Test bench for thermal management subsystem of fuel cell system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a test bench for a thermal management subsystem of a fuel cell system. According to the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system, the first hand valves are respectively arranged at the two ends of the radiator, the PTC heater and the cooling water pump, so that the resistance and flow distribution of fluid (cooling water) under different resistances can be conveniently simulated by adjusting the opening degrees of the first hand valves at the corresponding positions. The test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system can be used for testing the flow resistance and flow distribution of each part, for example, (1) the flow resistance of the part at different temperatures is tested; (2) simulating flow distribution of each branch of the cooling subsystem of the fuel cell system; and (3) verifying a control strategy (large and small circulation flow distribution and temperature fluctuation in a starting process) of the thermostat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically relating to a test bench for a fuel cell system thermal management subsystem. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, fuel cell thermal management test benches primarily simulate the heat source of the fuel cell stack and the flow resistance of the fuel cell engine in the water path during operation, thereby simulating and verifying the functions of the fuel cell thermal management system. All functions on the thermal management test bench require corresponding components; for example, simulating the heat source of the fuel cell stack requires a heat source simulator.

[0003] Utility model patent CN209311114U discloses a fuel cell thermal management test bench, including a bench body and a fuel cell thermal management test system mounted on the bench body. The system includes: a fuel cell stack simulator; an expansion tank; a heat dissipation module connected to the exhaust port and the expansion tank inlet pipe; a water pump connected to the expansion tank inlet; a thermostat connected to the water pump outlet and to the large and small circulation outlets respectively connected to the heat dissipation module inlet and the fuel cell stack simulator inlet; a deionizer connected to the fuel cell stack simulator outlet and the water pump inlet; an intercooler connected to the heat dissipation module outlet; a PTC heater connected to the intercooler outlet and the water pump inlet; and flow meters, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors disposed in the pipelines. It is used for hydrothermal management of a PEMFC power system, and in conjunction with the fuel cell stack simulator, simulates the flow and heat transfer of the fuel cell stack and tests the performance of the thermal management test system.

[0004] The flow channel resistance cannot be adjusted in the aforementioned existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention addresses the aforementioned shortcomings in the existing technology by providing a test bench for the thermal management subsystem of a fuel cell system.

[0006] A test bench for a thermal management subsystem of a fuel cell system includes a simulated fuel cell stack, a thermostat, a radiator, a PTC heater, an expansion tank, and a cooling water pump.

[0007] The thermostat includes an inlet and two outlets. The inlet of the thermostat is connected to the outlet of the simulated fuel cell stack through a first pipe. One outlet of the thermostat is connected to the inlet of the radiator through a second pipe, and the other outlet is connected to the PTC heater through a third pipe.

[0008] The radiator is used to dissipate heat from the cooling water. The radiator has two outlets: one outlet is connected to the expansion tank via a fourth pipe, and the other outlet is connected to the cooling water pump via a fifth pipe.

[0009] The PTC heater is used to replace the heat source for heating the fuel cell stack and to heat the cooling water. The outlet of the PTC heater is connected to the fifth pipe.

[0010] The expansion tank is used to store cooling water, and the outlet of the expansion tank is connected to the fifth pipe;

[0011] The cooling water pump is used to drive cooling water into the simulated fuel cell stack, and the outlet of the cooling water pump is connected to the simulated fuel cell stack through a sixth pipe.

[0012] The radiator is provided with an adjustable first hand valve on its inlet side and the outlet side connecting to the fifth pipe, the PTC heater is provided with an inlet side and the outlet side, and the cooling water pump is provided with an inlet side and the outlet side.

[0013] Preferably, the simulated fuel cell stack uses a second manual valve to simulate the stack's resistance. The simulated fuel cell stack comprises two parallel stacks, one with a larger adjustable resistance and the other with a smaller adjustable resistance. The stack resistance is represented by the manual valve (i.e., the second manual valve), combined with a PTC heater to represent the stack's heating, thus simulating the resistance and heating conditions generated during actual fuel cell stack operation. Different resistances can be simulated by adjusting the opening and closing of the manual valve. Furthermore, by setting up two parallel simulated fuel cell stacks, one larger and one smaller, a wider range of different resistances can be simulated.

[0014] Preferably, differential pressure sensors are provided on the inlet and outlet sides of the simulated fuel cell stack, the inlet and two outlet sides of the thermostat, the inlet and outlet sides of the PTC heater, the inlet side of the radiator, and the outlet side connected to the fifth pipe. More preferably, the differential pressure sensors are single-crystal silicon pressure transmitters. More preferably, the two ends of the differential pressure sensors are respectively connected to the outer end of the pipes of each of the first hand valves.

[0015] Differential pressure sensors can directly measure the pressure at both ends of a component, making it easy to read and providing high measurement accuracy. This is an advantage over ordinary pressure sensors, which require placing a pressure sensor at each end of the device and calculating the difference to obtain the pressure difference between the two ends.

[0016] Preferably, each of the first, second, third, and fourth pipes is equipped with a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor; the fifth pipe is equipped with a temperature sensor at each end near the radiator and the cooling water pump, respectively; and the sixth pipe is equipped with a pressure sensor. The temperature sensors are used to detect temperature, and the pressure sensors are used to detect pressure.

[0017] Preferably, flow meters are installed on the second, third, and sixth pipes. The flow meters are used to detect the flow rate of cooling water passing through the corresponding points.

[0018] Preferably, quick-connect couplings are used when the pipes are composed of multiple pipe sections and when the pipes are connected to other components. Quick-connect couplings allow for quick and convenient replacement of parts, are easy to operate, and are low in cost.

[0019] The test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model can be used to test the flow resistance and flow distribution of various components, such as (1) testing the flow resistance of components at different temperatures; (2) simulating the flow distribution of each branch of the cooling subsystem of the fuel cell system; and (3) verifying the control strategy of the thermostat (large and small circulation flow distribution and temperature fluctuation during the opening process).

[0020] The test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model has a first-hand valve arranged at both ends of the radiator, PTC heater and cooling water pump. By adjusting the opening of the first-hand valve at the corresponding location, it is easy to simulate the fluid (cooling water) resistance and flow distribution under different resistance conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a first-view structural diagram of the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model after removing the frame and heat sink.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a second-view structural diagram of the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model after removing the frame and heat sink.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a third-view structural diagram of the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model after removing the frame and heat sink.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a fourth-view structural diagram of the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model after removing the frame and heat sink.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a fifth-view structural diagram of the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model after removing the frame and heat sink.

[0029] Figure reference numerals: 1. Simulated fuel cell stack; 2. Thermostat; 3. Radiator; 4. PTC heater; 5. Expansion tank; 6. Cooling water pump; 7. First pipe; 8. Second pipe; 9. Third pipe; 10. Fourth pipe; 11. Fifth pipe; 12. Sixth pipe; 13. First hand valve; 14. Differential pressure sensor; 15. Temperature sensor; 16. Pressure sensor; 17. Flow meter; 18. Quick connector; 19. Frame. Detailed Implementation

[0030] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this invention. Figures 2-8 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this invention.

[0031] As shown in the figure, the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model includes a simulated fuel cell stack 1, a thermostat 2, a radiator 3, a PTC heater 4, an expansion tank 5, and a cooling water pump 6. In this application, the components such as the thermostat 2, radiator 3, PTC heater 4, expansion tank 5, and cooling water pump 6 are all products from the prior art and can be directly purchased. Therefore, the specific structure of these components will not be described here.

[0032] The thermostat 2 includes an inlet and two outlets. The inlet of the thermostat 2 is connected to the outlet of the analog stack 1 through the first pipe 7. One outlet of the thermostat 2 is connected to the inlet of the radiator 3 through the second pipe 8, and the other outlet is connected to the PTC heater 4 through the third pipe 9.

[0033] Radiator 3 is used to dissipate heat from the cooling water. Radiator 3 has two outlets: one outlet is connected to the expansion tank 5 via the fourth pipe 10, and the other outlet is connected to the cooling water pump 6 via the fifth pipe 11. Figures 2-8 In the structure shown, the heat sink 3 includes two sets disposed on opposite sides of the frame 19.

[0034] PTC heater 4 is used to replace the heat source for the fuel cell stack and heat the cooling water. The outlet of PTC heater 4 is connected to the fifth pipe 11. At the same time, PTC heater 4 can provide auxiliary heating to the cooling water during low-temperature cold starts, so that the cooling water can reach the required temperature as soon as possible and shorten the cold start time of the fuel cell system.

[0035] The expansion tank 5 is used to store cooling water, and its outlet is connected to the fifth pipe 11. The expansion tank 5 can also be used for venting, maintaining constant pressure, and overflow.

[0036] Cooling water pump 6 is used to drive cooling water into the simulated fuel cell stack 1, and the outlet of cooling water pump 6 is connected to the simulated fuel cell stack 1 through the sixth pipe 12. That is to say, cooling water pump 6 serves as the power source for driving the cooling water circulation.

[0037] Each of the following is equipped with a first hand valve 13 that can be adjusted in size: the inlet side of the radiator 3 and the outlet side of the fifth pipe 11, the inlet side and the outlet side of the PTC heater 4, and the inlet side and the outlet side of the cooling water pump 6.

[0038] The test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model has a first hand valve 13 arranged at both ends of the radiator 3, the PTC heater 4 and the cooling water pump 6. This allows for the simulation of fluid (cooling water) resistance and flow distribution under different resistance conditions by adjusting the opening of the first hand valve 13 at the corresponding locations.

[0039] Simulated fuel cell stack 1 uses a second hand valve to simulate the stack's resistance. Simulated fuel cell stack 1 consists of two parallel valves, one with a larger adjustable resistance and the other with a smaller adjustable resistance. The stack resistance is represented by the hand valve (i.e., the second hand valve), combined with a PTC heater 4 to represent the stack's heat generation, thus simulating the resistance and heat generation generated during actual fuel cell stack operation. Different resistances can be simulated by adjusting the opening and closing of the hand valve. Furthermore, by setting up two parallel simulated fuel cell stacks 1, one larger and one smaller, a wider range of resistance variations can be simulated.

[0040] Differential pressure sensors 14 are installed on the inlet and outlet sides of the simulated fuel cell stack 1, the inlet and two outlet sides of the thermostat 2, the inlet and outlet sides of the PTC heater 4, the inlet side of the radiator 3, and the outlet side of the fifth pipe 11. The two simulated fuel cell stacks 1 are first connected in parallel, and then the same differential pressure sensor 14 is connected to both sides.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the differential pressure sensor 14 is specifically a single-crystal silicon pressure transmitter. For the radiator 3, PTC heater 4, and cooling water pump 6, which are equipped with first hand valves 13 on both sides, the two ends of the corresponding differential pressure sensor 14 are respectively connected to the outer end of the pipe of each first hand valve 13.

[0042] The differential pressure sensor 14 can directly measure the pressure at both ends of the component, which is easy to read and has high measurement accuracy. It has advantages over ordinary pressure sensors. Ordinary pressure sensors require a pressure sensor to be placed at both ends of the device and the difference to be calculated in order to obtain the pressure difference at both ends of the device.

[0043] A temperature sensor 15 and a pressure sensor 16 are each installed on the first pipe 7, the second pipe 8, the third pipe 9, and the fourth pipe 10; a temperature sensor 15 is installed on the fifth pipe 11 at both ends near the radiator 3 and the cooling water pump 6, respectively; and a pressure sensor 16 is installed on the sixth pipe 12. The temperature sensor 15 is used to detect temperature, and the pressure sensor 16 is used to detect pressure. Flow meters 17 are installed on the second pipe 8, the third pipe 9, and the sixth pipe 12. Flow meters 17 are used to detect the flow rate of cooling water passing through the corresponding points.

[0044] like Figures 2-3 As shown, the test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model includes a frame 19, with casters at the bottom of the frame 19 for easy movement. All other components are directly or indirectly fixedly mounted on the frame 19.

[0045] like Figures 4-8 As shown, quick-connect fittings 18 are used when each pipe (including pipe 7, pipe 8, pipe 9, pipe 10, pipe 11, and pipe 12) is composed of multiple pipe sections connected together, and when pipes are connected to other components. Quick-connect fitting 18 consists of a clip, a silicone gasket, and two quick-release couplings (clamp couplings). The two ends of quick-connect fitting 18 are connected to the pipes and secured with clamps. Using quick-connect fittings 18 allows for quick and convenient replacement of parts, is simple to operate, and is low in cost.

[0046] The test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system of this utility model can be used to test the flow resistance and flow distribution of various components, such as (1) testing the flow resistance of components at different temperatures; (2) simulating the flow distribution of each branch of the cooling subsystem of the fuel cell system; and (3) verifying the control strategy of the thermostat (large and small circulation flow distribution and temperature fluctuation during the opening process).

Claims

1. A test bench for a thermal management subsystem of a fuel cell system, characterized in that, This includes a simulated fuel cell stack, thermostat, radiator, PTC heater, expansion tank, and cooling water pump; The thermostat includes an inlet and two outlets. The inlet of the thermostat is connected to the outlet of the simulated fuel cell stack through a first pipe. One outlet of the thermostat is connected to the inlet of the radiator through a second pipe, and the other outlet is connected to the PTC heater through a third pipe. The radiator is used to dissipate heat from the cooling water. The radiator has two outlets: one outlet is connected to the expansion tank via a fourth pipe, and the other outlet is connected to the cooling water pump via a fifth pipe. The PTC heater is used to replace the heat source for heating the fuel cell stack and to heat the cooling water. The outlet of the PTC heater is connected to the fifth pipe. The expansion tank is used to store cooling water, and the outlet of the expansion tank is connected to the fifth pipe; The cooling water pump is used to drive cooling water into the simulated fuel cell stack, and the outlet of the cooling water pump is connected to the simulated fuel cell stack through a sixth pipe. The radiator is provided with an adjustable first hand valve on its inlet side and the outlet side connecting to the fifth pipe, the PTC heater is provided with an inlet side and the outlet side, and the cooling water pump is provided with an inlet side and the outlet side.

2. The test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The simulated fuel cell stack uses a second hand valve to simulate the stack's resistance. The simulated fuel cell stack includes two stacks arranged side by side, one with adjustable resistance and the other with adjustable resistance.

3. The test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Differential pressure sensors are provided on the inlet and outlet sides of the simulated fuel cell stack, the inlet and two outlet sides of the thermostat, the inlet and outlet sides of the PTC heater, the inlet side of the radiator, and the outlet side connecting to the fifth pipeline.

4. The test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The differential pressure sensor is a monocrystalline silicon pressure transmitter.

5. The test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two ends of the differential pressure sensor are respectively connected to the outer end of the pipe of each of the first hand valves.

6. The test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first, second, third, and fourth pipes is equipped with a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor; The fifth pipe has a temperature sensor installed at each end near the radiator and the cooling water pump, respectively, and the sixth pipe has a pressure sensor installed.

7. The test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Flow meters are installed on the second, third and sixth pipes.

8. The test bench for the thermal management subsystem of the fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When a pipeline is composed of multiple sections connected together, or when a pipeline is connected to other components, quick-connect fittings are used.

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