Simple hydrogen circulating device for fuel cell test

Abstract

The utility model provides a simple hydrogen circulation device for fuel cell testing, and relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and the simple hydrogen circulation device comprises a hydrogen flow meter used for measuring hydrogen flow; the hydrogen circulating pump is used for pushing hydrogen to flow; the electromagnetic valve is used for controlling the working state of the hydrogen circulating pump; the gas-liquid separator is used for separating liquid components in the hydrogen; the drain valve is used for regularly draining the separated excessive water; the temperature and pressure sensor is used for monitoring pressure and temperature changes; the hydrogen flow meter is mounted on the outlet side of the hydrogen circulating pump; the electromagnetic valves are arranged at a gas inlet and a gas outlet of the hydrogen circulating pump; the gas-liquid separator is arranged on the inlet side of the hydrogen circulating pump, and the drain valve is connected with the gas-liquid separator; the temperature and pressure sensors are installed on the outlet side and the inlet side of the hydrogen circulating pump.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically relating to a simple hydrogen circulation device for fuel cell testing. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cells, a type of proton exchange membrane fuel cell, are among the most widely used fuel cell types today. With technological advancements, hydrogen fuel cells are finding increasing applications in the automotive industry and other energy sectors due to their high efficiency and environmental friendliness.

[0003] In existing hydrogen fuel cell systems, hydrogen recirculation design is crucial for improving hydrogen utilization, enhancing stack efficiency, and maintaining moisture balance within the stack. Typically, the hydrogen recirculation pump's parameters are provided by the manufacturer and used for stack testing in field or laboratory environments. However, in practical applications, the testing and validation of hydrogen recirculation pumps face numerous limitations.

[0004] Due to the flammable nature of hydrogen and the safety requirements for its storage and transportation, it is difficult to directly test circulating pumps using hydrogen in actual operation. Air is typically used, or nitrogen occasionally as a substitute, which cannot fully reflect real-world operating conditions. Even when testing is feasible, the relatively high cost of hydrogen increases the overall testing expense. On some testing platforms, the long hydrogen circulation pipelines can lead to errors in the test data, affecting the accuracy of the results. Existing hydrogen circulation devices are complex to assemble and disassemble, hindering frequent replacements and adjustments. Furthermore, the lack of operational data for hydrogen circulation pumps under actual working conditions can negatively impact subsequent research and development and technological improvements. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a simple hydrogen circulation device for fuel cell testing, which solves the problems in the prior art such as the difficulty in directly testing and verifying hydrogen circulation pumps with hydrogen, high testing costs, large test data errors, and cumbersome disassembly of hydrogen circulation devices.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0007] This application provides a simple hydrogen recirculation device for fuel cell testing, characterized in that it includes:

[0008] Hydrogen flow meter, used to measure hydrogen flow rate;

[0009] A hydrogen circulation pump is used to drive the flow of hydrogen gas.

[0010] Solenoid valve, used to control the working status of the hydrogen circulation pump;

[0011] A gas-liquid separator is used to separate the liquid component from hydrogen gas.

[0012] A drain valve is used to periodically drain excess water that has separated out.

[0013] A thermo-pressure sensor is used to monitor changes in pressure and temperature.

[0014] The hydrogen flow meter is installed on the outlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump; the solenoid valve is located at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump; the gas-liquid separator is located on the inlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump, and the drain valve is connected to the gas-liquid separator; the temperature and pressure sensor is installed on the outlet and inlet sides of the hydrogen circulation pump.

[0015] The simplified hydrogen circulation device for fuel cell testing provided in this application also includes the following additional technical features: the solenoid valve includes an inlet solenoid valve and an outlet solenoid valve, the inlet solenoid valve is disposed at the inlet of the hydrogen circulation pump, and the outlet solenoid valve is disposed at the outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, the inlet solenoid valve is connected to the outlet of the fuel cell stack, and the outlet solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the fuel cell.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this application, the outlet solenoid valve is connected to the hydrogen flow meter, and the hydrogen flow meter is connected to the temperature and pressure sensor.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this application, the gas-liquid separator is connected to the temperature and pressure sensor on one side, to the drain valve on another side, and to the inlet solenoid valve on yet another side.

[0019] According to one embodiment of this application, the inlet solenoid valve is connected to the outlet of the fuel cell stack.

[0020] According to one embodiment of this application, it further includes: a controller, the controller being used to adjust the rotational speed of the hydrogen circulation pump and to control the opening and closing of the inlet solenoid valve, the outlet solenoid valve and the drain valve.

[0021] According to one embodiment of this application, the controller is electrically connected to the hydrogen flow meter, the hydrogen circulation pump, the solenoid valve, the drain valve, the gas-liquid separator, and the temperature and pressure sensor.

[0022] According to one embodiment of this application, the controller is further configured to receive data from the hydrogen flow meter and monitor the hydrogen flow rate at the outlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump.

[0023] According to one embodiment of this application, the controller is also configured to receive data provided by a temperature and pressure sensor and monitor the pressure and temperature at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump.

[0024] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this application are as follows:

[0025] This application provides a simplified hydrogen circulation device for fuel cell testing. Through a rational layout of its components, it significantly improves the efficiency and controllability of hydrogen circulation, resulting in several beneficial effects. First, a hydrogen flow meter installed at the outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump accurately measures the hydrogen flow rate and verifies the flow characteristics of the pump at different speeds, providing valuable data support for subsequent research and development. Second, solenoid valves located at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump allow for flexible control of its operation, enabling it to open or close as needed, saving resources and improving system stability. A gas-liquid separator located at the inlet of the hydrogen circulation pump effectively separates liquid components from the hydrogen, preventing moisture from entering the fuel cell stack and affecting its performance. A drain valve connected to the gas-liquid separator periodically drains excess moisture, ensuring the purity of the hydrogen within the system. Temperature and pressure sensors installed on both the inlet and outlet sides of the hydrogen circulation pump monitor pressure and temperature changes in real time, helping to assess the pump's operating status and make timely adjustments. Through this series of designs, the device not only simplifies the testing process but also improves testing accuracy, providing a solid foundation for the optimization of fuel cell systems. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a simple hydrogen circulation device for fuel cell testing provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] in,

[0029] 1. Outlet solenoid valve; 2. Inlet solenoid valve; 3. Temperature and pressure sensor; 4. Fuel cell stack; 5. Hydrogen circulation pump; 6. Hydrogen flow meter; 7. Gas-liquid separator; 8. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application and the features thereof can be combined with each other.

[0032] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device 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.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, a simple hydrogen recirculation device for fuel cell testing is characterized by comprising:

[0036] Hydrogen flow meter 6 is used to measure hydrogen flow rate;

[0037] Hydrogen circulation pump 5 is used to drive the flow of hydrogen;

[0038] Solenoid valve, used to control the working status of hydrogen circulation pump 5;

[0039] Gas-liquid separator 7 is used to separate the liquid component from hydrogen gas;

[0040] A drain valve is used to periodically drain excess water that has separated out.

[0041] Temperature and pressure sensor 3 is used to monitor changes in pressure and temperature;

[0042] A hydrogen flow meter 6 is installed on the outlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump 5; a solenoid valve is installed at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5; a gas-liquid separator 7 is installed on the inlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, and a drain valve is connected to the gas-liquid separator 7; a temperature and pressure sensor 3 is installed on the outlet and inlet sides of the hydrogen circulation pump 5.

[0043] Specifically, the hydrogen flow meter 6 is installed on the outlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 to measure the hydrogen flow rate after passing through the pump. This device can be used to verify the flow performance of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 at different speeds.

[0044] Hydrogen circulation pump 5: Hydrogen circulation pump 5 is the main power source for driving the circulation of hydrogen inside and outside the fuel cell stack. It is responsible for extracting unreacted hydrogen from the fuel cell stack outlet and returning it to the fuel cell stack inlet to improve hydrogen utilization.

[0045] Solenoid valves: Solenoid valves are installed at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 to control its operating status. When the hydrogen circulation pump 5 is not needed, the solenoid valves are closed, cutting off the hydrogen flow path; when the hydrogen circulation pump 5 is needed, the solenoid valves are open, allowing hydrogen to pass through.

[0046] Gas-liquid separator 7: The gas-liquid separator 7 is located on the inlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 and is used to separate moisture from the hydrogen. Because moisture is generated during the operation of the fuel cell, if it is not treated, this moisture may accumulate inside the fuel cell stack and affect the stack's operating efficiency.

[0047] Drain valve: The drain valve is connected to the gas-liquid separator 7 and is used to periodically drain excess water collected in the gas-liquid separator 7. This ensures the purity of hydrogen and prevents moisture accumulation from damaging the fuel cell stack.

[0048] Temperature and pressure sensor 3: The temperature and pressure sensor 3 is installed on the outlet and inlet sides of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 to monitor changes in hydrogen pressure and temperature. This data is crucial for evaluating the operating efficiency of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 and also helps to understand the behavior of hydrogen under different conditions.

[0049] For example, hydrogen flow meter 6: Assume there is a turbine flow meter with a digital display installed on the outlet side of hydrogen circulation pump 5. It can display the instantaneous flow rate of hydrogen as it passes through in real time. When hydrogen circulation pump 5 starts, hydrogen flow meter 6 records the amount of hydrogen passing through the pump, which is used to verify the flow capacity of hydrogen circulation pump 5 at different speeds.

[0050] Hydrogen circulation pump 5: A small centrifugal pump is selected to drive the flow of hydrogen between the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen circulation device during testing. The pump speed is adjustable and can be adjusted via controller 8 on the fuel cell stack testing device to simulate different working environments.

[0051] Solenoid valves: Two solenoid valves are installed at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, respectively. When testing is required, the solenoid valves open to allow hydrogen to pass through. When the test is over or hydrogen circulation is not required, the solenoid valves close to prevent hydrogen from flowing.

[0052] Gas-liquid separator 7: A small gas-liquid separator 7 is installed on the inlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump 5. It can capture and store small water droplets entrained in the hydrogen. Through gravity or centrifugal force, the water droplets gather at the bottom of the separator.

[0053] Drain valve: The drain valve is connected to the gas-liquid separator 7. When a certain amount of water accumulates inside the separator, the drain valve can be opened manually or automatically to drain the water and keep the hydrogen in a dry state.

[0054] Temperature and pressure sensors 3: One temperature and pressure sensor 3 is installed on each side of the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 to monitor the pressure and temperature changes of hydrogen. This data can help analyze the operating efficiency of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 under different conditions, as well as the temperature rise of the hydrogen after circulation.

[0055] Furthermore, flow control can be optimized: using the data detected by the hydrogen flow meter 6, the speed control strategy of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 can be optimized through algorithms to achieve more efficient hydrogen circulation and reduce hydrogen consumption.

[0056] Furthermore, automation control can be implemented: develop an automatic control system that automatically adjusts the opening degree of the solenoid valve and the speed of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 based on the feedback from the temperature and pressure sensor 3, in order to maintain a stable working state within the fuel cell system.

[0057] Furthermore, fault diagnosis can also be performed: by combining the data from temperature and pressure sensor 3 and hydrogen flow meter 6, a fault diagnosis system can be developed to monitor the health status of the system in real time and promptly identify and report any potential problems.

[0058] Furthermore, performance calibration can also be performed: the performance of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 can be calibrated using data obtained from the temperature and pressure sensor 3, a more accurate working model can be established, and a basis can be provided for the optimized design of the fuel cell system.

[0059] Furthermore, data recording and analysis are also possible: data collected by devices such as the hydrogen flow meter 6 and the temperature and pressure sensor 3 can be recorded, and the working characteristics of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 can be analyzed to provide reference data for subsequent product development.

[0060] The simplified hydrogen circulation device for fuel cell testing provided in this application also includes the following additional technical features: the solenoid valve includes an inlet solenoid valve 2 and an outlet solenoid valve 1, the inlet solenoid valve 2 is located at the inlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, and the outlet solenoid valve 1 is located at the outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5.

[0061] Specifically, the inlet solenoid valve 2 is located at the inlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 to control the entry of hydrogen into the hydrogen circulation pump 5. When the hydrogen circulation pump 5 is not required to operate, the inlet solenoid valve 2 is in the closed state, preventing hydrogen from flowing into the pump; when the hydrogen circulation pump 5 is required to operate, the inlet solenoid valve 2 is open, allowing hydrogen to flow into the pump.

[0062] Outlet solenoid valve 1: Located at the outlet of hydrogen circulation pump 5, it controls the flow of hydrogen from hydrogen circulation pump 5. Similarly, when hydrogen circulation pump 5 is not needed to operate, outlet solenoid valve 1 is also closed to prevent hydrogen from flowing out; when hydrogen circulation pump 5 needs to operate, outlet solenoid valve 1 is open to allow hydrogen to flow out of the pump.

[0063] In some embodiments of this application, the inlet solenoid valve 2 is connected to the outlet of the fuel cell stack 4, and the outlet solenoid valve 1 is connected to the inlet of the fuel cell.

[0064] Specifically, the inlet solenoid valve 2 is connected to the outlet of the fuel cell stack 4, meaning that after hydrogen undergoes an electrochemical reaction at the anode of the fuel cell stack 4, unreacted hydrogen will enter the hydrogen circulation pump 5 through the inlet solenoid valve 2. The function of the inlet solenoid valve 2 is to open when the hydrogen circulation pump 5 needs to operate, allowing this unreacted hydrogen to flow back into the circulation system; and to close when the hydrogen circulation pump 5 does not need to operate, preventing hydrogen from continuing to flow.

[0065] The outlet solenoid valve 1 is connected to the inlet of the fuel cell stack 4, indicating that the hydrogen, after being pressurized by the hydrogen circulation pump 5, is reintroduced into the hydrogen inlet of the fuel cell stack 4 through the outlet solenoid valve 1. When hydrogen circulation is needed, the outlet solenoid valve 1 opens, allowing the pressurized hydrogen to re-enter the fuel cell stack 4 to participate in the electrochemical reaction; conversely, if the hydrogen circulation pump 5 is not needed, the outlet solenoid valve 1 closes, preventing hydrogen from entering the stack.

[0066] In this way, the solenoid valve can effectively control the flow of hydrogen, ensuring that hydrogen is circulated only when needed, thereby improving hydrogen utilization and the efficiency of the fuel cell system. At the same time, this design also helps reduce hydrogen waste and makes the hydrogen circulation effect more significant, facilitating the testing and verification of the operating status of the hydrogen circulation pump 5.

[0067] In some embodiments of this application, the outlet solenoid valve 1 is connected to the hydrogen flow meter 6, and the hydrogen flow meter 6 is connected to the temperature and pressure sensor 3.

[0068] Specifically, the outlet solenoid valve 1 is located at the outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 and is used to control the flow of hydrogen from the hydrogen circulation pump 5. When the hydrogen circulation pump 5 needs to work, the outlet solenoid valve 1 is opened, allowing hydrogen to flow out of the pump; when the hydrogen circulation pump 5 does not need to work, the outlet solenoid valve 1 is closed to prevent hydrogen from flowing out.

[0069] Hydrogen flow meter 6: Installed on the outlet side of hydrogen circulation pump 5, immediately after the outlet solenoid valve 1. Hydrogen flow meter 6 is used to detect the hydrogen flow rate at the outlet side of hydrogen circulation pump 5, and can verify the flow characteristics of hydrogen circulation pump 5 at different speeds. This means that when the solenoid valve opens to allow hydrogen flow, hydrogen flow meter 6 starts working and records the volume of hydrogen flowing through it.

[0070] Temperature and pressure sensor 3 (P / T): Installed on both the inlet and outlet sides of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, it is used to monitor the pressure and temperature of hydrogen. Although the document mentions that the hydrogen flow meter 6 is connected to the temperature and pressure sensor 3, they should actually be installed adjacent to each other on the outlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, rather than being physically directly connected. The data acquired by the temperature and pressure sensor 3 can help analyze the operating status of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, such as the pressure difference and temperature changes at the inlet and outlet, thereby evaluating the performance of the hydrogen circulation pump 5.

[0071] In some embodiments of this application, the gas-liquid separator 7 is connected to the temperature and pressure sensor 3 on one side, to the drain valve on another side, and to the inlet solenoid valve 2 on yet another side.

[0072] Specifically, on the side connected to the temperature and pressure sensor 3: The temperature and pressure sensor 3 (P / T) is used to detect the pressure and temperature at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5. This part of the sensor may be installed near the gas-liquid separator 7 to monitor the state of hydrogen near the separator. In fact, the sensor is not directly connected to the gas-liquid separator 7, but is installed nearby to detect relevant parameters.

[0073] On the side connected to the drain valve: The function of the gas-liquid separator 7 is to separate the liquid component (usually water) from the hydrogen gas. The separated water is periodically discharged through the drain valve connected to the gas-liquid separator 7. The drain valve can be opened at preset time intervals to remove the water accumulated inside the separator and maintain the purity of the hydrogen gas.

[0074] On the side connected to the inlet solenoid valve 2: the gas-liquid separator 7 is located on the inlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, meaning that hydrogen gas passes through the gas-liquid separator 7 before entering the hydrogen circulation pump 5. This side is connected to the inlet solenoid valve 2. When the inlet solenoid valve 2 is open, hydrogen gas enters the hydrogen circulation pump 5 after passing through the gas-liquid separator 7.

[0075] In some embodiments of this application, the inlet solenoid valve 2 is connected to the outlet of the fuel cell stack 4.

[0076] Specifically, after the hydrogen in the fuel cell stack 4 undergoes an electrochemical reaction, the unreacted hydrogen will be discharged through the stack's outlet. At this time, the inlet solenoid valve 2 is located at this outlet position. Its function is to open the valve when hydrogen circulation is needed, allowing this unreacted hydrogen to flow back into the hydrogen circulation system, and then be transported back to the stack's inlet by the hydrogen circulation pump 5 to participate in a new round of electrochemical reaction.

[0077] Conversely, when hydrogen circulation is not required or when verification of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 is not required, the inlet solenoid valve 2 will remain closed to prevent hydrogen from continuing to flow, thereby cutting off the hydrogen return path.

[0078] In some embodiments of this application, a controller 8 is also included, which is used to adjust the rotational speed of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 and control the opening and closing of the inlet solenoid valve 2, the outlet solenoid valve 1 and the drain valve.

[0079] Specifically, the speed of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 is adjusted: the controller 8 controls the flow rate of hydrogen by adjusting the speed of the hydrogen circulation pump 5. This allows the tester to simulate different working states of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 in a real working environment according to different test requirements, thereby obtaining performance data of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 at different speeds.

[0080] Controlling the opening and closing of the inlet solenoid valve 2: The inlet solenoid valve 2 is located at the inlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, and the controller 8 can control the opening and closing of this solenoid valve. When hydrogen circulation is required, the controller 8 will open the inlet solenoid valve 2, allowing hydrogen to flow into the hydrogen circulation pump 5; when hydrogen circulation is not required or the test is over, the controller 8 will close the inlet solenoid valve 2, cutting off the path of hydrogen into the hydrogen circulation pump 5.

[0081] The opening and closing of the outlet solenoid valve 1 is controlled by the controller 8. The outlet solenoid valve 1 is installed at the outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, and its opening and closing are also controlled by the controller 8. When hydrogen circulation is required, the controller 8 will open the outlet solenoid valve 1 to allow hydrogen to flow out of the hydrogen circulation pump 5; when hydrogen circulation is not required, the controller 8 will close the outlet solenoid valve 1 to prevent hydrogen from flowing out.

[0082] Controlling the opening and closing of the drain valve: The drain valve is connected to the gas-liquid separator 7 and is used to periodically drain excess water from the separator. The controller 8 periodically opens the drain valve as needed to drain excess water, maintain the purity of hydrogen, and maintain the normal operation of the hydrogen circulation pump 5.

[0083] In some embodiments of this application, the controller 8 is electrically connected to the hydrogen flow meter 6, the hydrogen circulation pump 5, the solenoid valve, the drain valve, the gas-liquid separator 7, and the temperature and pressure sensor 3.

[0084] Specifically, the hydrogen flow meter 6 is used to detect the hydrogen flow rate at the outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5. It transmits the measured flow rate data to the controller 8 via an electrical signal. The controller 8 adjusts the speed of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 based on this data to achieve the desired flow rate value.

[0085] Hydrogen circulation pump 5: The controller 8 controls the rotational speed of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 via electrical signals, thereby regulating the hydrogen flow rate. The speed of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 can be adjusted according to the power generation of the fuel cell stack 4 to meet actual needs.

[0086] Solenoid valves: Controller 8 controls the on / off state of solenoid valves via electrical connection. Inlet solenoid valve 2 and outlet solenoid valve 1 are located at the inlet and outlet of hydrogen circulation pump 5, respectively, and are used to control whether hydrogen flows into or out of hydrogen circulation pump 5. When hydrogen circulation is needed, controller 8 sends a signal to open the solenoid valve; when not needed, the solenoid valve closes.

[0087] Drain valve: The drain valve is electrically connected to the controller 8 and opens and closes periodically according to the instructions of the controller 8 to drain excess water accumulated in the gas-liquid separator 7. The controller 8 can adjust the opening frequency of the drain valve according to actual needs to simulate the exhaust frequency of the fuel cell system.

[0088] Gas-liquid separator 7: Although gas-liquid separator 7 is not directly electrically connected to controller 8, it is associated with drain valve, which is controlled by controller 8. Gas-liquid separator 7 is used to separate moisture from hydrogen gas, which is then discharged through drain valve to maintain the purity of hydrogen gas.

[0089] Temperature and pressure sensor 3: The temperature and pressure sensor 3 is installed at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 to detect the pressure and temperature of the hydrogen and send this data to the controller 8 via an electrical connection. The controller 8 uses this data to evaluate the operating status of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, such as the pressure difference and temperature difference between the inlet and outlet, to help determine the performance of the hydrogen circulation pump 5.

[0090] In some embodiments of this application, the controller 8 is also used to receive data from the hydrogen flow meter 6 and monitor the hydrogen flow rate at the outlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump 5.

[0091] Specifically, data reception: A hydrogen flow meter 6 is installed on the outlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 to detect the hydrogen flow rate. The hydrogen flow meter 6 transmits the measured hydrogen flow rate data to the controller 8 via an electrical connection. This means that the controller 8 can obtain the specific value of the hydrogen flow rate in real time.

[0092] Flow monitoring: After receiving data from the hydrogen flow meter 6, the controller 8 processes and analyzes it to understand the hydrogen flow rate at the outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5. By monitoring this data, the controller 8 can verify the flow characteristics of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 at different speeds and adjust the operating status of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 accordingly.

[0093] In this way, controller 8 can not only ensure that hydrogen circulation pump 5 operates at the predetermined flow rate during testing, but also provide more accurate hydrogen circulation results during fuel cell stack 4 testing, thus providing data support for subsequent research and development. Furthermore, monitoring hydrogen flow rate helps optimize hydrogen usage, reduce waste, and improve the overall system's economy and efficiency.

[0094] In some embodiments of this application, the controller 8 is also used to receive data provided by the temperature and pressure sensor 3 and monitor the pressure and temperature at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5.

[0095] Specifically, data is received by temperature and pressure sensors 3 (P / T) installed at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 to detect the pressure and temperature of the hydrogen. These sensors convert the detected information into electrical signals and transmit them to the controller 8. This means that the controller 8 can acquire the pressure and temperature data at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 in real time.

[0096] Pressure monitoring: Using pressure data provided by the temperature and pressure sensor 3, the controller 8 can monitor pressure changes at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump 5. These pressure changes help analyze the operating status of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, such as determining if there are blockages or other problems affecting hydrogen flow.

[0097] Temperature monitoring: In addition to pressure, the thermo-pressure sensor 3 also monitors the temperature of the hydrogen. Temperature data is crucial for evaluating the efficiency of the hydrogen circulation pump 5, as it helps to understand the heat changes of the hydrogen during circulation, which is essential for ensuring that the hydrogen circulation pump 5 operates within the appropriate temperature range.

[0098] Data Analysis: By receiving and processing this data, the controller 8 can perform data analysis to better understand the operating performance of the hydrogen circulation pump 5. For example, the controller 8 can calculate the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet to assess the flow characteristics of the hydrogen circulation pump 5; it can also check for the risk of overheating of the hydrogen circulation pump 5 by measuring the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet.

[0099] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.

[0100] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0101] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A simple hydrogen circulation device for fuel cell testing, characterized in that, include: Hydrogen flow meter, used to measure hydrogen flow rate; A hydrogen circulation pump is used to drive the flow of hydrogen gas. Solenoid valve, used to control the working status of the hydrogen circulation pump; A gas-liquid separator is used to separate the liquid component from hydrogen gas. A drain valve is used to periodically drain excess water that has separated out. A thermo-pressure sensor is used to monitor changes in pressure and temperature. The hydrogen flow meter is installed on the outlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump; the solenoid valve is located at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump; the gas-liquid separator is located on the inlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump, and the drain valve is connected to the gas-liquid separator; the temperature and pressure sensor is installed on the outlet and inlet sides of the hydrogen circulation pump.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solenoid valve includes an inlet solenoid valve and an outlet solenoid valve. The inlet solenoid valve is located at the inlet of the hydrogen circulation pump, and the outlet solenoid valve is located at the outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inlet solenoid valve is connected to the outlet of the fuel cell stack, and the outlet solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the fuel cell.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outlet solenoid valve is connected to the hydrogen flow meter, and the hydrogen flow meter is connected to the temperature and pressure sensor.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, One side of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the temperature and pressure sensor, one side is connected to the drain valve, and one side is connected to the inlet solenoid valve.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The controller is used to adjust the speed of the hydrogen circulation pump and control the opening and closing of the inlet solenoid valve, the outlet solenoid valve and the drain valve.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The controller is electrically connected to the hydrogen flow meter, the hydrogen circulation pump, the solenoid valve, the drain valve, the gas-liquid separator, and the temperature and pressure sensor.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The controller is also used to receive data from the hydrogen flow meter and monitor the hydrogen flow rate at the outlet side of the hydrogen circulation pump.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The controller is also used to receive data from the temperature and pressure sensor and monitor the pressure and temperature at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen circulation pump.

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