An automated reference volumetric measurement system and method for performance evaluation of water electrolysis hydrogen production systems.

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated reference volumetric measurement system and method for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, relating to the field of gas flow metering and performance testing. The system includes: a main inlet pipe, a main outlet pipe, multiple reference measurement units connected in parallel between the two, an intelligent fluid switching matrix for controlling gas flow and direction, and a controller electrically connected to the reference measurement units and the intelligent fluid switching matrix. The reference measurement units are used to collect temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data in real time. The controller controls the valves in the intelligent fluid switching matrix to operate according to a predetermined sequence, enabling the multiple reference measurement units to perform cyclic relay volumetric measurements within the evaluation period. The average flow rate within the evaluation period is calculated based on the temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data collected by each reference measurement unit in each cycle. This invention enables automated, high-precision measurement in high-flow-rate scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of gas flow measurement and performance testing, and in particular to an automated reference volumetric measurement system and method for performance evaluation of water electrolysis hydrogen production systems. Background Technology

[0002] As a core pathway for green hydrogen production, the accurate assessment of system performance (especially hydrogen production rate) is crucial. Currently, the industry generally follows the "volumetric method for testing gas yield" specified in Appendix B of GB / T 19774-2005 Technical Requirements for Hydrogen Production Systems via Water Electrolysis. This method involves manually operating a valve to fill a tank of known volume with hydrogen gas, and using a stopwatch to calculate the average flow rate over a period of time. This method is based on classic principles and is widely recognized as an authoritative benchmark.

[0003] However, as the capacity of a single electrolyzer jumps to 1000 Nm³ / h or even 3000 Nm³ / h... 3 With speeds exceeding [amount] / h, the limitations of traditional manual volumetric methods in industrial applications are becoming increasingly apparent.

[0004] (1) The measurement is discontinuous and inefficient: the single tank measurement is an intermittent operation. After each measurement, it is necessary to exhaust and reset for a long time, which cannot meet the requirements of long-term continuous assessment and the overall testing efficiency is low.

[0005] (2) Large human error: It is highly dependent on the technical level of the operator, and introduces significant subjective and random errors in valve operation, stopwatch control, liquid level / scale reading, etc., resulting in poor measurement repeatability.

[0006] (3) Difficulty in realizing large-scale industrial projects: If a single measuring container is simply scaled up to the level of thousands of cubic meters per hour, a series of difficult engineering problems will be faced, such as huge container size, difficulty in ensuring processing accuracy, severe challenges in sealing and safety, and high cost.

[0007] (4) Low level of automation and intelligence: It is impossible to achieve automatic control of the testing process, real-time data acquisition and processing, and it is even more difficult to integrate with digital monitoring systems.

[0008] Although various flow meters (such as vortex, thermal, and mass flow meters) exist for hydrogen flow measurement, the flow meter method is often questioned for its impartiality and final arbitration validity in scenarios requiring extremely high data authority, such as electrolyzer performance evaluation. This is due to issues like instrument accuracy drift, the need for periodic offline calibration, and the susceptibility of measurement results to changes in installation conditions and operating conditions. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automated, high-precision measurement solution that inherits the core authority of the traditional volumetric method while overcoming its aforementioned shortcomings, and is suitable for large-flow industrial applications. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the technical problems existing in the background art, this invention proposes an automated reference volumetric measurement system and method for performance evaluation of water electrolysis hydrogen production systems.

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention proposes an automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, comprising: a main inlet pipe, a main outlet pipe, multiple reference measurement units arranged in parallel between the main inlet pipe and the main outlet pipe, an intelligent fluid switching matrix for controlling the gas on / off and flow direction of the multiple reference measurement units, and a controller electrically connected to each reference measurement unit and the intelligent fluid switching matrix. The reference measurement units are used to collect internal temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data in real time. The controller is used to control each valve in the intelligent fluid switching matrix to operate in a predetermined sequence, so that the multiple reference measurement units perform cyclic relay volumetric measurement within the evaluation period, and calculate the average flow rate within the evaluation period based on the temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data collected by each reference measurement unit in each cycle.

[0011] Preferably, the valves in the intelligent fluid switching matrix are controlled to operate in a predetermined sequence, so that multiple reference measurement units perform cyclic relay volumetric measurements within the assessment period, specifically including:

[0012] S1. After the start of the assessment, the controller controls the main air intake valve in the intelligent fluid switching matrix and the unit air intake valve of the first reference measurement unit in the preset sequence to open, and the first reference measurement unit begins to inflate and measure.

[0013] S2. When the internal pressure of any reference measurement unit reaches the preset equilibrium pressure, the controller closes the unit air inlet valve of that reference measurement unit to put it into the equilibrium stage, and opens the unit air inlet valve of the next reference measurement unit that is already in the preparation stage to start the inflation and measurement of the next reference measurement unit.

[0014] S3. After opening the unit intake valve of the next reference measurement unit that is already in the preparation stage, open the unit exhaust valve and the main exhaust valve of the previous reference measurement unit that is in the balancing stage to vent the internal gas and restore the initial state.

[0015] S4. During the assessment period, multiple reference measurement units are controlled in a cyclical manner according to a preset sequence, and S2 and S3 are executed repeatedly in sequence to achieve cyclical relay measurement of multiple reference measurement units.

[0016] Preferably, the controller is also used to record and store inflation data for each reference measurement unit during inflation and measurement; wherein, the inflation data includes unit number, start time, end time, and temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data between the start and end times.

[0017] Preferably, the average flow rate within the assessment period is calculated based on the temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data collected by each benchmark measurement unit in each cycle, specifically including:

[0018] Based on the temperature-time series data, pressure-time series data, and nominal volume of the reference volume chamber collected by each reference measurement unit in each cycle, the standard volume of gas filled by each reference measurement unit in each cycle is obtained; based on the standard volume of gas filled by each reference measurement unit in each cycle, the total standard volume of gas filled by all reference measurement units in the assessment period is obtained; based on the total standard volume of gas filled by all reference measurement units in the assessment period, the average flow rate of the filled gas is obtained.

[0019] Preferably, the volumetric measurement process includes a preparation stage, an inflation and measurement stage, an equilibration stage, and an venting stage arranged sequentially; the reference measurement unit is used to collect its internal temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data in real time during the inflation and measurement stage.

[0020] Preferably, during the cyclic relay volumetric measurement process, when one or more reference measurement units are in the inflation and measurement phase, at least one other reference measurement unit is in the deflation or preparation phase.

[0021] Preferably, the reference measurement unit includes a reference volume cavity, and an array of sensors is disposed inside the reference volume cavity for real-time monitoring of the temperature and pressure of hydrogen gas inside the cavity.

[0022] Preferably, the intelligent fluid switching matrix includes a unit intake valve disposed on the intake passage of each reference measurement unit, a unit exhaust valve disposed on the exhaust passage of each reference measurement unit, a main intake valve disposed on the main intake pipe, and a main exhaust valve disposed on the main exhaust pipe; the unit intake valve, the unit exhaust valve, the main intake valve, and the main exhaust valve are all automatic valves controlled by the controller.

[0023] Preferably, it also includes an integrated skid-mounted base, on which each reference measurement unit, intelligent fluid switching matrix and controller are integrated and installed.

[0024] Secondly, the present invention also proposes an automated reference volumetric measurement method for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, applicable to the automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system described in any one of the first aspects, comprising:

[0025] Multiple reference measurement units are initialized to ensure their internal environment is clean and at atmospheric pressure.

[0026] The controller controls each valve in the intelligent fluid switching matrix to operate in a predetermined sequence, so that multiple reference measurement units perform cyclic relay volumetric measurements within the assessment period.

[0027] The average flow rate during the assessment period is calculated based on the temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data collected by each benchmark measurement unit in each cycle.

[0028] The automated reference volumetric measurement system and method proposed in this invention for performance evaluation of water electrolysis hydrogen production systems utilizes a reference volumetric cavity calibrated to the highest level within the reference measurement unit. This directly inherits the legality and authority of the volumetric method as a reference measurement method, making the measurement results easily accepted and credible by owners, manufacturers, and third-party certification bodies. Furthermore, through the architecture of multiple reference measurement units operating in parallel and intelligently scheduled relays, it easily achieves measurements of flow rates of thousands of cubic meters per hour or more using a modular combination approach. This cleverly avoids the engineering infeasibility bottleneck of manufacturing a single giant standard container, allowing for flexible range configuration. In addition, the cyclic relay operation mode of multiple reference measurement units ensures near-continuous airflow, significantly improving testing efficiency and supporting continuous performance evaluation for tens or even hundreds of hours, truly reflecting the long-term operating performance of the equipment. Moreover, it achieves full-process automation, eliminating human error. Each reference measurement unit can be independently processed and calibrated to the highest precision. Real-time dynamic temperature and pressure compensation ensures the accuracy of each volume conversion, improving the reliability of the measurement results. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, as proposed in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a timing diagram of the relay operation of four reference measurement units in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0032] Firstly, referring to Figure 1This invention proposes an automated reference volumetric measurement system and method for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system. The system includes: a main inlet pipe, a main outlet pipe, multiple reference measurement units connected in parallel between the main inlet pipe and the main outlet pipe, an intelligent fluid switching matrix for controlling the gas flow and direction of the multiple reference measurement units, and a controller electrically connected to each reference measurement unit and the intelligent fluid switching matrix. The reference measurement units are used to collect internal temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data in real time. The controller controls the valves in the intelligent fluid switching matrix to operate according to a predetermined sequence, enabling the multiple reference measurement units to perform cyclic relay volumetric measurements within the evaluation period. The average flow rate within the evaluation period is calculated based on the temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data collected by each reference measurement unit in each cycle.

[0033] In some implementations, the valves in the intelligent fluid switching matrix are controlled to operate in a predetermined sequence, enabling multiple reference measurement units to perform cyclic relay volumetric measurements within the assessment period. Specifically, this includes:

[0034] S1. After the start of the assessment, the controller controls the main air intake valve in the intelligent fluid switching matrix and the unit air intake valve of the first reference measurement unit in the preset sequence to open, and the first reference measurement unit begins to inflate and measure.

[0035] S2. When the internal pressure of any reference measurement unit reaches the preset equilibrium pressure, the controller closes the unit air inlet valve of that reference measurement unit to put it into the equilibrium stage, and opens the unit air inlet valve of the next reference measurement unit that is already in the preparation stage to start the inflation and measurement of the next reference measurement unit.

[0036] S3. After opening the unit intake valve of the next reference measurement unit that is already in the preparation stage, open the unit exhaust valve and the main exhaust valve of the previous reference measurement unit that is in the balancing stage to vent the internal gas and restore the initial state.

[0037] S4. During the assessment period, multiple reference measurement units are controlled in a cyclical manner according to a preset sequence, and S2 and S3 are executed repeatedly in sequence to achieve cyclical relay measurement of multiple reference measurement units.

[0038] It should be understood that the "multiple" in this embodiment includes two or more.

[0039] Prior to S1, the controller also controls the opening of the main exhaust valve and all unit exhaust valves in the intelligent fluid switching matrix, uses a vacuum pump to evacuate and bring all reference volume chambers to a clean, normal pressure state, and then closes all valves to standby.

[0040] In one specific embodiment, the vacuum pump is connected to the main exhaust pipe and electrically connected to the controller.

[0041] This embodiment uses a vacuum pump for suction to accelerate the evacuation rate. It should be understood that this suction does not require reaching an absolute vacuum state; it only needs to reach a preset pressure state, such as atmospheric pressure.

[0042] Of course, the connection between the vacuum pump and the main exhaust pipe is located downstream of the main exhaust valve.

[0043] In a further specific embodiment, an electric / pneumatic three-way valve is also included. The air inlet of the electric / pneumatic three-way valve is connected to the main exhaust pipe, one of the air outlets of the electric / pneumatic three-way valve is connected to the vacuum mechanism, and the other air outlet is used for venting or connecting to subsequent processing equipment. The electric / pneumatic three-way valve is electrically connected to the controller.

[0044] In a further specific embodiment, the main exhaust valve is an electric / pneumatic three-way valve.

[0045] In some implementations, the controller is also used to record and store inflation data for each reference measurement unit during inflation and measurement, so as to facilitate subsequent data processing; wherein, the inflation data includes unit number, start time, end time, and temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data between the start and end times.

[0046] In some implementations, the average flow rate within the assessment period is calculated based on the temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data collected by each reference measurement unit in each cycle, specifically including:

[0047] Based on the temperature-time series data, pressure-time series data, and nominal volume of the reference volume chamber collected by each reference measurement unit in each cycle, the standard volume of gas filled by each reference measurement unit in each cycle is obtained; based on the standard volume of gas filled by each reference measurement unit in each cycle, the total standard volume of gas filled by all reference measurement units in the assessment period is obtained; based on the total standard volume of gas filled by all reference measurement units in the assessment period, the average flow rate of the filled gas is obtained.

[0048] With this configuration, this implementation method can obtain an accurate total standard volume, thereby accurately calculating the average flow rate of the gas being filled.

[0049] In this embodiment, the gas used is hydrogen.

[0050] Of course, this embodiment is also applicable to gas flow measurement of other gas generating devices.

[0051] It should be understood that the standard volume of the gas in this embodiment refers to the volume of the gas under standard conditions (such as 0°C, 101.325 kPa).

[0052] In a further embodiment, the controller is also used to automatically generate a repeatability index report that characterizes the repeatability and reliability of the measurement by performing statistical analysis on the results of multiple cyclic measurements (such as the average value, standard deviation, and relative standard deviation of the standard volume).

[0053] In some implementations, the volumetric measurement process includes a preparation stage, an inflation and measurement stage, an balancing stage, and an exhaust stage, arranged sequentially.

[0054] The reference measurement unit is used to collect internal temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data in real time during the inflation and measurement phases.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, in a further embodiment, during the cyclic relay volumetric measurement process, when one or more reference measurement units are in the inflation and measurement phase, at least one other reference measurement unit is in the deflation or preparation phase, thereby achieving approximately continuous flow and measurement of hydrogen gas.

[0056] In some embodiments, the reference measurement unit includes a reference volume chamber, within which a sensor array is disposed for real-time monitoring of the temperature and pressure of hydrogen gas.

[0057] It should be understood that the nominal volume of the reference volume cavity is known, and the nominal volume of the reference volume cavity has been precisely calibrated by a national legal metrology institution or an equivalent authoritative institution and has a traceable certificate.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the nominal volume of each reference volume chamber is between 0.2 m³ and 2 m³.

[0059] In a further embodiment, the sensor array includes a plurality of high-precision temperature sensors distributed along the axial direction of the reference volume cavity, and a high-precision pressure transmitter.

[0060] In some implementations, the number of reference measurement units is four to eight. Specifically, the nominal volume of the reference volume chamber of each unit is modularly selected and configured according to the target total flow rate to be measured.

[0061] In some embodiments, the intelligent fluid switching matrix includes a unit intake valve disposed on the intake passage of each reference measurement unit, a unit exhaust valve disposed on the exhaust passage of each reference measurement unit, a main intake valve disposed on the main intake pipe, and a main exhaust valve disposed on the main exhaust pipe; the unit intake valve, the unit exhaust valve, the main intake valve, and the main exhaust valve are all automatic valves controlled by the controller.

[0062] In a further embodiment, all valves in the intelligent fluid switching matrix are pneumatically or electrically actuated valves.

[0063] In some implementations, an integrated skid-mounted base is also included, on which all reference measurement units, intelligent fluid switching matrix and controller are integrated and installed, forming a modular device that can be transported as a whole and quickly docked in the field, so as to facilitate overall transportation and rapid docking in the field.

[0064] In some implementations, the controller is an industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) or an industrial computer (IPC).

[0065] In practice, the main intake pipe is used to connect to the air source, and the main exhaust pipe is used to connect to the venting or subsequent treatment equipment.

[0066] Initialization: The controller opens the main exhaust valve and all unit exhaust valves in the intelligent fluid switching matrix, and uses a vacuum pump to evacuate, so that all reference volume chambers are in a clean initial state (such as atmospheric pressure). Then, all valves are closed and the system is ready to operate.

[0067] Initial state: After the assessment is started, the controller controls the main air intake valve in the intelligent fluid switching matrix and the unit air intake valve of the first reference measurement unit in the preset sequence to open, and the first reference measurement unit begins to inflate and measure.

[0068] Relay switching: When the internal pressure of any reference measurement unit reaches the preset equilibrium pressure, the controller closes the unit air inlet valve of that reference measurement unit to bring it into the equilibrium stage, and opens the unit air inlet valve of the next reference measurement unit that is already in the preparation stage to start the inflation and measurement of the next reference measurement unit.

[0069] Voiding and Restoration: After opening the unit inlet valve of the next reference measurement unit that is in the preparation stage, open the unit exhaust valve and the main exhaust valve of the previous reference measurement unit that is in the balancing stage, and use a vacuum pump to vent the internal gas to restore the initial state.

[0070] During the assessment period, multiple benchmark measurement units are controlled in a cyclical manner according to a preset sequence, and the relay switching and emptying recovery steps are repeated in sequence to achieve cyclic relay measurement of multiple benchmark measurement units;

[0071] Based on the temperature-time series data, pressure-time series data, and nominal volume of the reference volume chamber collected by each reference measurement unit in each cycle, the standard volume of gas filled by each reference measurement unit in each cycle is obtained; based on the standard volume of gas filled by each reference measurement unit in each cycle, the total standard volume of gas filled by all reference measurement units in the assessment period is obtained; based on the total standard volume of gas filled by all reference measurement units in the assessment period, the average flow rate of the filled gas is obtained.

[0072] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0073] (1) The core measurement benchmark of this invention is a reference volume cavity calibrated at the highest level, which directly inherits the legality and authority of the volume method as a benchmark measurement method. The measurement results are easily accepted and recognized by owners, manufacturers and third-party certification bodies.

[0074] (2) The present invention uses a modular combination approach to easily achieve the measurement of large flow rates of thousands of cubic meters per hour and above through the architecture of multiple reference measurement units connected in parallel and intelligently scheduled to work in relay. It cleverly avoids the bottleneck of engineering infeasibility in manufacturing a single giant standard container and has flexible range configuration.

[0075] (3) The present invention realizes full-process automation and eliminates human operation error; each reference measurement unit can be independently processed and calibrated to the highest accuracy; real-time dynamic temperature and pressure compensation ensures the accuracy of each volume conversion and improves the reliability of measurement results;

[0076] (4) The present invention makes the airflow nearly continuous through the cyclic relay working mode of multiple reference measurement units, which greatly improves the testing efficiency and can support continuous performance assessment for tens or even hundreds of hours, truly reflecting the long-term operating performance of the equipment.

[0077] (5) This invention mainly uses mature and reliable industrial automation components (PLC, industrial valves, standard sensors), with low technical risk. The skid-mounted design makes the system a "turnkey" device, which is easy to transport, install and debug, and is particularly suitable for use on industrial project sites.

[0078] Secondly, the present invention also proposes an automated reference volumetric measurement method for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, applicable to the automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system described in any one of the first aspects, comprising:

[0079] Multiple reference measurement units are initialized to ensure their internal environment is clean and at atmospheric pressure.

[0080] The controller controls each valve in the intelligent fluid switching matrix to operate in a predetermined sequence, so that multiple reference measurement units perform cyclic relay volumetric measurements within the assessment period.

[0081] The average flow rate during the assessment period is calculated based on the temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data collected by each benchmark measurement unit in each cycle.

[0082] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0083] Example 1

[0084] This embodiment discloses an automated reference volumetric method measurement system for performance evaluation of a high-flow-rate water electrolysis hydrogen production system, which is an alkaline electrolyzer with a rated hydrogen production capacity of 1000 Nm³ / h.

[0085] like Figure 1 As shown, the high-flow-rate water electrolysis hydrogen production system in this embodiment adopts a skid-mounted design, integrated on a standard container-type base. This high-flow-rate water electrolysis hydrogen production system includes four structurally identical reference measurement units (Units A, B, C, and D), an intelligent fluid switching matrix, and a controller (PLC, such as a Siemens S7-1500 series). The reference volume chamber of each reference measurement unit is a precision-machined 316L stainless steel cylinder with a geometric volume of 2 m³. Calibrated by a provincial metrology institute using the water level method, its volume value uncertainty is better than 0.05% (k=2), and a verification certificate is provided.

[0086] Each reference volume chamber is equipped with a Class A PT100 platinum resistance thermometer (TI) at the top, middle, and bottom positions, and a high-stability pressure transmitter (PI) with an accuracy of 0.075 is installed at the top of the chamber. The signals from all sensors are connected to the analog input module of the PLC.

[0087] The intelligent fluid switching matrix consists of pneumatic high-performance ball valves, including one DN100 main inlet valve (V0-in), four DN80 unit inlet valves (V1-in to V4-in), four DN80 unit exhaust valves (V1-out to V4-out), and one DN100 main exhaust valve (V0-out). All valves are controlled via the PLC's digital output module.

[0088] The main exhaust pipe is connected to a vacuum pump, which is electrically connected to the controller.

[0089] Before the assessment begins, initialization is performed: the PLC opens V0-out and all unit exhaust valves (V1-out to V4-out), and uses a vacuum pump to ensure that all reference volume chambers are in a clean, normal pressure state; then all valves are closed, and the system is ready to go.

[0090] After the assessment begins, the PLC executes its built-in intelligent scheduling program. Initially, Unit A is selected as the measurement unit. The PLC opens V0-in and V1-in, and hydrogen from the electrolyzer begins to steadily fill the reference volume chamber of Unit A. The PLC synchronously collects data from three temperature and pressure points within Unit A at a frequency of 100Hz. When the pressure reaches the preset equilibrium pressure value (e.g., slightly higher than the inlet pipe pressure by 0.5 kPa and held stable for more than 0.5 seconds), the PLC determines that Unit A is "full," immediately records the timestamp tA_end, and closes V1-in. Simultaneously with closing V1-in, according to the preset program, the PLC determines that Unit B is ready, opens V2-in, switches the hydrogen flow to Unit B, and begins charging and measuring Unit B. Subsequently (when Unit C begins charging and measuring), the PLC opens V1-out and V0-out, and uses a vacuum pump to safely vent the hydrogen in Unit A to the main exhaust network. After Unit A is vented and stabilized, it re-enters the "ready" state, awaiting the next scheduling.

[0091] like Figure 2 As shown, during the entire 72-hour performance evaluation, the four units (A, B, C, and D) cyclically took turns in the order "A→B→C→D→A→…". The PLC recorded the following for each inflation process: unit number, start time, end time, and all temperature and pressure data during the process. For the first inflation of Unit A, the PLC calculated the standard volume Vstd_A1 to be inflated based on its rated volume (2 m³), ​​the average temperature Tavg_A1 during inflation, and the average pressure Pavg_A1.

[0092] At the end of the assessment, the PLC summarizes and processes all data. Assume that within 72 hours, the four units completed N=576 inflation cycles (approximately 450 seconds per cycle). The PLC first sums all Vstd_i values ​​to obtain the total standard volume Vtotal_std, and calculates the average flow rate: Qavg=Vtotal_std / (72×3600)s. Simultaneously, the PLC calculates the average, standard deviation, and relative standard deviation (RSD) of these 576 Vstd_i values ​​and automatically generates a report.

[0093] The table report shows an RSD of < 0.1%, which further demonstrates that the measurement has extremely high repeatability and precision, and the data is highly reliable.

[0094] This high-flow-rate water electrolysis hydrogen production system is connected to the hydrogen outlet pipeline of the electrolyzer and the plant's main vent pipe on-site via flanges. It can be operated immediately after power and gas supply (to drive the pneumatic valves). Operators can set the assessment parameters and start the system via the PLC's touchscreen; no intervention is required throughout the entire process.

[0095] This invention creatively solves the measurement problem in the performance evaluation of large-scale electrolytic hydrogen production by combining the classic volumetric method with modern automation, modularization, and data fusion technologies.

[0096] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, characterized in that, include: The system includes a main intake pipe, a main exhaust pipe, multiple reference measurement units connected in parallel between the main intake pipe and the main exhaust pipe, an intelligent fluid switching matrix for controlling the gas flow and direction of the multiple reference measurement units, and a controller electrically connected to each reference measurement unit and the intelligent fluid switching matrix. The reference measurement units are used to collect their internal temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data in real time. The controller is used to control each valve in the intelligent fluid switching matrix to operate in a predetermined sequence, so that the multiple reference measurement units perform cyclic relay volumetric measurements within the assessment period, and calculate the average flow rate within the assessment period based on the temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data collected by each reference measurement unit in each cycle.

2. The automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system controls the valves in the intelligent fluid switching matrix to operate according to a predetermined sequence, enabling multiple reference measurement units to perform cyclic relay-style volumetric measurements within the assessment period. Specifically, this includes: S1. After the start of the assessment, the controller controls the main air intake valve in the intelligent fluid switching matrix and the unit air intake valve of the first reference measurement unit in the preset sequence to open, and the first reference measurement unit begins to inflate and measure. S2. When the internal pressure of any reference measurement unit reaches the preset equilibrium pressure, the controller closes the unit air inlet valve of that reference measurement unit to put it into the equilibrium stage, and opens the unit air inlet valve of the next reference measurement unit that is already in the preparation stage, and starts to inflate and measure the next reference measurement unit. S3. After opening the unit intake valve of the next reference measurement unit that is already in the preparation stage, open the unit exhaust valve and the main exhaust valve of the previous reference measurement unit that is in the balancing stage to vent the internal gas and restore the initial state. S4. During the assessment period, multiple reference measurement units are controlled in a cyclical manner according to a preset sequence, and S2 and S3 are executed repeatedly in sequence to achieve cyclical relay measurement of multiple reference measurement units.

3. The automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller is also used to record and store inflation data for each reference measurement unit during inflation and measurement; the inflation data includes unit number, start time, end time, and temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data between the start and end times.

4. The automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The average flow rate during the assessment period is calculated based on the temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data collected by each benchmark measurement unit in each cycle, specifically including: Based on the temperature-time series data, pressure-time series data, and nominal volume of the reference volume chamber collected by each reference measurement unit in each cycle, the standard volume of gas filled by each reference measurement unit in each cycle is obtained; based on the standard volume of gas filled by each reference measurement unit in each cycle, the total standard volume of gas filled by all reference measurement units in the assessment period is obtained; based on the total standard volume of gas filled by all reference measurement units in the assessment period, the average flow rate of the filled gas is obtained.

5. The automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The volumetric measurement process includes a preparation stage, an inflation and measurement stage, an equilibration stage, and an venting stage, set sequentially. The reference measurement unit is used to collect its internal temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data in real time during the inflation and measurement stage.

6. The automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the process of cyclic relay volumetric measurement, when one or more reference measurement units are in the inflation and measurement stage, at least one other reference measurement unit is in the deflation or preparation stage.

7. The automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference measurement unit includes a reference volume chamber, which contains an array of sensors for real-time monitoring of the temperature and pressure of hydrogen gas inside the chamber.

8. The automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent fluid switching matrix includes a unit intake valve on the intake passage of each reference measurement unit, a unit exhaust valve on the exhaust passage of each reference measurement unit, a main intake valve on the main intake pipe, and a main exhaust valve on the main exhaust pipe; the unit intake valve, unit exhaust valve, main intake valve, and main exhaust valve are all automatic valves controlled by the controller.

9. The automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an integrated skid-mounted base, on which all reference measurement units, intelligent fluid switching matrix and controller are integrated and installed.

10. An automated reference volumetric measurement method for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, applied to the automated reference volumetric measurement system for performance evaluation of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: Multiple reference measurement units are initialized to ensure their internal environment is clean and at atmospheric pressure. The controller controls each valve in the intelligent fluid switching matrix to operate in a predetermined sequence, so that multiple reference measurement units perform cyclic relay volumetric measurements within the assessment period. The average flow rate during the assessment period is calculated based on the temperature-time series data and pressure-time series data collected by each benchmark measurement unit in each cycle.

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