Pulse adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device

Abstract

A pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device belongs to the field of new energy power battery technology. The device includes a stack module, an electrical control module, a gas purging module, a sensing and monitoring module, and a control module. The stack module includes an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The electrode plates are provided with stepped flow channels and gradient wetting modification layers. The electrical control module includes a DC power supply unit, a pulse current modulation unit, and a load interface unit, which are electrically interlocked via a switching switch. The gas purging module includes a gas source, a regulating valve, a flow channel, and a bypass purging port. The sensing and monitoring module includes a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, and a flow sensor. The control module is electrically connected to the electrical control module, the gas purging module, and the sensing and monitoring module, and coordinates the pulse current and pulse airflow based on sensor signals. This device can achieve active drainage in fuel cell mode and bubble removal in water electrolysis mode, improving the operational stability of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of new energy power battery technology, and in particular relates to a pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device. Background Technology

[0002] Regenerative fuel cells use electricity generated from solar energy to electrolyze water and produce hydrogen, which is then used as fuel to provide efficient power for vehicles, giving them a longer driving range. Simultaneously, emissions do not produce harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, promoting a green and low-carbon transformation in the transportation and energy sectors. Integrating water electrolysis with the fuel cell can greatly simplify the system's structure and improve its economics, offering significant advantages in areas such as new energy power batteries and distributed energy systems.

[0003] Integrated regenerative fuel cells, by combining hydrogen electrolysis with power generation, require frequent mode switching between water electrolysis and fuel cell modes. This leads to drastic changes in the gas-liquid two-phase flow state within the flow channel, often resulting in problems such as difficulty in draining liquid from the electrode surface and bubble retention. Existing passive structures or control methods optimized for a single mode cannot simultaneously meet the dual requirements of efficient bubble removal and timely liquid water discharge, leading to performance instability during dynamic switching.

[0004] In existing technologies, measures such as improving the flow channel and electrode surface structure, applying external gas purging, or using pulsed current are commonly used to improve gas-water transport. However, surface structures optimized for a single mode often perform poorly in another operating mode. Existing technologies do not involve an adaptive and coordinated control mechanism for pulsed current and directional purging gas flow, and the fixed parameters cannot be adaptively adjusted according to real-time gas-liquid states, resulting in sluggish response and low gas-water management efficiency during dynamic processes such as mode switching. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a technology that can adaptively and collaboratively control pulsed current and pulsed purging gas flow according to real-time gas-liquid states to achieve rapid gas evolution in water electrolysis mode, timely discharge of liquid water in fuel cell mode, and smooth transition of gas-water states during mode switching, thereby improving the efficiency and stability of dual-mode operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention proposes a pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device to solve the problems in the prior art. The lack of coordinated adaptive control between pulsed current and purge gas flow makes it difficult to efficiently manage gas-liquid two-phase flow under dynamic operating conditions. This paper aims to improve the operational stability of integrated regenerative fuel cells.

[0006] The technical solution proposed in this invention is as follows: A pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device includes a stack module, an electrical control module, a gas purging module, a sensing and monitoring module, and a control module. The fuel cell stack module includes an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a membrane electrode disposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate. The anode plate and the cathode plate are provided with stepped flow channels. The surface of the flow channels is provided with a gradient wetting modification layer. The gradient wetting modification layer gradually changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic along the length of the flow channel from the inlet to the outlet. The contact angle gradually changes from 90° to 110° to 30° to 60°. The step height of the stepped flow channel is 5μm to 100μm. Furthermore, the electrical control module includes a DC power supply unit, a pulse current modulation unit, and a load interface unit. The DC power supply unit is used to provide DC current in the water electrolysis mode. The pulse current modulation unit is used to apply pulse current according to the control signal. The pulse current modulation unit can generate pulse current with a frequency in the range of 0.1kHz to 5kHz. The DC power supply unit and the load interface unit are electrically interlocked through a switching group controlled by the controller. Furthermore, the gas purging module includes a gas source, a regulating valve, a flow channel, and a bypass purging port. The gas source is connected to the flow channels of the anode plate and the cathode plate through the flow channel and the bypass purging port. The regulating valve is located on the flow channel and forms a pulsed purging airflow according to the airflow control signal issued by the controller. The purging gas flow velocity range of the bypass purging port is 0.1m / s to 5m / s. Furthermore, the sensing and monitoring module includes a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, and a flow sensor, which are respectively installed on the flow channels of the anode plate and the cathode plate; Furthermore, the control module includes a controller, which is electrically connected to a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a flow sensor, a pulse current modulation unit, a regulating valve, a DC power supply unit, and a load interface unit. The controller determines the gas-liquid state in the flow channel based on the sensor signals, and sends control signals to the pulse current modulation unit and the regulating valve when it is necessary to promote gas-liquid transmission, so as to coordinate the output of pulse current and pulse purge airflow. The controller has a built-in water electrolysis mode control unit, a fuel cell mode control unit, and a mode switching control unit.

[0007] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. By combining the gradient wetting modification layer with passive guidance of the stepped structure, pulsed airflow purging, and interface disturbance of pulsed current, the contradiction between the dual requirements of efficient bubble removal in water electrolysis mode and timely discharge of liquid water in fuel cell mode, which are difficult to meet by a single structure or control method in the existing technology, is effectively solved.

[0008] 2. By setting up a sensing and monitoring module containing multiple types of sensors and establishing a closed-loop connection with the control module, electrical control module, and gas purging module, the system automatically triggers and dynamically optimizes the control strategy based on the real-time monitored gas-liquid state. It automatically adjusts the pulse current parameters and purging airflow speed, and coordinates the triggering of pulse current and pulse purging airflow. Under various operating conditions such as electrolysis, power generation, and mode switching, it can quickly manage the gas-liquid two-phase flow in the flow channel, meet the gas-liquid management needs under different dynamic operating conditions, shorten the switching time, and improve the stability and reliability of operation.

[0009] 3. By setting up a gas purging module that includes a regulating valve and a bypass purging port, and by having its regulating valve driven by the control module to form a pulsed airflow, dynamic real-time feedback of gas purging is achieved. This can effectively break the adsorption force between bubbles or droplets and the electrode surface. Compared with continuous purging, it significantly reduces the consumption of auxiliary gas and enhances the device's adaptability to dynamic operating conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device of the present invention. (Abstract drawing) 1-Anode plate, 2-Cathode plate, 3-Membrane electrode, 4-DC power supply unit, 5-Pulse current modulation unit, 6-Load interface unit, 7-Gas source, 8-Regulating valve, 9-Flow guide channel, 10-Bypass purge port, 11-Pressure sensor, 12-Humidity sensor, 13-Flow sensor, 14-Controller Detailed Implementation

[0012] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present application, but the embodiments are not intended to limit the present application. Specific implementation method 1: Combination Figure 1 This embodiment describes a pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device, which includes an anode plate 1, a cathode plate 2, a membrane electrode 3, a DC power supply unit 4, a pulse current modulation unit 5, a load interface unit 6, a gas source 7, a regulating valve 8, a flow channel 9, a bypass purge port 10, a pressure sensor 11, a humidity sensor 12, a flow sensor 13, and a controller 14.

[0013] A stepped flow channel is fabricated on the anode plate 1 and the cathode plate 2. A gradient wetting modification layer is provided on the surface of the flow channel along the fluid flow direction. The gradient wetting modification layer gradually changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic from the inlet to the outlet along the length of the flow channel, and the contact angle gradually changes from 90° to 110° to 30° to 60°. In fuel cell mode, the gradient wetting modification layer guides the generated water to migrate directionally to the outlet of the flow channel for discharge. The step height of the stepped flow channel is 5μm to 100μm. The edge of the stepped structure can serve as a nucleation site for bubbles, accelerating the generation and detachment of bubbles in water electrolysis mode. At the same time, the flow field disturbance caused by the steps can disrupt the continuity of the liquid film, which helps to break large droplets into smaller droplets that are easier to carry in fuel cell mode. Thus, it works synergistically with the gradient wetting modification layer to enhance the discharge capacity of liquid water. Specific implementation method 2: Combination Figure 1 This embodiment describes a pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device, which includes an anode plate 1, a cathode plate 2, a membrane electrode 3, a DC power supply unit 4, a pulse current modulation unit 5, a load interface unit 6, a gas source 7, a regulating valve 8, a flow channel 9, a bypass purge port 10, a pressure sensor 11, a humidity sensor 12, a flow sensor 13, and a controller 14.

[0015] The pulse current modulation unit 5 can generate a pulse current with a frequency in the range of 0.1 kHz to 5 kHz. Applying a pulse current within this parameter range can generate an effective electric field disturbance. This disturbance acts on the gas-liquid interface on the electrode surface, which can reduce the bubble size, enhance interfacial turbulence, and accelerate the mass transfer process of reactants to the electrode surface and products leaving the electrode surface.

[0016] The pulse current modulation unit 5 is electrically connected to the controller 14. Based on the feedback from the sensor monitoring module, the controller 14 determines that a pulse current needs to be applied to improve mass transfer under the current operating conditions. The controller 14 sends a start signal and specific parameter instructions to the pulse current modulation unit 5, and at the same time sends an airflow control instruction to the regulating valve 8. After receiving the signal, the pulse current modulation unit 5 starts to work, modulates the DC current from the DC power supply unit 4, generates a pulse current that meets the requirements, and applies it to the integrated regenerative fuel cell stack module. The regulating valve 8 opens or closes rapidly according to the instruction, so that the purging gas is introduced into the flow channel in a pulse form. This pulse purging method can significantly reduce the total consumption of purging gas and improve the system energy efficiency while achieving the purging effect.

[0017] The flow channel 9 of the gas purging module is connected to the regulating valve 8 and each bypass purging port 10. The bypass purging port 10 is connected to the inner wall of the flow channel of the anode plate 1 and the cathode plate 2. The purging gas is regulated by the regulating valve 8 from the gas source 7 and then directionally guided to the flow channel area through the bypass purging port 10. The flow velocity range of the purging gas can be set between 0.1m / s and 5m / s. Controlling the flow velocity within this range can ensure effective purging of attached bubbles or accumulated liquid while avoiding unnecessary auxiliary energy consumption due to excessive flow velocity. Specific implementation method 3: Combination Figure 1 This embodiment describes a pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device, which includes an anode plate 1, a cathode plate 2, a membrane electrode 3, a DC power supply unit 4, a pulse current modulation unit 5, a load interface unit 6, a gas source 7, a regulating valve 8, a flow channel 9, a bypass purge port 10, a pressure sensor 11, a humidity sensor 12, a flow sensor 13, and a controller 14.

[0019] Pressure sensor 11, humidity sensor 12, and flow sensor 13 are installed on the flow channels of anode plate 1 and cathode plate 2. Controller 14 is connected to pressure sensor 11, humidity sensor 12, and flow sensor 13. Controller 14 makes a comprehensive judgment on the gas-liquid state based on the signals transmitted in real time by pressure sensor 11, humidity sensor 12, and flow sensor 13. When pressure sensor 11 detects a continuous increase in pressure exceeding a threshold, humidity sensor 12 detects local humidity oversaturation, or flow sensor 13 detects a flow rate change exceeding a threshold, controller 14 can determine that there is excessive bubble retention or excessive liquid accumulation in the flow channel. Once this judgment is made, controller 14 sends control signals to the electrical control module and gas purging module to coordinate the control of pulse current and pulse purging airflow to intervene in the abnormal state.

[0020] The controller 14 has a built-in water electrolysis mode control unit, a fuel cell mode control unit, and a mode switching control unit. When the device is operating in water electrolysis mode, the controller 14 activates the water electrolysis mode control unit, which calls the corresponding pulse current parameters according to the bubble detachment scenario. During fuel cell or mode switching, the controller 14 calls the corresponding control unit and issues control commands adapted to the specific operating condition to achieve adaptive and differentiated gas and water management. Example 1

[0021] Combination Figure 1 This embodiment is described as follows: In this embodiment, the pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device operates in water electrolysis mode. The controller activates the water electrolysis mode control unit, and the DC power supply unit provides the DC power required for electrolysis. Water is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen on the membrane electrode, and the resulting bubbles easily adhere to the flow channel surface and the electrodes. The stepped structure on the flow channel provides favorable nucleation and detachment points for the bubbles. The sensing and monitoring module continuously operates. If the pressure sensor detects a pressure fluctuation reaching a threshold, or the flow sensor detects a decrease in gas flow, the controller determines that bubble detachment needs to be enhanced. Based on this, the controller sends a command to the pulse current modulation unit, which generates a high-frequency pulse current superimposed on the stack, disturbing the gas-liquid interface on the electrode surface. Simultaneously, the controller generates a pulsed airflow control command, driving the regulating valve to open and close at a specific rhythm, so that the purge gas is injected into the flow channel area from the bypass purge port in the form of a pulsed purge airflow. The synergistic effect of the pulsed current and the pulsed purge airflow accelerates the detachment and discharge of bubbles, ensuring the stable and efficient operation of the electrolysis process.

[0022] When the device switches to fuel cell power generation mode, the controller invokes the fuel cell mode control unit. Stored hydrogen and air are introduced into the fuel cell stack to generate electricity, and the water generated accumulates in the flow channel. The gradient wetting modification layer and stepped structure on the flow channel surface work together to guide the liquid water to migrate towards the outlet. If the humidity sensor detects excessively high local humidity or pressure fluctuations reaching a threshold, the controller will trigger the pulse current modulation unit and regulating valve to operate. However, at this time, the pulse current parameters and the intensity of the purge airflow are adjusted to pulse parameters and purge strategies suitable for liquid water management, thereby effectively preventing "flooding" and ensuring smooth transport of reactant gases.

[0023] During the switching between water electrolysis mode and fuel cell mode, the controller activates the mode switching control unit. Based on the drastic changes in gas-liquid distribution captured by sensors, it dynamically adjusts the coordinated strategy of pulse and purging. First, a strong pulse purging is applied to remove large air bubbles, and then pulse current disturbance is used to treat residual adhering water, thereby achieving a rapid and stable mode switching. Throughout the entire operation, the device achieves efficient, adaptive, and intelligent gas-water management under all operating conditions through the organic coordination of structural design, pulse excitation, and gas flow purging, as well as closed-loop control based on multi-sensor feedback. This significantly improves the overall performance, efficiency, and operational reliability of the integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device in dynamic renewable energy applications.

[0024] The embodiments described above are merely exemplary embodiments provided to fully illustrate this application, and the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on this application are all within the scope of protection of this application. The scope of protection of this application is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device, characterized by, It includes fuel cell stack module, electrical control module, gas purging module, sensor monitoring module and control module; The fuel cell stack module includes an anode plate (1), a cathode plate (2), and a membrane electrode (3) disposed between the anode plate (1) and the cathode plate (2). The anode plate (1) and the cathode plate (2) are provided with stepped flow channels, and the surface of the flow channels is provided with a gradient wetting modification layer. The electrical control module includes a DC power supply unit (4), a pulse current modulation unit (5), and a load interface unit (6). The DC power supply unit (4) is used to apply DC current in the water electrolysis mode, the load interface unit (6) is used to connect an external load in the fuel cell mode, and the pulse current modulation unit (5) is used to apply pulse current according to the control signal. The gas purging module includes a gas source (7), a regulating valve (8), a flow channel (9), and a bypass purging port (10). The gas source (7) is used to provide purging gas. The flow channel (9) is composed of an anode flow branch and a cathode flow branch. The bypass purging port (10) is respectively located at the tail end of the anode flow branch and the cathode flow branch, and is correspondingly connected to the inner wall of the flow channel of the anode plate (1) and the cathode plate (2). The regulating valve (8) is located on the flow channel (9) and forms a pulse purging airflow according to the control signal. The sensing and monitoring module includes a pressure sensor (11), a humidity sensor (12), and a flow sensor (13), which are respectively disposed on the flow channels of the anode plate (1) and the cathode plate (2); The control module includes a controller (14), which is electrically connected to the pressure sensor (11), humidity sensor (12), flow sensor (13), pulse current modulation unit (5), regulating valve (8), DC power supply unit (4) and load interface unit (6).

2. The pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device of claim 1, wherein, The step height of the stepped flow channel is 5μm to 100μm.

3. The pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gradient wetting modified layer gradually changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic along the length of the channel from the inlet to the outlet, with the contact angle gradually changing from 90° to 110° to 30° to 60°.

4. The pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pulse current frequency generated by the pulse current modulation unit (5) is 0.1kHz to 5kHz.

5. The pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller (14) has a built-in water electrolysis mode control unit, fuel cell mode control unit and mode switching control unit. The controller (14) starts the corresponding control unit according to the actual operating mode of the device. The mode switching control unit sends a control signal according to the received mode switching instruction to control the interlocking switching between the DC power supply unit (4) and the load interface unit (6) to ensure that one of them is connected to the stack module.

6. The pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller (14) is used to determine the gas-liquid state in the flow channel based on the sensor signal, and when it is necessary to promote gas-liquid transmission, it sends a control signal to the pulse current modulation unit (5) and the regulating valve (8) to control their operation.

7. The pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller (14) is used to determine whether there is excessive bubble retention or excessive liquid accumulation in the flow channel based on the signals transmitted by the pressure sensor (11), humidity sensor (12) and flow sensor (13) and the preset pressure fluctuation threshold, humidity threshold and flow rate change threshold.

8. The pulse-adjustable integrated regenerative hydrogen fuel cell device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The purge gas velocity range of the bypass purge port (10) is 0.1 m / s to 5 m / s.

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