salt spray spraying component 3, and an electrochemical testing component 4. The salt spray generating component 1 is used to generate salt spray of a set concentration. The test platform 2 is used to install the fuel cell to be tested. The salt spray spraying component 3 is connected to the salt spray generating component 1 and has a cathode outlet connected to the cathode of the fuel cell to be tested, and is used to deliver the salt spray generated by the salt spray generating component to the cathode of the fuel cell to be tested at a set rate. The electrochemical testing component 4 has multiple detection terminals connected to the fuel cell to be tested, and is used to detect changes in the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell to be tested.

[0021] During testing, the fuel cell to be tested is installed on the test platform 21, the salt spray generating component 1 is turned on to generate salt spray of a preset concentration, and the salt spraying component 3 is turned on to spray salt spray onto the fuel cell to be tested on the test platform 21 at a preset rate to simulate the actual situation of the fuel cell impacting the salt spray during movement in real life. The electrochemical testing component 4 detects the changes in the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell.

[0022] In this invention, a salt spray generating component 1 and a salt spraying component 3 are provided. The salt spray generating component 1 can generate salt spray of a preset concentration. The salt spraying component 3 is connected to the salt spray generating component 1 and can spray salt spray onto the fuel cell to be tested on the test platform 21 at a set rate. This can more closely simulate the actual situation of the fuel cell impacting the salt spray during movement in real-world conditions, thereby reflecting the impact of salt spray on the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell in real-world conditions.

[0023] Specifically, the salt spray generating assembly 1 includes a first air source 11, a first air source flow controller 12, a salt spray generator 13, a salt spray detector 14, a second air source 15, a second air source flow controller 16, and a mixing tank 17. The outlet of the first air source 11 is connected to the inlet of the first air source flow controller 12. The outlet of the first air source flow controller 12 is connected to the inlet of the salt spray generator 13. The outlet of the salt spray generator 13 is connected to the inlet of the salt spray detector 14. The outlet of the salt spray detector 14 is connected to the first inlet of the mixing tank 17. The outlet of the second air source 15 is connected to the inlet of the second air source flow controller 16. The outlet of the second air source flow controller 16 is connected to the second inlet of the mixing tank 17. The outlet of the mixing tank 17 is connected to the salt spray spraying assembly 3. In use, the gas from the first gas source 11 is quantitatively introduced into the salt spray generator 13 to form salt spray, which is then sent to the mixing tank 17 and mixed with a quantitative amount of gas from the second gas source to form a salt spray of a preset concentration, which is then sent to the salt spraying assembly 3.

[0024] Furthermore, the salt spray generator 13 includes a salt solution tank 131, an air inlet pipe 132, and an air outlet pipe 133. The salt solution tank 131 is filled with a salt solution prepared in a certain proportion. One end of the air inlet pipe 132 extends below the liquid surface of the salt solution tank 131, and the other end is connected to the first air source flow controller 12. The air outlet pipe 133 is fixed on the upper cover of the salt solution tank 131 and is connected to the first air inlet end of the mixing tank 17.

[0025] Furthermore, the solution in the salt solution tank 131 is one of 3 wt% NaCl solution, 3 wt% KCl solution, and 3 wt% NaBr solution.

[0026] Furthermore, a first solenoid valve 18 is provided between the air outlet of the salt spray detector 14 and the first air inlet of the mixing tank 17. The purpose of providing the first solenoid valve 18 is to control whether salt spray enters the mixing tank 17.

[0027] Specifically, the salt spraying assembly 3 includes a booster pump 31 and a salt spray outlet pipe 32. The air inlet of the booster pump 31 is connected to the air outlet of the mixing tank 17. One end of the salt spray outlet pipe 32 forms the cathode outlet, and the other end is connected to the air outlet of the booster pump 31. The booster pump 31 pressurizes the salt spray so that the salt spray has a certain speed relative to the fuel cell, in order to simulate the contact between the fuel cell and the salt spray in a real environment when it is on a vehicle.

[0028] Specifically, the electrochemical testing component 4 is a common fuel cell testing instrument, which is used to perform in-situ electrochemical diagnostics on fuel cells operating in a salt spray environment, such as linear scanning voltammetry, AC impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Its specific structure and detection principle are well known to those skilled in the art, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0029] Specifically, it also includes a host computer 5, which is electrically connected to the first gas source flow controller 12, the salt spray detector 14, the second gas source flow controller 16, the first solenoid valve 18, the booster pump 31, and the electrochemical testing component 4. The host computer 5 is used to control the working status of the first gas source flow controller 12, the salt spray generator 13, the second gas source flow controller 16, and the booster pump 31, the opening and closing status of the first solenoid valve 18, and to acquire the detection results of the salt spray detector 14 and the electrochemical testing component 4.

[0030] Specifically, it also includes a gas processing device 6, which forms a closed space for testing. The testing platform 2 is located in the closed space. The gas processing device 6 is used to process the salt spray generated during the test to prevent the salt spray from escaping and polluting the environment.

[0031] Furthermore, the gas treatment device 6 includes a test chamber 61, a condenser 62, and a condensate collection tank 63. The test platform 2 is located inside the test chamber 61. The air inlet of the condenser 62 is connected to the test chamber 61, and the liquid outlet of the condenser 62 is connected to the condensate collection tank 63. The condenser 62 can lower the air temperature, causing the water carrying salt to condense into liquid water, which is then sent to the condensate collection tank 63, preventing salt mist from escaping into the environment and causing corrosion to other equipment.

[0032] This invention also includes a method for monitoring fuel cells under salt spray conditions, comprising the following steps: S1: Establish a fuel cell monitoring system for salt spray environment; S2: Prepare salt spray; Prepare a salt solution of appropriate concentration according to the test requirements and put it into the salt spray generator as the salt spray source; S3: Activate the fuel cell and test its initial electrochemical performance; S4: Test the effects of different types and the same concentration of salt spray on the electrochemical performance of fuel cells; S5: Test the effect of the same type of salt spray at different concentrations on the electrochemical performance of fuel cells; S6: Analyze the data obtained in steps S3, S4 and S5.

[0033] Furthermore, in step S3, the fuel cell is first activated. During activation, the first gas source flow controller 12 and the first solenoid valve 18 are closed, and the second gas source flow controller 16 is opened to supply only air. After activation, the polarization curve of the fuel cell is recorded, and tests such as hydrogen permeation current and electrochemical active area are performed through the electrochemical module, and the initial electrochemical performance values ​​are recorded.

[0034] Furthermore, in step S4, multiple fuel cells with the same structure are assembled and placed into a test chamber one by one for operation. When each fuel cell is placed in the chamber, a different type of salt spray of the same concentration is used to test the polarization curve, hydrogen permeation current and electrochemical active area of ​​each fuel cell.

[0035] Furthermore, in step S5, multiple identical fuel cells are assembled and placed into a test chamber one by one for operation. When each fuel cell is placed in the chamber, the same type of salt spray with different concentrations is used to test the polarization curve, hydrogen permeation current, and electrochemical active area of ​​each fuel cell.

[0036] Furthermore, in step S6, the data obtained in steps S3 and S4 are compared to analyze the impact of different types of salt spray on the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell; the data obtained in steps S5 and S3 are compared to analyze the impact of different salt spray conditions on the durability of the fuel cell; and the poisoning mechanism of different salt spray conditions on the fuel cell is analyzed by comparing the changes in electrochemical performance.

[0037] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention includes a salt spray generating component, a test chamber, a salt spray spraying component, and an electrochemical testing component. The salt spray generating component generates salt spray of a predetermined concentration. The test chamber forms a testing space and houses a test platform for mounting the fuel cell under test. The salt spray spraying component is located within the test chamber and connected to the salt spray generating component, spraying salt spray onto the test platform at a predetermined rate. The electrochemical testing component has multiple detection terminals connected to the fuel cell under test for detecting changes in the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell. In this invention, the salt spray generating component and the salt spray spraying component are included. The salt spray generating component generates salt spray of a predetermined concentration, and the salt spray spraying component, connected to the salt spray generating component, sprays salt spray onto the fuel cell under test on the test platform at a predetermined rate. This more closely simulates the actual situation of a fuel cell impacting salt spray during movement, thus reflecting the impact of salt spray on the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell in real-world conditions.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the module 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 components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The specific embodiments of the present invention described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made in accordance with the technical concept of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray environment, characterized in that, include: Salt spray generating component, used to generate salt spray of a set concentration; The test platform is used to install the fuel cell to be tested; A salt spraying assembly, connected to the salt spray generating assembly and having a cathode outlet connected to the cathode of the fuel cell under test, is used to deliver the salt spray generated by the salt spray generating assembly to the cathode of the fuel cell under test at a set rate. as well as The electrochemical testing assembly has multiple detection terminals for connection to the fuel cell under test, used to detect changes in the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell under test.

2. The fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray environment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The salt spraying assembly includes a booster pump and a salt spray outlet pipe. The inlet of the booster pump is connected to the outlet of the salt spray generating assembly. One end of the salt spray outlet pipe forms the cathode outlet, and the other end is connected to the outlet of the booster pump.

3. The fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray environment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The salt spray generating assembly includes a first air source, a first air source flow controller, a salt spray generator, a salt spray detector, a second air source, a second air source flow controller, and a mixing tank. The outlet of the first air source is connected to the inlet of the first air source flow controller, the outlet of the first air source flow controller is connected to the inlet of the salt spray generator, the outlet of the salt spray generator is connected to the inlet of the salt spray detector, the outlet of the salt spray detector is connected to the first inlet of the mixing tank, the outlet of the second air source is connected to the inlet of the second air source flow controller, the outlet of the second air source flow controller is connected to the second inlet of the mixing tank, and the outlet of the mixing tank is connected to the inlet of the booster pump.

4. The fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray environment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The salt spray generator includes a salt solution tank, an air inlet pipe, and an air outlet pipe. The salt solution tank is filled with a salt solution prepared in a certain proportion. One end of the air inlet pipe extends below the liquid surface of the salt solution tank, and the other end is connected to the first air source flow controller. The air outlet pipe is fixed on the upper cover of the salt solution tank and is connected to the first air inlet end of the mixing tank. The air inlet pipe blows gas into the salt solution, so that part of the salt solution forms gas and is discharged through the air outlet pipe.

5. The fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray environment as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The solution in the salt solution tank is one of the following: 3 wt% NaCl solution, 3 wt% KCl solution, and 3 wt% NaBr solution.

6. The fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray environment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A first solenoid valve is provided between the outlet of the salt spray detector and the first inlet of the mixing tank.

7. The fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray environment as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a host computer, which is electrically connected to the first gas source flow controller, the salt spray detector, the second gas source flow controller, the first solenoid valve, the booster pump, and the electrochemical testing component. The host computer is used to control the working status of the first gas source flow controller, the salt spray generator, the second gas source flow controller, and the booster pump, the opening and closing status of the first solenoid valve, and to acquire the detection results of the salt spray detector and the electrochemical testing component.

8. The fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray environment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a gas processing device, which forms a closed space for testing, and the testing platform is located in the closed space. The gas processing device is used to process the salt spray generated during the test.

9. The fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray environment as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The gas processing device includes a test chamber, a condenser, and a condensate collection tank. The test platform is located inside the test chamber. The air inlet of the condenser is connected to the test chamber, and the liquid outlet of the condenser is connected to the condensate collection tank.

10. A method for monitoring fuel cells under salt spray conditions, implemented based on the fuel cell monitoring system under salt spray conditions according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Establish a fuel cell monitoring system for salt spray environment; S2: Prepare salt spray; Prepare a salt solution of appropriate concentration according to the test requirements and put it into the salt spray generator as the salt spray source; S3: Activate the fuel cell and test its initial electrochemical performance; S4: Test the effects of different types and the same concentration of salt spray on the electrochemical performance of fuel cells; S5: Test the effect of salt spray of the same type but different concentrations on the electrochemical performance of fuel cells; S6: Analyze the data obtained in steps S3, S4 and S5.

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