Sensor mounting seat tube for fuel cell air path system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, discloses a sensor mounting seat tube for a fuel cell air path system, and aims to solve the problems of inaccurate measurement, high maintenance cost and large flow resistance caused by airflow turbulence in the prior art. The installation seat tube comprises a tube body, and two ends of the tube body are connected in series with an external air path, an integrated rectification structure, a fixed support seat, an air flow meter installation interface and a differential pressure sensor installation interface. The rectifying structure adopts a perforated plate or a flow guide grid and is in smooth transition with the inner wall of the pipe body to reduce vortexes. The sensing interfaces and the fixing support seats are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the pipe body, and redundant configuration, multi-brand adaptation or idle plugging are supported. According to the utility model, the airflow stability is optimized through the rectification structure, low flow resistance and system reliability are considered, and the requirement of large flow is met; the connector of the air flow meter is fixed through screws, sealing performance is good, and quick disassembly and assembly are supported; the differential pressure sensor interface bolt and the cover plate are fixed, so that quick disassembly and assembly are realized, looseness is prevented, and the maintenance efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically to a sensor mounting base for a fuel cell air circuit system, which integrates an air flow meter, a differential pressure sensor, and a rectifier structure to optimize airflow stability and sensor maintenance convenience. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cells use oxygen at the cathode ( ) and anode hydrogen ( The electrochemical reaction generates electricity, requiring precise control of oxygen flow and pressure in the air path system to maintain reaction equilibrium and heat dissipation efficiency. However, existing technologies suffer from the following key problems:

[0003] 1. Turbulent airflow causes measurement inaccuracies:

[0004] Significant turbulence in the downstream airflow of the air filter (a structural defect) causes fluctuations in the detection signals of the air flow meter and differential pressure sensor, with measurement errors often exceeding 5%, affecting the power output stability of the fuel cell.

[0005] 2. Integrated design increases maintenance costs:

[0006] The sensors and pipelines are installed by welding or as a whole nested installation. Replacing a single sensor requires disassembling the entire gas circuit module, which takes up to several hours and is prone to damaging the sealing structure.

[0007] 3. Excessive flow resistance limits system efficiency:

[0008] Traditional mounting tubes have abrupt step changes or protruding structures on their inner walls, which leads to increased local pressure loss. Under high flow conditions of 1000 m³ / h, the flow resistance increases by more than 15% (effect defect), significantly reducing the net output power of the fuel cell.

[0009] The above problems collectively expose the inherent contradiction in existing technologies where "measurement accuracy, maintenance cost, and system efficiency" cannot be balanced simultaneously.

[0010] The flow-guiding structures added to improve airflow stability often further increase flow resistance;

[0011] The split sensor mount, designed to simplify maintenance, can easily disrupt airflow integrity.

[0012] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an innovative structure that enables modular and rapid maintenance of sensors while ensuring low flow resistance and airflow stability. Utility Model Content

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sensor mounting base for a fuel cell air circuit system, which enables modular and rapid maintenance of the sensor while ensuring low flow resistance and airflow stability.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the sensor mounting tube for the fuel cell air path system of this utility model includes a tube body, the two ends of which are connected in series to an external pipeline; with the downstream direction of the airflow as the rearward direction, this utility model has the following structure:

[0015] Rectifying structure: Located at the air inlet end of the pipe body, used to convert turbulent airflow into stable laminar flow;

[0016] Fixed support base: symmetrically arranged on both outer walls of the tube body, used for installing external supports;

[0017] Air flow meter installation interface: symmetrically arranged on both sides of the pipe body, communicating inward with the inner cavity of the pipe body, and used for detachable fixing of the air flow meter outward;

[0018] Differential pressure sensor mounting interface: symmetrically located on both sides of the tube body, communicating inward with the inner cavity of the tube body, and used for detachable fixing of the differential pressure sensor outward;

[0019] A one-way airflow channel is formed inside the tube.

[0020] The rectifying structure is a perforated plate or a flow guide grid, the edge of which is smoothly connected to the inner wall of the tube to form a continuous flow channel surface.

[0021] The air flow meter mounting interface protrudes radially from the tube body, and its outer end face is recessed with an annular step. The annular step is used to embed an annular sealing ring, and the annular sealing ring is used to form a press-fit seal between the air flow meter mounting interface and the air flow meter.

[0022] The air flow meter mounting interface has screw fixing holes on both sides of its outer end. The screw fixing holes are used to fix the air flow meter with screws. After the screws are tightened, they provide the clamping force to compress the annular sealing ring.

[0023] The differential pressure sensor mounting interface includes a support platform disposed on the outer surface of the tube body. The support platform is used to support the differential pressure sensor. The support platform has a connecting hole that is radially connected to the inner cavity of the tube body. The connecting hole is adapted to the pressure interface of the differential pressure sensor.

[0024] The axial position of the differential pressure sensor mounting interface is adjacent to the downstream end of the pipe.

[0025] One pressure port of the differential pressure sensor extends into the connecting hole and is sealed to the wall of the connecting hole;

[0026] The other pressure port of the differential pressure sensor is connected to the external pipeline upstream of the pipe body;

[0027] Connecting columns are fixedly connected to both sides of the support platform. Each connecting column has a threaded hole at its center. A cover plate is provided on the top of the connecting column. The two ends of the cover plate are fixedly connected to the threaded hole on a connecting column by bolts. The cover plate is used to press the differential pressure sensor downward.

[0028] The symmetrical layout of the air flow meter mounting interface and the differential pressure sensor mounting interface supports any of the following structural configurations:

[0029] Redundant configuration: The same model of sensor is installed on both sides;

[0030] Multi-brand compatibility: Different brand sensors can be installed on both sides;

[0031] Unused interface sealing: A sensor is installed on one side of the interface, and the unused interface on the other side is sealed with a plug for future use.

[0032] The pipe body has pipe connection sealing surfaces at both ends, and the pipe body is sealed to the external pipe through the pipe connection sealing surfaces.

[0033] The air flow meter mounting interface and the differential pressure sensor mounting interface are collectively referred to as the sensing interface. The sensing interface and the fixed bracket are evenly distributed around the circumference of the pipe body.

[0034] This utility model has the following advantages:

[0035] This invention optimizes airflow stability through a rectifier structure, facilitates independent disassembly, maintenance, or replacement of individual sensors through air flow meter and differential pressure sensor mounting interfaces, and has low overall flow resistance, thereby improving system efficiency.

[0036] The smooth transition connection eliminates the eddies caused by abrupt step changes, significantly reducing flow resistance (by more than 15%), and is suitable for the high flow rate requirements of fuel cells up to 1000 m³ / h.

[0037] The specific structure of the air flow meter installation interface supports multiple disassembly and assembly, and has reliable sealing. By tightening or loosening the screws, the air flow meter can be quickly disassembled and assembled, improving maintenance efficiency and reducing maintenance costs (the pipe body does not need to be replaced when replacing the flow meter).

[0038] The differential pressure sensor mounting interface has a simple structure, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly of the sensor by tightening or loosening bolts. It also allows for easy mounting of the differential pressure sensor onto the support platform, and the cover plate securely fixes the sensor to the platform, preventing it from loosening.

[0039] A symmetrical layout of the installation interfaces improves system compatibility and reliability. When connecting to external pipelines, in addition to end connections, a certain length of sealing surface is achieved through the pipeline connection sealing surface in the axial length direction (i.e., the axial dimension of the pipeline connection sealing surface), thereby improving the sealing performance of the external connection. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 AA sectional view.

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 BB cross-sectional view.

[0043] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 CC section view.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the sensor mounting tube for the fuel cell air circuit system of this utility model includes a tube body 10, the two ends of which are connected in series to an external pipeline (specifically, the air circuit downstream of the air filter of the fuel cell vehicle); with the downstream direction of the airflow as the rearward direction, this utility model has the following structure:

[0046] Rectifying structure 1: Located at the air inlet end of the pipe body 10, used to convert turbulent airflow into stable laminar flow;

[0047] Fixed bracket 2: Symmetrically arranged on both outer walls of the tube 10, used to install the outer bracket 20; the outer bracket 20 is used to connect with the fixed structure in the vehicle installation space.

[0048] Air flow meter installation interface 3: symmetrically arranged on both sides of the pipe body 10, communicating inward with the inner cavity of the pipe body 10, and used outward for detachable fixing of the air flow meter 4;

[0049] Differential pressure sensor mounting interface: symmetrically arranged on both sides of the tube body 10, communicating inward with the inner cavity of the tube body 10, and used outward for detachable fixing of the differential pressure sensor 6;

[0050] The inner cavity of the tube 10 forms a unidirectional airflow channel. The airflow direction is unidirectional from front to back, passing through the detection areas of the rectifying structure 1, the air flow meter 4, and the differential pressure sensor 6.

[0051] This invention optimizes airflow stability through the rectifying structure 1, facilitates independent disassembly, maintenance, or replacement of individual sensors through the air flow meter mounting interface 3 and the differential pressure sensor mounting interface, and has low overall flow resistance, thereby improving system efficiency.

[0052] The rectifying structure 1 is a perforated plate or a flow guide grid, the edge of which is smoothly connected to the inner wall of the tube body 10 to form a continuous flow channel surface.

[0053] The smooth transition connection eliminates the eddies caused by abrupt step changes, significantly reducing flow resistance (by more than 15%), and is suitable for the high flow rate requirements of fuel cells up to 1000 m³ / h.

[0054] The air flow meter mounting interface 3 protrudes radially from the tube body 10, and its outer end face is recessed with an annular step 11. The annular step 11 is used to embed an annular sealing ring, and the annular sealing ring is used to form a press seal between the air flow meter mounting interface 3 and the air flow meter 4.

[0055] The air flow meter mounting interface 3 has screw fixing holes on both sides of its outer end. The screw fixing holes are used to fix the air flow meter 4 with screws 12. After the screws 12 are tightened, they provide the pressure to compress the annular sealing ring.

[0056] The specific structure of the air flow meter installation interface 3 supports multiple disassembly and assembly, and has reliable sealing. By tightening or loosening the screw 12, the air flow meter 4 can be quickly disassembled and assembled, improving maintenance efficiency and reducing maintenance costs (the pipe body 10 does not need to be replaced when replacing the flow meter).

[0057] The differential pressure sensor mounting interface includes a support platform 5 disposed on the outer surface of the tube body 10. The support platform 5 is used to support the differential pressure sensor 6. The support platform 5 is provided with a connecting hole 13, which is radially connected to the inner cavity of the tube body 10. The connecting hole 13 is adapted to the pressure interface of the differential pressure sensor 6.

[0058] The axial position of the differential pressure sensor mounting interface is adjacent to the downstream end of the pipe body 10, corresponding to the stable airflow zone after rectification inside the pipe body 10.

[0059] One pressure port of the differential pressure sensor 6 extends into the connecting hole 13 and is sealed to the hole wall of the connecting hole 13 (specifically, the outer radial wall of the pressure port of the differential pressure sensor 6 is provided with a corrugated elastic sealing structure, which forms a pressure seal after being embedded in the connecting hole 13).

[0060] Another pressure port of the differential pressure sensor 6 is connected to an external pipeline upstream of the pipe body 10 to measure the pressure difference between the upstream end of the pipe body 10 and the downstream end of the pipe body 10.

[0061] Connecting columns 14 are fixedly connected to both sides of the support platform 5. Each connecting column 14 has a threaded hole at its center. A cover plate 15 is provided on the top of the connecting column 14. The two ends of the cover plate 15 are fixedly connected to the threaded hole on a connecting column 14 by bolts 16. The cover plate 15 is used to press the differential pressure sensor 6 downward.

[0062] The differential pressure sensor mounting interface has a simple structure, which allows for quick installation and removal of the differential pressure sensor 6 by tightening or loosening the bolts 16. It also allows for easy mounting of the differential pressure sensor 6 onto the support platform 5, and the cover plate 15 can securely fix the differential pressure sensor 6 onto the support platform 5 to prevent loosening.

[0063] The symmetrical layout of the air flow meter mounting interface 3 and the differential pressure sensor mounting interface supports any of the following structural configurations:

[0064] Redundant configuration: The same model of sensor is installed on both sides;

[0065] Multi-brand compatibility: Different brand sensors can be installed on both sides;

[0066] Unused interface sealing: A sensor is installed on one side of the interface, and the unused interface on the other side is sealed with a plug for future use. The plug is a standard technique and is not shown in the diagram. A symmetrical layout of the interfaces improves system compatibility and reliability.

[0067] The pipe body 10 is provided with pipe connection sealing surfaces 7 at both ends, and the pipe body 10 is sealed to the external pipe through the pipe connection sealing surfaces 7.

[0068] When connected to external pipelines, in addition to the end connection, a certain length of sealing surface is achieved through the pipeline connection sealing surface 7 in the axial length direction (i.e., the axial dimension of the pipeline connection sealing surface 7), thereby improving the sealing performance of the external connection.

[0069] The mounting interfaces of the air flow meter 3 and the differential pressure sensor 6 are collectively referred to as the sensing interfaces. The sensing interfaces and the fixed bracket 2 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the pipe body 10.

[0070] I. Installation Process

[0071] This product is an integrated sensor mounting bracket, which needs to be connected in series in the air path downstream of the air filter in a fuel cell vehicle. The specific installation steps are as follows:

[0072] 1. Pipe body 10 is connected to external pipelines.

[0073] Sealing connection: Both ends of the pipe body 10 are provided with axially extending pipe connection sealing surfaces 7. When connecting with external pipes, the sealing surfaces must be tightly fitted with the corresponding sealing surfaces of the external pipes and pressed axially by bolts 16 or clamps to ensure no leakage under airflow pressure (axial sealing surface design can improve sealing reliability).

[0074] Direction confirmation: Take the airflow inflow direction as "forward" (inlet end) and the outflow direction as "backward" (downstream end) to ensure that the rectifier structure 1 is located at the inlet end and the sensor detection area (air flow meter 4, differential pressure sensor 6) is located downstream of the rectifier structure 1.

[0075] 2. Installation of fixed brackets

[0076] Support bracket fixing: The outer walls of both sides of the tube body 10 are symmetrically provided with fixed support brackets 2, and the outer bracket 20 is fastened to the support brackets by bolts 16. This design ensures that the tube body 10 is stable in the vehicle vibration environment and avoids sensor displacement or tube loosening due to shaking.

[0077] 3. Sensor Installation

[0078] Air flow meter 4 installation:

[0079] The air flow meter mounting interface 3 protrudes radially from the tube body 10, and the outer end face is recessed with an annular step 11, into which the annular sealing ring is embedded; the annular sealing ring is preferably integrated on the air flow meter 4; the air flow meter 4 is aligned with the interface, and the sealing ring cooperates with the annular step 11; the screws 12 on both sides are tightened through the fixing holes to provide the pressure to compress the sealing ring, thereby achieving sealing and fixing (supporting multiple disassembly and assembly, with reliable sealing performance).

[0080] Differential pressure sensor 6 installation:

[0081] The differential pressure sensor mounting interface includes a support platform 5. The differential pressure sensor 6 needs to be placed on the support platform 5 so that one of its pressure ports (with a corrugated elastic sealing structure) is embedded in the connecting hole 13 (radially connected to the inner cavity of the pipe body 10) to form a press-fit seal. The other pressure port is connected to the external pipeline upstream of the pipe body 10 through a hose (to measure the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream of the pipe body 10). Finally, the two ends of the cover plate 15 are fixed to the connecting posts 14 (with threaded holes) on both sides of the support platform 5 with bolts 16, and the sensor is pressed down to prevent loosening.

[0082] II. Usage Process

[0083] The core function of this product is to optimize airflow stability and accurately measure air parameters. The specific workflow is as follows:

[0084] 1. Airflow rectification and transmission

[0085] After air enters from the inlet end (forward) of the pipe body 10, it first passes through the rectification structure 1 (perforated plate or flow guide). The edge of the rectification structure 1 smoothly transitions to the inner wall of the pipe body 10, eliminating the abrupt step of the traditional structure and transforming the turbulent flow into a smooth laminar flow (flow resistance reduced by ≥15%, suitable for high flow rate requirements of 1000m³ / h).

[0086] 2. Sensor Measurement

[0087] Air flow meter 4: A steady laminar flow passes through the detection area of ​​the air flow meter 4. The flow meter measures the airflow speed or volume and outputs a precise air flow signal, providing a more accurate basis for the oxygen supply to the fuel cell control system.

[0088] Differential pressure sensor 6: One pressure port collects the rectified airflow pressure (downstream pressure P2) inside the pipe body 10 through the connecting hole 13, and the other pressure port collects the airflow pressure (upstream pressure P1) of the external pipeline upstream of the pipe body 10 through the hose. By calculating ΔP=P2-P1, the pressure loss of the airflow inside the pipe body 10 is reflected, which indirectly verifies the rectification effect and assists the system in adjusting the air supply efficiency.

[0089] 3. Airflow output

[0090] The measured, stable airflow flows out from the downstream end (backward) of the tube 10 and enters the fuel cell stack to participate in the electrochemical reaction (oxygen reacts with hydrogen to generate electricity).

[0091] III. Maintenance Process

[0092] The core advantage of this product lies in its modular sensor design, which supports independent maintenance of each sensor. The specific steps are as follows:

[0093] 1. Air Flow Meter 4 Maintenance

[0094] Disassembly: Loosen the screws 12 on both sides of the air flow meter mounting interface 3 to release the tight pressure on the annular sealing ring; lift the air flow meter 4 upward to separate it from the interface (no need to disassemble the entire pipe body 10 or the air circuit module).

[0095] Replacement / Repair: If the flow meter needs to be replaced, install the new flow meter directly (the interface size must match); if it needs to be repaired, clean or adjust it and then re-fix it according to the installation steps.

[0096] Sealing verification: When reinstalling, pay attention to the integrity of the sealing ring and the evenness of screw 12 tightening to ensure no air leakage (the sealing performance remains reliable after multiple disassembly and reassembly).

[0097] 2. Differential pressure sensor 6 maintenance

[0098] Disassembly: Loosen the bolts 16 on the connecting columns 14 on both sides of the support platform 5 and remove the cover plate 15; lift the differential pressure sensor 6 upward so that its pressure interface with the corrugated elastic sealing structure is removed from the connecting hole 13 (without damaging the structure of the pipe body 10).

[0099] Replacement / Repair: If replacing the sensor, select the appropriate model (it must match the size of the connecting hole 13 and the pressure range); if repairing, check whether the bellows seal structure is aging or damaged (if aging occurs, the seal must be replaced simultaneously).

[0100] Fixed verification: After reinstallation, press the sensor evenly with the cover plate 15 to ensure that it does not loosen under vibration (to avoid fluctuations in the measurement signal).

[0101] 3. Handling of Idle Interfaces

[0102] If a single sensor interface is not used (such as in redundant configuration or multi-brand compatibility), the interface is sealed with a plug to prevent external dust or moisture from entering the tube 10 and affecting the cleanliness of the airflow (the spare interface can be activated at any time to improve system flexibility).

[0103] Summary of technical principles and effects

[0104] Airflow optimization principle: The rectifier structure 1, through the smooth transition design between the perforated plate or guide grid and the inner wall of the tube 10, eliminates the eddies generated when the airflow impacts the step, transforms turbulence into laminar flow, reduces flow resistance, and improves the net output power of the fuel cell.

[0105] Precise measurement principle: Smooth laminar flow reduces airflow disturbance in the sensor detection area, and the error of air flow meter 4 is stabilized at ≤2.5% (significantly improving measurement accuracy compared to traditional designs); differential pressure sensor 6 quantifies the flow resistance optimization effect by comparing the upstream and downstream pressure difference (ΔP), providing reliable parameters for system control.

[0106] High-efficiency maintenance principle: Modular interface design (12 screws for fixing + sealing ring / clip + interference seal) allows for independent disassembly and assembly of a single sensor, reducing maintenance time from hours to minutes and lowering maintenance costs (no need to replace tube 10 or disassemble the gas circuit module).

[0107] In summary, this product, through a collaborative design of "rectification-integration-modularization," completely resolves the contradiction between "measurement accuracy, maintenance cost, and system efficiency" in fuel cell air circuit systems, achieving both high reliability and strong adaptability.

[0108] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate and not limit the technical solutions of this utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the utility model. Any modifications or partial substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sensor mounting tube for a fuel cell air path system, comprising a tube body, the two ends of which are connected in series to an external pipeline; with the downstream direction of the airflow as the rearward direction, characterized in that... It has the following structure: Rectifying structure: Located at the air inlet end of the pipe body, used to convert turbulent airflow into stable laminar flow; Fixed support base: symmetrically arranged on both outer walls of the tube body, used for installing external supports; Air flow meter installation interface: symmetrically arranged on both sides of the pipe body, communicating inward with the inner cavity of the pipe body, and used for detachable fixing of the air flow meter outward; Differential pressure sensor mounting interface: symmetrically arranged on both sides of the tube body, communicating inward with the inner cavity of the tube body, and used for detachable fixing of the differential pressure sensor outward; the inner cavity of the tube body forms a unidirectional airflow channel.

2. The sensor mounting bracket for the fuel cell air circuit system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rectifying structure is a perforated plate or a flow guide grid, the edge of which is smoothly connected to the inner wall of the tube to form a continuous flow channel surface.

3. The sensor mounting bracket for the fuel cell air circuit system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air flow meter mounting interface protrudes radially from the tube body, and its outer end face is recessed with an annular step. The annular step is used to embed an annular sealing ring, and the annular sealing ring is used to form a press-fit seal between the air flow meter mounting interface and the air flow meter. The air flow meter mounting interface has screw fixing holes on both sides of its outer end. The screw fixing holes are used to fix the air flow meter with screws. After the screws are tightened, they provide the clamping force to compress the annular sealing ring.

4. The sensor mounting bracket for the fuel cell air circuit system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The differential pressure sensor mounting interface includes a support platform disposed on the outer surface of the tube body. The support platform is used to support the differential pressure sensor. The support platform has a connecting hole that is radially connected to the inner cavity of the tube body. The connecting hole is adapted to the pressure interface of the differential pressure sensor. The axial position of the differential pressure sensor mounting interface is adjacent to the downstream end of the pipe. One pressure port of the differential pressure sensor extends into the connecting hole and is sealed to the wall of the connecting hole; The other pressure port of the differential pressure sensor is connected to the external pipeline upstream of the pipe body; Connecting columns are fixedly connected to both sides of the support platform. Each connecting column has a threaded hole at its center. A cover plate is provided on the top of the connecting column. The two ends of the cover plate are fixedly connected to the threaded hole on a connecting column by bolts. The cover plate is used to press the differential pressure sensor downward.

5. The sensor mounting bracket for the fuel cell air circuit system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The symmetrical layout of the air flow meter mounting interface and the differential pressure sensor mounting interface supports any of the following structural configurations: Redundant configuration: The same model of sensor is installed on both sides; Multi-brand compatibility: Different brand sensors can be installed on both sides; Unused interface sealing: A sensor is installed on one side of the interface, and the unused interface on the other side is sealed with a plug for future use.

6. The sensor mounting bracket for the fuel cell air circuit system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipe body has pipe connection sealing surfaces at both ends, and the pipe body is sealed to the external pipe through the pipe connection sealing surfaces.

7. The sensor mounting bracket for the fuel cell air circuit system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air flow meter mounting interface and the differential pressure sensor mounting interface are collectively referred to as the sensing interface. The sensing interface and the fixed bracket are evenly distributed around the circumference of the pipe body.

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