Fuel cell stack activation line

Abstract

The utility model relates to a fuel cell stack activation line, and belongs to the technical field of fuel cells. The fuel cell stack activation line comprises an activation test station; an anode gas supply module; a cathode gas supply module; a cooling module; the cathode gas supply module comprises an air compressor, a cathode gas mixing device, a cathode steam supply device and a cathode heat exchanger, and two gas inlets of the cathode gas mixing device are communicated with a gas outlet of the air compressor and a gas outlet of the cathode steam supply device respectively; a gas outlet of the cathode gas mixing device is communicated with a gas inlet of the cathode heat exchanger, and cathode gas flows out of a gas outlet of the cathode heat exchanger. The fuel cell stack activation line has the advantages that the occupied area is small, and the test energy consumption can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more specifically, to a fuel cell stack activation line. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell is a chemical device that directly converts the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy. It has the advantages of being pollution-free, noise-free, and having high power generation efficiency, and has great application prospects in aerospace, electric vehicles and other fields.

[0003] Fuel cell stacks need to undergo activation testing to reach their optimal performance. However, as the rated power of fuel cell stacks increases, not only do the power and size of the humidifiers in the stack activation line become larger, but the demand for common media such as water, gas, and power also increases, thereby increasing the cost, footprint, and testing energy consumption of the stack activation line. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, this application proposes a fuel cell stack activation line that not only occupies a smaller area but also reduces testing energy consumption.

[0005] Some embodiments of this application include a fuel cell stack activation line comprising: an activation test station for placing the fuel cell stack; an anode gas supply module for supplying anode gas to the fuel cell stack; a cathode gas supply module for supplying cathode gas to the fuel cell stack; and a cooling module for cooling the fuel cell stack. The cathode gas supply module includes an air compressor, a cathode gas mixing device, a cathode steam supply device, and a cathode heat exchanger. The air compressor compresses air. The two inlets of the cathode gas mixing device are respectively connected to the outlet of the air compressor and the outlet of the cathode steam supply device. The outlet of the cathode gas mixing device is connected to the inlet of the cathode heat exchanger. Cathode gas flows out from the outlet of the cathode heat exchanger to supply cathode gas to the fuel cell stack.

[0006] Optionally, the cooling module further includes a heat exchanger, a cooling water inlet pipe, and a cooling water outlet pipe. The cooling water inlet pipe connects the heat exchanger and the cooling water inlet of the activation test station. The cooling water outlet pipe connects the heat exchanger and the cooling water outlet of the activation test station. The cooling water inlet of the cathode heat exchanger is connected to the cooling water outlet pipe via a pipeline. The cooling water outlet of the cathode heat exchanger is connected to the cooling water inlet pipe. The cathode heat exchanger is configured to use the waste heat of the cooling water outlet of the activation test station to heat the cathode gas.

[0007] Optionally, the anode gas supply module includes a hydrogen supply device, an anode gas mixing device, an anode vapor supply device, and an anode heat exchanger. The hydrogen supply device is used to supply hydrogen. The two inlets of the anode gas mixing device are respectively connected to the outlet of the hydrogen supply device and the outlet of the anode vapor supply device. The outlet of the anode gas mixing device is connected to the inlet of the anode heat exchanger. The anode gas flows out from the outlet of the anode heat exchanger to supply anode gas to the fuel cell stack.

[0008] Optionally, the cooling module further includes a heat exchanger, a cooling water inlet pipe, and a cooling water outlet pipe. The cooling water inlet pipe connects the heat exchanger and the cooling water inlet of the activation test station. The cooling water outlet pipe connects the heat exchanger and the cooling water outlet of the activation test station. The cooling water inlet of the anode heat exchanger is connected to the cooling water outlet pipe via a pipeline. The cooling water outlet of the anode heat exchanger is connected to the cooling water inlet pipe. The anode heat exchanger is configured to use the waste heat of the cooling water outlet of the activation test station to heat the anode gas.

[0009] Optionally, both the cathode steam supply device and the anode steam supply device include: a steam boiler and a steam proportional valve, wherein the steam proportional valve is disposed on the steam boiler outlet side.

[0010] Optionally, multiple activation test stations are provided, and the anode steam supply device and the cathode steam supply device of multiple activation test stations share the same steam boiler.

[0011] Optionally, the anode steam supply device and the cathode steam supply device share the same steam boiler.

[0012] Optionally, the hydrogen supply device includes a hydrogen source and a hydrogen proportioning valve, wherein the hydrogen proportioning valve is disposed on the outlet side of the hydrogen supply device.

[0013] Optionally, the fuel cell stack activation line further includes a heating water separator, which is used to receive the products of the stack activation test and separate hydrogen into the anode gas mixing device to achieve hydrogen recycling.

[0014] Optionally, the fuel cell stack activation line further includes a back pressure valve connected to the cathode exhaust port of the fuel cell stack.

[0015] Compared to existing technologies, the advantages of this solution are as follows:

[0016] Using the fuel cell stack activation line of this application embodiment to perform activation testing on the fuel cell stack, since an air compressor is used instead of a traditional mass flow controller for air supply, the demand for compressed air in the plant can be significantly reduced, thereby reducing the plant floor space requirement. Not only is the floor space smaller, but the testing energy consumption can also be reduced.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the arrangement of the activation lines of the fuel cell stack provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing that the cathode steam supply device and the anode steam supply device of the fuel cell stack activation line provided in this application embodiment share the same steam boiler;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell stack activation line provided in an embodiment of this application, in which multiple activation test stations share the same steam boiler.

[0022] Icons: 100 - Fuel cell stack activation line; 110 - Activation test station; 120 - Anode gas supply module; 121 - Hydrogen supply device; 1211 - Hydrogen source; 1212 - Hydrogen proportional valve; 122 - Anode gas mixing device; 123 - Anode steam supply device; 124 - Anode heat exchanger; 130 - Cathode gas supply module; 131 - Air compressor; 132 - Cathode gas mixing device; 133 - Cathode steam supply device; 1331 - Steam boiler; 1332 - Steam proportional valve; 134 - Cathode heat exchanger; 140 - Cooling module; 141 - Heat exchanger; 142 - Cooling water inlet pipe; 143 - Cooling water outlet pipe; 144 - Cooling tower; 145 - Cooling water circulation pipe; 151 - Heating distributor; 152 - Pulse valve; 153 - Back pressure valve; 200 - Fuel cell stack. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0024] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] During the activation test of the fuel cell stack, the stack needs to be placed in the activation test station. The cathode gas and anode gas are adjusted to the set temperature and humidity parameters, respectively, and are input into the cathode and anode of the fuel cell stack at the set flow rates. The fuel cell stack is also cooled during the activation process.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell stack activation line 100 of this embodiment includes an activation test station 110, an anode gas supply module 120, a cathode gas supply module 130, and a cooling module 140. The activation test station 110 is used to place the fuel cell stack 200, the anode gas supply module 120 is used to supply anode gas to the fuel cell stack 200, the cathode gas supply module 130 is used to supply cathode gas to the fuel cell stack 200, and the cooling module 140 includes a heat exchanger 141 for cooling the fuel cell stack 200. The cathode gas supply module 130 includes an air compressor 131, a cathode gas mixing device 132, a cathode steam supply device 133, and a cathode heat exchanger 134. The air compressor 131 is used to compress air. The two air inlets of the cathode gas mixing device 132 are respectively connected to the air outlet of the air compressor 131 and the air outlet of the cathode steam supply device 133. The air outlet of the cathode gas mixing device 132 is connected to the air inlet of the cathode heat exchanger 134. Cathode gas flows out from the air outlet of the cathode heat exchanger 134 to supply cathode gas to the fuel cell stack 200.

[0027] The fuel cell stack activation line 100 in this embodiment is used to activate a hydrogen fuel cell, with hydrogen as the anode gas and air or oxygen as the cathode gas; in other embodiments, the fuel cell stack activation line 100 can also be used for the activation process of other fuel cells.

[0028] Air compressor 131 draws air directly from the ambient atmosphere. Closed-loop control of the compressor's speed is achieved through real-time flow feedback at its inlet, thus controlling the air supply and flow. The outlet pressure of air compressor 131 only needs to meet the maximum test pressure condition of the cathode inlet of fuel cell stack 200. Compared to traditional mass flow controllers, this significantly reduces the outlet pressure. For example, the outlet pressure of air compressor 131 only needs to be around 3 bar, while traditional mass flow controllers use compressed air sources with a typical pressure range of 6-7 bar.

[0029] Using the fuel cell stack activation line 100 of this application embodiment to perform activation testing on the fuel cell stack 200, since the air compressor 131 is used to replace the traditional mass flow controller for air supply, the demand of the fuel cell stack activation line 100 for compressed air in the plant can be significantly reduced, thereby reducing the demand for plant floor space. Not only is the floor space smaller, but the testing energy consumption can also be reduced.

[0030] The activation test station 110 includes a cooling water circulation pipe 145 and a fuel cell stack fixing platform. The cooling water circulation pipe 145 includes a cooling water inlet and a cooling water outlet, which are used to cooperate with the cooling module 140. During the fuel cell stack activation test, the cooling water in the cooling water circulation pipe 145 flows to remove the heat generated by the fuel cell stack 200.

[0031] Both the cathode gas supply pipe and the anode gas supply pipe before entering the fuel cell stack 200 are equipped with corresponding temperature gauges, pressure gauges, and humidity gauges to monitor gas parameters in real time.

[0032] In some embodiments of this application, the cathode gas mixing device 132 also has a gas-water separation function and a preheating function, which preheats the cathode gas mixing device 132 before humidifying gas is introduced to prevent condensation.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, the cooling module 140 further includes a heat exchanger 141, a cooling water inlet pipe 142, and a cooling water outlet pipe 143. The cooling water inlet pipe 142 connects the heat exchanger 141 and the cooling water inlet of the activation test station 110, and the cooling water outlet pipe 143 connects the heat exchanger 141 and the cooling water outlet of the activation test station 110.

[0034] The heat exchanger 141 is a plate heat exchanger. A circulating pump is installed on the cooling water inlet pipe 142. Thermometers and pressure gauges are respectively installed on the cooling water inlet pipe 142 and the cooling water outlet pipe 143 near the activation test station 110 to monitor the cooling water circulation in real time. The other end of the cooling water outlet pipe 143 is connected to the cooling tower 144 for spray cooling, and then flows back to the activation test station 110 through the cooling water inlet pipe 142 to achieve recycling.

[0035] This configuration allows the heat generated by the fuel cell stack 200 during the activation test to be dissipated, thus ensuring the activation effect of the fuel cell stack.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, the cooling water inlet of the cathode heat exchanger 134 is connected to the cooling water outlet pipe 143 via a pipeline, and the cooling water outlet of the cathode heat exchanger 134 is connected to the cooling water inlet pipe 142. The cathode heat exchanger 134 is configured to use the residual heat of the cooling water outlet of the activation test station 110 to heat the cathode gas.

[0037] This configuration allows for full utilization of the heat generated during the activation of the fuel cell stack 200 to heat the cathode gas, saving not only the power consumption of gas heating but also the power consumption of the cooling tower in the cooling module 140.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, the cathode steam supply device 133 includes a steam boiler 1331 and a steam proportional valve 1332, with the steam proportional valve 1332 disposed on the steam outlet side of the steam boiler 1331.

[0039] The steam generated by the steam boiler 1331 enters the cathode gas mixing device 132 after the flow rate is regulated by the steam proportional valve 1332, so as to regulate the humidity parameter of the cathode gas.

[0040] This setup uses boiler steam humidification to provide water vapor, which, compared to the traditional method of humidification by spraying or misting, allows the steam boiler 1331 to be located away from the activation test station 110, thereby reducing the requirements for the plant area.

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, the anode gas supply module 120 includes a hydrogen supply device 121, an anode gas mixing device 122, an anode vapor supply device 123, and an anode heat exchanger 124. The hydrogen supply device 121 is used to supply hydrogen. The two inlets of the anode gas mixing device 122 are respectively connected to the outlet of the hydrogen supply device 121 and the outlet of the anode vapor supply device 123. The outlet of the anode gas mixing device 122 is connected to the inlet of the anode heat exchanger 124. The anode gas flows out from the outlet of the anode heat exchanger 124 to supply anode gas to the fuel cell stack 200.

[0042] Similar to the structure and principle of the cathode gas mixing device 132 and cathode steam supply device 133 in the cathode gas supply module 130, in the anode gas supply module 120, the hydrogen supply device 121 and the anode steam supply device 123 respectively input hydrogen and water vapor into the anode gas mixing device 122. The wet hydrogen formed after mixing enters the anode heat exchanger 124 for heating, thereby providing hydrogen that meets the preset temperature and humidity to the fuel cell stack 200.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, the cooling water inlet of the anode heat exchanger 124 is connected to the cooling water outlet pipe 143 via a pipeline, and the cooling water outlet of the anode heat exchanger 124 is connected to the cooling water inlet pipe 142. The anode heat exchanger 124 is configured to use the residual heat of the cooling water outlet of the activation test station 110 to heat the anode gas.

[0044] The structure and working principle of the anode heat exchanger 124 are similar to those of the cathode heat exchanger 134, and will not be described in detail here.

[0045] This configuration allows for full utilization of the heat generated during the activation process of the fuel cell stack 200 to heat the anode gas, saving not only the power consumption of gas heating but also the power consumption of the cooling tower in the cooling module 140.

[0046] In some embodiments of this application, the hydrogen supply device 121 includes a hydrogen source 1211 and a hydrogen proportional valve 1212, with the hydrogen proportional valve 1212 disposed on the outlet side of the hydrogen supply device 121.

[0047] In other words, a hydrogen proportional valve 1212 is installed on the outlet side of the hydrogen source 1211.

[0048] With this configuration, the hydrogen flow rate can be adjusted via the hydrogen proportional valve 1212, thereby controlling the amount of hydrogen input.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, the fuel cell stack activation line 100 further includes a heating water separator 151, which is used to receive the products of the stack activation test and separate hydrogen into the anode gas mixing device 122 to achieve hydrogen recycling.

[0050] The heating water distributor 151 is also connected to a pulse discharge valve 152, which discharges the gas pressure through the pulse discharge valve 152 when the gas pressure exceeds the threshold.

[0051] The heating water separator 151 can promptly separate and discharge the water generated in the fuel cell stack 200 during the activation test, maintaining a suitable humidity and water content inside the fuel cell stack 200. Hydrogen gas re-enters the anode gas mixing device 122 through the pipeline, realizing hydrogen circulation and reducing hydrogen consumption.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, the fuel cell stack activation line 100 further includes a back pressure valve 153, which is connected to the cathode exhaust port of the stack 200 at the activation test station 110.

[0053] With this configuration, tail discharge can be performed via back pressure valve 153 when the gas pressure in the cathode chamber of fuel cell stack 200 exceeds a threshold. In some embodiments of this application, the anode steam supply device 123 and the cathode steam supply device 133 share the same steam boiler 1331.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the cathode steam supply device 133 and the anode steam supply device 123 have the same structure. Taking the cathode steam supply device 133 as an example, the cathode steam supply device 133 includes a steam boiler 1331 and a steam proportional valve 1332. The steam proportional valve 1332 is disposed on the steam outlet side of the steam boiler 1331.

[0055] The steam generated by the steam boiler 1331 enters the cathode gas mixing device 132 after the flow rate is regulated by the steam proportional valve 1332, so as to regulate the humidity of the cathode gas.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the anode steam supply device 123 and the cathode steam supply device 133 share the same steam boiler 1331.

[0057] The anode steam supply device 123 and the cathode steam supply device 133 are connected in parallel at the outlet of the same steam boiler 1331 and are connected to the corresponding gas mixing device through a gas distribution pipe. Each gas distribution pipe is equipped with a corresponding steam proportional valve 1332 to adjust the specific steam flow rate.

[0058] This configuration simplifies the number of steam boilers 1331 in the fuel cell stack activation line 100, thereby reducing the floor space required.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, in some other embodiments of this application, multiple activation test stations 110 are provided, and the anode steam supply device 123 and cathode steam supply device 133 of the multiple activation test stations 110 share the same steam boiler 1331.

[0060] Each activation test station 110 is equipped with an independent anode gas supply module 120, a cathode gas supply module 130, and a cooling module 140. Multiple anode steam supply devices 123 and cathode steam supply devices 133 are connected in parallel at the outlet of the same steam boiler 1331 and are connected to the corresponding gas mixing device through a gas distribution pipe. Each gas distribution pipe is equipped with a corresponding steam proportional valve 1332 to adjust the specific steam flow rate.

[0061] This configuration simplifies the number of steam boilers 1331 in the fuel cell stack activation line 100, thereby reducing the floor space required.

[0062] In the fuel cell stack activation line 100 of this application embodiment, an air compressor 131 is used to provide compressed air instead of a traditional quality controller. The rotational speed of the air compressor 131 is controlled in a closed loop through real-time flow feedback at the inlet of the air compressor 131, thereby realizing the control of air flow and supply. The outlet pressure of the air compressor 131 only needs to meet the maximum test pressure condition of the cathode inlet of the fuel cell stack 200. A steam boiler 1331 is used to provide steam to adjust the humidity of the cathode gas and anode gas, replacing the humidifier on the traditional test bench. The waste heat generated by the activation test of the fuel cell stack 200 is used to heat the cathode gas and anode gas, which not only reduces the footprint but also reduces the test energy consumption.

[0063] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0064] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit 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 protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A fuel cell stack activation line (100) characterized by, The application relates to a test device for testing a fuel cell stack, comprising: an activation test station (110) for placing the fuel cell stack; an anode gas supply module (120) for supplying anode gas to the fuel cell stack; a cathode gas supply module (130) for supplying cathode gas to the fuel cell stack; a cooling module (140) for cooling the fuel cell stack; wherein the cathode gas supply module (130) comprises an air compressor (131) for compressing air, a cathode gas mixing device (132), a cathode steam supply device (133) and a cathode heat exchanger (134), two gas inlets of the cathode gas mixing device (132) are respectively communicated with a gas outlet of the air compressor (131) and a gas outlet of the cathode steam supply device (133), a gas outlet of the cathode gas mixing device (132) is communicated with a gas inlet of the cathode heat exchanger (134), and cathode gas flows out of a gas outlet of the cathode heat exchanger (134) to supply cathode gas to the fuel cell stack.

2. The fuel cell stack activation line (100) of claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling module (140) further comprises a heat exchanger (141), a cooling water inlet pipe (142) and a cooling water outlet pipe (143), the cooling water inlet pipe (142) is communicated with the heat exchanger (141) and a cooling water inlet of the activation test station (110), the cooling water outlet pipe (143) is communicated with the heat exchanger (141) and a cooling water outlet of the activation test station (110), a cooling water inlet of the cathode heat exchanger (134) is communicated with the cooling water outlet pipe (143) through a pipeline, and a cooling water outlet of the cathode heat exchanger (134) is communicated with the cooling water inlet pipe (142), the cathode heat exchanger (134) is configured to heat cathode gas by using waste heat of cooling water outlet of the activation test station (110).

3. The fuel cell stack activation line (100) of claim 1, characterized in that, The anode gas supply module (120) comprises a hydrogen gas supply device (121) for supplying hydrogen gas, an anode gas mixing device (122), an anode steam supply device (123) and an anode heat exchanger (124), two gas inlets of the anode gas mixing device (122) are respectively communicated with a gas outlet of the hydrogen gas supply device (121) and a gas outlet of the anode steam supply device (123), a gas outlet of the anode gas mixing device (122) is communicated with a gas inlet of the anode heat exchanger (124), and anode gas flows out of a gas outlet of the anode heat exchanger (124) to supply anode gas to the fuel cell stack.

4. The fuel cell stack activation line (100) of claim 3, characterized in that, The cooling module (140) further comprises a heat exchanger (141), a cooling water inlet pipe (142) and a cooling water outlet pipe (143), the cooling water inlet pipe (142) being communicated with the heat exchanger (141) and a cooling water inlet of the activation test station (110), the cooling water outlet pipe (143) being communicated with the heat exchanger (141) and a cooling water outlet of the activation test station (110), a cooling water inlet of the anode heat exchanger (124) being communicated with the cooling water outlet pipe (143) through a pipeline, a cooling water outlet of the anode heat exchanger (124) being communicated with the cooling water inlet pipe (142), and the anode heat exchanger (124) being configured to heat anode gas by using waste heat of the cooling water outlet of the activation test station (110).

5. The fuel cell stack activation line (100) of claim 3, characterized in that, The cathode steam providing device (133) and the anode steam providing device (123) each comprise a steam boiler (1331) and a steam proportional valve (1332), and the steam proportional valve (1332) is arranged on one side of a gas outlet of the steam boiler (1331).

6. The fuel cell stack activation line (100) of claim 5, characterized in that The activation test station (110) is provided in plurality, and the anode steam providing device (123) and the cathode steam providing device (133) of the plurality of activation test stations (110) share one steam boiler (1331).

7. The fuel cell stack activation line (100) of claim 5, characterized in that, The anode steam providing device (123) and the cathode steam providing device (133) share one steam boiler (1331).

8. The fuel cell stack activation line (100) of claim 3, characterized in that, The hydrogen providing device (121) comprises a hydrogen source (1211) and a hydrogen proportional valve (1212), and the hydrogen proportional valve (1212) is arranged on one side of a gas outlet of the hydrogen providing device (121).

9. The fuel cell stack activation line (100) of claim 3, characterized in that, The fuel cell stack activation line (100) further comprises: A heating water distributor (151) is arranged to receive products of the stack activation test, separate hydrogen into the anode gas mixing device (122) to realize hydrogen circulation.

10. The fuel cell stack activation line (100) of claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel cell stack activation line (100) further comprises a back pressure valve (153) communicated with a cathode exhaust port of the stack.

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