Performance testing facility and performance testing method for device for reducing concentration of hydrogen discharged from fuel cell

Abstract

This performance testing facility for a device for reducing the concentration of hydrogen discharged from a fuel cell comprises: an air inlet unit including an air flow pipe and a first measurement unit for measuring the physical properties of the air; a fuel gas flow unit including a fuel gas flow pipe and a second measurement unit for measuring the physical properties of fuel gas; a connection unit that communicates with the air inlet unit and the fuel gas flow unit and provides mixed gas by mixing of the air of the air inlet unit and the fuel gas of the fuel gas flow unit; a mixed gas discharge unit including a mixed gas flow pipe through which the mixed gas is discharged to the outside, and a third measuring unit for measuring the physical properties of the mixed gas; and a control unit that determines the performance of the exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device of the fuel cell on the basis of at least one of the physical properties of the air, the physical properties of the fuel gas, and the physical properties of the mixed gas.

Description

Fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility and performance test method

[0001] The present invention relates to a performance test facility and a performance test method for a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device.

[0002] Fuel cells are devices that convert the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. Because their energy conversion efficiency is significantly higher than that of heat engines, they are known to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. Typically, a fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack that generates electrical energy, a fuel supply unit that supplies fuel (e.g., hydrogen) to the fuel cell stack, an air supply unit that supplies oxygen from the air, an oxidizer necessary for the electrochemical reaction, to the fuel cell stack, and an exhaust unit that discharges any remaining fuel (e.g., hydrogen) that has not completed the reaction.

[0003] In order to minimize the risk of ignition due to fuel (hydrogen, etc.) contained in the gas discharged from the exhaust of the fuel cell, the concentration of fuel (hydrogen, etc.) contained in the discharged gas must be controlled so that it remains below a predetermined standard.

[0004] In relation to this, although development of devices that dilute and discharge residual fuel (hydrogen, etc.) of fuel cells has been actively underway, there has been no research on facilities for testing the performance of exhaust gas concentration reduction devices in the exhaust section of fuel cells or on methods for testing the performance.

[0005] Accordingly, the need for performance testing equipment and performance testing methods for fuel cell residual fuel emission concentration reduction devices is emerging to check the performance of the fuel cell residual fuel emission concentration reduction device and to ensure that the residual fuel (hydrogen, etc.) of the fuel cell is discharged safely without causing accidents such as explosion or ignition when discharged to the outside.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention was invented against the background described above, and aims to provide equipment and a testing method for testing the performance of a device for reducing the concentration of fuel gas discharged from a fuel cell.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a performance test facility for a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device comprises: an air inlet section including an air flow pipe through which air is supplied from the outside and flows, and a first measuring section for measuring physical characteristics of the air; a fuel gas flow section including a fuel gas flow pipe through which residual fuel gas discharged from a fuel cell is supplied and flows, and a second measuring section for measuring physical characteristics of the fuel gas; a connection section communicating with the air inlet section and the fuel gas flow section, and providing a mixed gas by mixing the air of the air inlet section and the fuel gas of the fuel gas flow section; a mixed gas discharge section including a mixed gas flow pipe through which the mixed gas is discharged to the outside, and a third measuring section for measuring the physical characteristics of the mixed gas, one end of which is connected to the connection section, and the mixed gas is discharged to the outside from the other end; And it includes a control unit that determines the performance of the exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device of the fuel cell based on at least one of the physical characteristics of the air, the physical characteristics of the fuel gas, and the physical characteristics of the mixed gas.

[0008] In addition, the first measuring unit may include an air flow rate measuring device for measuring the flow rate of the air flowing through the air inlet, an air temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the air, and an air pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the air, the second measuring unit may include a fuel gas flow rate measuring device for measuring the flow rate of the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas flow unit, a fuel gas temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the fuel gas, and a fuel gas pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the fuel gas, and the third measuring unit may include a mixed gas temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the mixed gas flowing through the mixed gas discharge unit, a mixed gas pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the mixed gas, a fuel gas concentration sensor for measuring the concentration of the fuel gas, a mixed gas anemometer for measuring the wind speed of the mixed gas, and a fuel gas volume flow rate measuring device for measuring the volumetric flow rate of the fuel gas.

[0009] In addition, the connecting portion may include a test body in which the air and the fuel gas are mixed; a connecting pipe portion connecting the test body and the mixed gas discharge portion; a pipe connecting device connecting one end of the connecting pipe portion and the mixed gas discharge portion; and a sealing material that seals one surface of the connecting pipe portion and the mixed gas discharge portion in a circumferential direction to prevent the mixed gas from leaking out to the outside.

[0010] In addition, the air flow meter and the fuel gas flow meter may use any one of the Coriolis method, differential pressure method, thermal method, and turbine method.

[0011] A performance test method for a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performed by a performance test facility for a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an air flow rate measurement step of measuring the flow rate of air flowing through an air inlet; a fuel gas flow rate measurement step of measuring the flow rate of residual fuel gas flowing through a fuel gas flow portion; a fuel gas concentration measurement step of measuring the concentration of the fuel gas contained in a mixed gas in which the air and the fuel gas flowing through a mixed gas discharge portion are mixed; and a comparison step of comparing a first volume fraction conversion value, which is a volume fraction conversion value of the fuel gas converted based on the measured values ​​of the air flow rates and the measured values ​​of the fuel gas flow rates, with a second volume fraction conversion value, which is a volume fraction conversion value of the fuel gas converted based on the concentration value of the fuel gas measured at the mixed gas discharge portion.

[0012] In addition, in the above comparison step, the first volume fraction conversion value is expressed by mathematical expression 1 (Φ i = V i / ∑V i , Here, Φ i is the volume fraction of the fuel gas, V i is the volume of the fuel gas, ∑V i is the total volume of the mixed gas), and the difference between the first volume fraction conversion value and the second volume fraction conversion value can be calculated to determine whether it is within the error tolerance range.

[0013] In addition, the method may further include a verification step for verifying the performance of an air flow meter and a fuel gas flow meter, and the verification step may include a step of obtaining a third air flow rate conversion value, which is a converted air flow rate conversion value based on the temperature and pressure difference of the air and the inner cross-sectional area of ​​an air flow pipe arranged in the air inlet; and a step of calculating a difference between the air flow rate measurement value measured in the air flow rate measurement step and the third air flow rate conversion value and determining whether it is within an error tolerance range.

[0014] In addition, the third air flow rate conversion value is expressed by mathematical expression 2 (m air = ρ air × A pipe × V air ,here, m air is the mass flow rate of the air, ρ air is the density of the air, A pipe is the inner cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe, V air can be obtained through (is a wind speed).

[0015] In addition, the method may further include a verification step for verifying the performance of an air flow meter and a fuel gas flow meter, wherein the verification step may include a step of measuring a volumetric flow rate of the fuel gas; a step of converting the measured value of the volumetric flow rate of the fuel gas into a mass flow rate value to obtain a fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value which is a mass flow rate conversion value of the fuel gas; and a step of calculating a difference between the measured value of the fuel gas flow rate and the fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value and determining whether the difference is within an error tolerance range.

[0016] In addition, the fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value of the above fuel gas is expressed by mathematical formula 3 (m gas = ρ gas × V gas / t, here, m gas is the mass flow rate of the fuel gas, ρ gas is the density of the fuel gas, V gas / t can be obtained through the volume flow rate of the above fuel gas.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present invention, when residual fuel gas (hydrogen, helium gas, etc.) of a fuel cell is discharged to the outside from the fuel cell, the performance of a fuel gas concentration reduction device that maintains the discharge concentration of the fuel gas below a predetermined standard value is confirmed, thereby enabling the safe use of the fuel cell and preventing human and material damage caused thereby.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a performance test facility for a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram showing the air inlet section of the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility.

[0020] Figure 3 is a configuration diagram showing the fuel gas flow section of the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility.

[0021] Figure 4 is a configuration diagram showing the connection part and mixed gas discharge part of the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility.

[0022] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a connection part of a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility cut along the VV line of Fig. 4.

[0023] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for testing the performance of a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device.

[0024] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0025] In addition, when explaining the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0026] Additionally, when it is said that a component is 'connected to' or 'supplied with' another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or supplied with that other component, but there may also be other components in between.

[0027] The terminology used herein is intended solely to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] Additionally, in the attached drawings of this specification, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size.

[0029] Additionally, terms that include ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0030] The term "comprising" as used in the specification means specifying a particular characteristic, region, integer, step, operation, element and / or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of other particular characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups.

[0031] Hereinafter, a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility (1) can test the performance of a device that reduces the concentration of fuel gas in a mixed gas discharged to the outside by injecting outside air into the residual fuel gas discharged from a fuel cell. The fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility (1) can include an air inlet (100), a fuel gas flow portion (200), a connection portion (300), a mixed gas discharge portion (400), a control portion (500), and a valve portion (600).

[0032] The air inlet (100) provides a space in which air is introduced from the outside to dilute the emission concentration of fuel gas and flows, and can measure the physical characteristics of the flowing air. The air inlet (100) can be connected to an air compressor for air introduction. In addition, the air inlet (100) can include an air flow pipe (110) and a first measuring unit (120).

[0033] The air flow pipe (110) can provide a space in which air introduced from the outside of the performance test facility (1) flows. A first measuring unit (120) for measuring the physical characteristics of air can be arranged in the air flow pipe (110). In addition, a valve unit (600) for controlling the amount of air flowing in the air flow pipe (110) or supplying and blocking air can be arranged in the air flow pipe (110). A buffer tank (T) can be arranged at the inlet side of the air flow pipe (110). In addition, a filter can be arranged in the air flow pipe (110). A heater or a chiller can be arranged in the air flow pipe (110). In addition, the air flow pipe (110) can be made of aluminum.

[0034] The first measuring unit (120) is arranged in the air flow pipe (110) and can measure the flow rate, temperature, and pressure of air flowing inside the air flow pipe (110). The physical characteristic values ​​of the flow rate, temperature, and pressure of the air measured by the first measuring unit (120) can be provided to the control unit (500). In addition, the first measuring unit (120) can include an air flow rate measuring device (121), an air temperature sensor (122), an air pressure sensor (123), and a heater (124) for controlling air temperature.

[0035] The air flow meter (121) can measure the mass flow rate of air flowing through the air flow pipe (110). The air flow meter (121) can provide the measured mass flow rate value of the air to the control unit (500). In addition, the air flow meter (121) can use a Coriolis type, differential pressure type, thermal type, or turbine type flow meter. The air flow meter (121) can use a mechanical type sensor, and the mechanical type sensor can use at least one of a pitot tube, a propeller type, or a volumetric type.

[0036] The air temperature sensor (122) can measure the temperature of air flowing through the air flow pipe (110). The air temperature sensor (122) can provide the measured air temperature value to the control unit (500). In addition, a plurality of air temperature sensors (122) can be provided.

[0037] The air pressure sensor (123) can measure the pressure of air flowing through the air flow pipe (110). The air pressure sensor (123) can provide the measured air pressure value to the control unit (500). In addition, a plurality of air pressure sensors (123) can be provided.

[0038] A heater (124) for controlling air temperature can control the temperature of air flowing in an air flow pipe (110).

[0039] The fuel gas flow unit (200) provides a space in which residual fuel gas from the fuel cell flows and can measure the physical characteristics of the flowing fuel gas. The fuel gas flow unit (200) can be connected to the fuel gas tank of the fuel cell. In addition, the fuel gas flow unit (200) can include a fuel gas flow pipe (210) and a second measurement unit (220).

[0040] The fuel gas flow pipe (210) can provide a space for residual fuel gas flowing from the fuel cell to flow. A second measuring unit (220) for measuring the physical characteristics of the fuel gas can be arranged in the fuel gas flow pipe (210). In addition, a valve unit (600) for controlling the amount of fuel gas flowing in the fuel gas flow pipe (210) or supplying and blocking the fuel gas can be arranged. A buffer tank (T) can be arranged at the inlet side of the fuel gas flow pipe (210). A heater or a chiller can be arranged in the fuel gas flow pipe (210). In addition, the fuel gas flow pipe (210) can be made of aluminum.

[0041] The second measuring unit (220) is arranged in the fuel gas flow pipe (210) and can measure the flow rate, temperature, and pressure of the fuel gas flowing inside the fuel gas flow pipe (210). The physical characteristic values ​​of the flow rate, temperature, and pressure of the fuel gas measured by the second measuring unit (220) can be provided to the control unit (500). In addition, the second measuring unit (220) can include a fuel gas flow rate measuring device (221), a fuel gas temperature sensor (222), a fuel gas pressure sensor (223), and a line heater (224).

[0042] The fuel gas flow meter (221) can measure the mass flow rate of fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas flow pipe (210). The fuel gas flow meter (221) can provide the measured mass flow rate value of the fuel gas to the control unit (500). In addition, the fuel gas flow meter (221) can use a Coriolis type, differential pressure type, thermal type, or turbine type flow meter. The fuel gas flow meter (221) can use a mechanical type sensor, and the mechanical type sensor can use at least one of a pitot tube, a propeller type, or a volumetric type.

[0043] The fuel gas temperature sensor (222) can measure the temperature of the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas flow pipe (210). The fuel gas temperature sensor (222) can provide the measured temperature value of the fuel gas to the control unit (500). In addition, a plurality of fuel gas temperature sensors (222) can be provided.

[0044] The fuel gas pressure sensor (223) can measure the pressure of the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas flow pipe (210). The fuel gas pressure sensor (223) can provide the measured pressure value of the fuel gas to the control unit (500). In addition, a plurality of fuel gas pressure sensors (223) can be provided.

[0045] The line heater (224) can control the temperature of the fuel gas, and the temperature of the fuel gas can be controlled by the line heater control unit (225).

[0046] The connecting portion (300) can be connected to the air inlet portion (100) and the fuel gas flow portion (200) to provide a space where air and fuel gas are mixed. The connecting portion (300) can be connected to the mixed gas discharge portion (400) to provide a mixed gas of air and fuel gas to the mixed gas discharge portion (400). In addition, the connecting portion (300) can include a test body (310), a connecting pipe portion (320), a pipe connection device (330), and a sealing material (340).

[0047] The test body (310) can provide a space where air and fuel gas are mixed. The test body (310) can be detachably connected to the performance test facility (1). In addition, one end of the test body (310) can be connected to at least one of the air inlet (100) or the fuel gas flow unit (200), and the other end can be connected to the mixed gas discharge unit (400).

[0048] The connecting pipe (320) can connect the test body (310) and the mixed gas discharge unit (400). The connecting pipe (320) may have a shape that fits the shape of the test body (310) and the mixed gas discharge unit (400). In addition, a measuring unit for measuring the physical characteristics of the mixed gas may be placed in the connecting pipe (320).

[0049] The pipe connection device (330) can connect one end of the connecting pipe section (320) and the mixed gas discharge section (400). The pipe connection device (330) is detachably connected so that the test body (310) and the connecting pipe section (320) can be removed from the performance test equipment (1) when necessary. In addition, the pipe connection device (330) can be of a shape that fits the shape of the connecting pipe section (320) and the mixed gas discharge section (400). The pipe connection device (330) can be, for example, a clamp.

[0050] The sealing material (340) can seal one surface of the connecting pipe (320) and one end of the mixed gas discharge part (400) in the circumferential direction. The sealing material (340) can be made of rubber, Teflon, or polyurethane.

[0051] The mixed gas discharge unit (400) provides a space where a mixed gas of air and fuel gas flows and can be discharged to the outside. One end of the mixed gas discharge unit (400) is connected to a connection unit (300), and the other end can be exposed to the outside air. In addition, the mixed gas discharge unit (400) can include a mixed gas flow pipe (410) and a third measuring unit (420).

[0052] The mixed gas flow pipe (410) can provide a space in which the mixed gas flowing in from the connection part (300) flows. A third measuring unit (420) for measuring the physical properties of the mixed gas can be arranged in the mixed gas flow pipe (410). In addition, the mixed gas flow pipe (410) can be made of aluminum.

[0053] The third measuring unit (420) is arranged in the mixed gas flow pipe (410) and can measure the temperature, pressure, wind speed (or volume flow rate) of the mixed gas flowing inside the mixed gas flow pipe (410) and the concentration of fuel gas in the mixed gas. The physical characteristic values ​​of the temperature, pressure, wind speed (or volume flow rate) of the mixed gas and the concentration of the fuel gas measured by the third measuring unit (420) can be provided to the control unit (500). In addition, the third measuring unit (420) can include a mixed gas temperature sensor (421), a mixed gas pressure sensor (422), a fuel gas concentration sensor (423), a mixed gas wind speed meter (424), and a fuel gas volume flow meter (425).

[0054] The mixed gas temperature sensor (421) can measure the temperature of the mixed gas flowing through the mixed gas flow pipe (410). The mixed gas temperature sensor (421) can provide the measured temperature value of the mixed gas to the control unit (500). In addition, a plurality of mixed gas temperature sensors (421) can be provided.

[0055] The mixed gas pressure sensor (422) can measure the pressure of the mixed gas flowing through the mixed gas flow pipe (410). The mixed gas pressure sensor (422) can provide the measured pressure value of the mixed gas to the control unit (500). In addition, a plurality of mixed gas pressure sensors (422) can be provided.

[0056] The fuel gas concentration sensor (423) can measure the concentration of fuel gas in the mixed gas flowing through the mixed gas flow pipe (410). The fuel gas concentration sensor (423) can provide the concentration value of the fuel gas in the mixed gas to the control unit (500).

[0057] The mixed gas anemometer (424) can measure the wind speed of the mixed gas flowing through the mixed gas flow pipe (410). The mixed gas anemometer (424) can provide the measured wind speed value of the mixed gas to the control unit (500).

[0058] The fuel gas volume flow meter (425) can measure the volume flow rate of fuel gas in the mixed gas flowing through the mixed gas flow pipe (410). The fuel gas volume flow meter (425) can provide the measured volume flow rate value of the fuel gas to the control unit (500).

[0059] The control unit (500) can receive information on physical characteristics measured by the first measurement unit (120), the second measurement unit (220), and the third measurement unit (420), and convert it into information on necessary physical characteristics.

[0060] The valve unit (600) is arranged in the air flow pipe (110), the fuel gas flow pipe (210), and the mixed gas flow pipe (410) to control the flow of air, fuel gas, and mixed gas. The valve unit (600) may be a regulator valve, a solenoid valve, a ball valve, or a needle valve.

[0061] In addition, the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility (1) may include a water tank (W). The water tank (W) may supply water to an air flow pipe (110) or a fuel gas flow pipe (210) through a nozzle. The amount of water supplied may be controlled by a valve unit (600) provided in a pipe branching from the water tank (W). By providing the water tank (W), the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility (1) may implement a situation in which the product under test operates in rainy weather, thereby enabling the performance of the product under test to be tested.

[0062] Below, the operation and effect of the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility (1) having the configuration described above are described.

[0063] In the air inlet section (100) of the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility (1), external air can be introduced into the air flow pipe (110) through an air compressor. The air introduced into the air flow pipe (110) can be introduced into a buffer tank (T), and the air that has passed through the buffer tank (T) can flow stably inside the air flow pipe (110) by preventing rapid pressure fluctuations. A heater or a chiller can be arranged in the air flow pipe (110), so that the temperature conditions of the air can be adjusted as desired by the user. In addition, a filter can be arranged in the air flow pipe (110) to filter out foreign substances such as dust or oil in the air, thereby minimizing factors that have a negative effect on the performance test conditions. In addition, a plurality of air temperature sensors (122) and air pressure sensors (123) arranged in the air flow pipe (110) may be provided, and the plurality of sensors may measure the temperature and pressure of air that changes while flowing through the air flow pipe (110) multiple times to provide temperature and pressure information so that the control unit (500) can correct the measured values.

[0064] In addition, the remaining fuel gas that has passed through the fuel cell stack can be introduced into the fuel gas flow pipe (210) in the fuel gas flow section (200). The fuel gas introduced into the fuel gas flow pipe (210) can be introduced into the buffer tank (T), and the fuel gas that has passed through the buffer tank (T) can be prevented from rapid pressure fluctuations and can flow stably inside the fuel gas flow pipe (210). A heater or a chiller can be arranged in the fuel gas flow pipe (210), so that the temperature conditions of the fuel gas can be controlled and allowed to flow as desired by the user. The fuel gas flow meter (221) arranged in the fuel gas flow pipe (210) can also measure the fuel gas flow rate with high reliability by using a mechanical sensor. In addition, a plurality of fuel gas temperature sensors (222) and fuel gas pressure sensors (223) arranged in the fuel gas flow pipe (210) may be provided, and the plurality of sensors may measure the temperature and pressure of air that changes while flowing through the fuel gas flow pipe (210) multiple times to provide temperature and pressure information so that the control unit (500) can correct the measured values.

[0065] Air and fuel gas flowing through the air inlet (100) and the fuel gas flow portion (200) are respectively introduced into the test body (310), and the test body (310) can be detachably connected, so that, if necessary, the mixed gas can be provided so that the physical characteristics of the mixed gas inside the test body (310) can be tested in other test facilities in addition to the performance test facility (1).

[0066] The connecting pipe (320) can be formed to fit the shape of the test body (310) and the mixed gas discharge unit (400) so that the mixed gas can flow to the mixed gas discharge unit (400) without leakage. The pipe connection device (330) connecting the test body (310) and the connecting pipe (320) can be detachably connected so that the test body (310) can be removed from the performance test equipment (1).

[0067] In the mixed gas discharge unit (400), the mixed gas that has passed through the connecting pipe unit (320) can be introduced into the mixed gas flow pipe (410). The mixed gas introduced into the mixed gas flow pipe (410) can be used to test the performance of the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device based on the temperature, pressure, wind speed of the mixed gas, and the concentration and volume flow rate of the fuel gas in the mixed gas measured through the third measuring unit (420).

[0068] The control unit (500) can convert the physical values ​​required to test the performance of the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device based on the values ​​measured by the first measurement unit (120), the second measurement unit (220), and the third measurement unit (420), thereby determining the performance of the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device. In addition, the control unit (500) is connected to the valve unit (600) and can manipulate the opening / closing and the degree of opening of the valve unit (600) according to conditions desired by the user.

[0069] The physical values ​​derived by the control unit (500) may be the air flow rate conversion value, density conversion value, and velocity conversion value, and the fuel gas flow rate conversion value, density conversion value, and volume fraction conversion value. In addition, the control unit (500) may control the valve unit (600) arranged in the air flow pipe (110), the fuel gas flow pipe (210), and the mixed gas flow pipe (410) according to the test conditions desired by the user.

[0070] The valve unit (600) can maintain the concentration of fuel gas in the mixed gas at a level desired by the user by controlling, supplying, or blocking the flow of air, fuel gas, and mixed gas in the pipe.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 6 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for testing the performance of a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device using the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility (1) as described above is described.

[0072] The performance test method of the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device may include an air flow rate measurement step (S100) of measuring the flow rate of air flowing through the air inlet (100), a fuel gas flow rate measurement step (S200) of measuring the flow rate of residual fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas flow portion (200), a fuel gas concentration measurement step (S300) of measuring the concentration of fuel gas included in the mixed gas flowing through the mixed gas discharge portion (400), a comparison step (S400) of comparing a volume fraction conversion value of fuel gas converted based on the measured air flow rate and the measured fuel gas flow rate with a volume fraction conversion value of fuel gas converted based on the concentration value of fuel gas measured at the mixed gas discharge portion (400), and a verification step (S500) of verifying the performance of the air flow rate measurement device (121) and the fuel gas flow rate measurement device (221).

[0073] The air flow rate measuring step (S100) for measuring the flow rate of air flowing through the air inlet (100) is such that the flow rate of air flowing into the air inlet (100) is measured by an air flow rate measuring device (121), and the air flow rate measuring device (121) can measure the mass flow rate of air. In addition, the mass flow rate of air measured by the air flow rate measuring device (121) can be provided to the control unit (500).

[0074] The fuel gas flow rate measuring step (S200) for measuring the flow rate of residual fuel gas flowing in the fuel gas flow unit (200) is such that the flow rate of residual fuel gas flowing into the fuel gas flow unit (200) is measured by a fuel gas flow rate measuring device (221), and the fuel gas flow rate measuring device (221) can measure the mass flow rate value of the fuel gas. In addition, the mass flow rate value of the fuel gas measured by the fuel gas flow rate measuring device (221) can be provided to the control unit (500).

[0075] The fuel gas concentration measurement step (S300) for measuring the concentration of fuel gas included in the mixed gas flowing through the mixed gas discharge unit (400) is such that the concentration of fuel gas in the mixed gas flowing into the mixed gas discharge unit (400) is measured by a fuel gas concentration sensor (423), and the concentration value measured by the fuel gas concentration sensor (423) can be provided to the control unit (500).

[0076] The comparison step (S400) of comparing the volume fraction conversion value of fuel gas converted based on the measured air flow rate value and the measured fuel gas flow rate value and the volume fraction conversion value of fuel gas converted based on the concentration value of fuel gas measured at the mixed gas discharge unit (400) is performed by deriving the density ratio of air and fuel gas at the measured temperature and pressure, and measuring the mass flow rate of air and fuel gas using the air flow rate meter (121) and the fuel gas flow rate meter (221). Therefore, the volume ratio of air and fuel gas can be known based on the derived density ratio of air and fuel gas and the measured mass flow rate value, and at this time, the control unit (500) uses the derived volume ratio of air and fuel gas to calculate the fuel gas volume fraction (Φ) of the following mathematical expression 1. i ) can be obtained. Fuel gas volume fraction (Φ i ) may be named a first volume fraction conversion value. In addition, the first volume fraction conversion value may be compared with a volume fraction conversion value of fuel gas converted by the control unit (500) based on the concentration value measured by the fuel gas concentration sensor (423) of the mixed gas discharge unit (400). The volume fraction of fuel gas converted based on the concentration value measured by the fuel gas concentration sensor (423) may be named a second volume fraction conversion value.

[0077] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0078] Φ i = V i / ∑V i

[0079] (In the above mathematical expression 1, Φ i is the volume fraction of the fuel gas, V i is the volume of the fuel gas, ∑V i is the total volume of the above mixed gas.)

[0080] At this time, if the difference between the first volume fraction conversion value and the second volume fraction conversion value is calculated and falls within the error tolerance range, the performance of the fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device can be judged to be normal.

[0081] The verification step (S500) for verifying the performance of the air flow meter (121) and the fuel gas flow meter (221) may be a step for individually verifying which specific configuration of the test equipment is problematic, if it is determined that there is a problem with the performance of the exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device for a fuel cell through the air flow metering step (S100) or the comparison step (S400) for comparing the first volume fraction conversion value and the second volume fraction conversion value. The verification step (S500) may include a step (S510) for verifying the performance of the air flow meter (121) and a step (S520) for verifying the performance of the fuel gas flow meter (221).

[0082] The step (S510) of verifying the performance of the air flow meter (121) is to measure the temperature of the air, the pressure difference, and the internal cross-sectional area (A) of the air flow pipe (110) placed in the air inlet (100). pipe ) may include a step (S511) of obtaining a third air flow rate conversion value, which is a converted air flow rate conversion value based on the air flow rate measurement value, and a step (S512) of calculating the difference between the air flow rate measurement value and the third air flow rate conversion value and determining whether it is within the error tolerance range.

[0083] Temperature of air, pressure difference and inner diameter cross-sectional area (A) of air flow pipe (110) placed in air inlet (100) pipe ) is a step (S511) of obtaining a third air flow rate conversion value, which is a converted air flow rate conversion value based on the temperature and pressure of the air, and the density (ρ) is obtained based on the temperature and pressure of the air. air ) is derived, and the air velocity (V) is analytically calculated using the temperature of the air and the pressure difference between the air inlet (100) and the mixed gas outlet (400) using the computational fluid dynamics technique. air ) can be derived. The density of air (ρ) derived from mathematical expression 2 below air ) and velocity (V air ) to convert the air flow rate (m air ) is derived, and the derived air flow rate conversion value (m air ) can be named the third air flow rate conversion value.

[0084] [Equation 2]

[0085] m air = ρ air × A pipe × V air

[0086] (In Equation 2, m air is the third air flow rate conversion value, ρ air is the density of air, A pipe is the inner cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe, V air is the wind speed.)

[0087] In the step (S512) of calculating the difference between the air flow rate measurement value and the third air flow rate conversion value and determining whether it is within the error tolerance range, if the difference between the air flow rate measurement value and the third air flow rate conversion value is within the error tolerance range, it can be determined that the equipment of the air inlet (100) is operating properly.

[0088] The step (S520) of verifying the performance of the fuel gas flow meter (221) may include a step (S521) of measuring the volumetric flow rate of the fuel gas, a step (S522) of converting the volumetric flow rate measurement value of the fuel gas into a mass flow rate value to obtain a fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value, which is a mass flow rate conversion value of the fuel gas, and a step (S523) of calculating the difference between the fuel gas flow rate measurement value and the fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value to determine whether it is within the error tolerance range.

[0089] The step of measuring the volume flow rate of fuel gas (S521) is to measure the volume flow rate of fuel gas per unit time (V) in the fuel gas volume flow rate measuring device (425). gas / t) can be measured. The volumetric flow rate of fuel gas per unit time (V gas / t) can be provided to the control unit (500).

[0090] The step (S522) of converting the volumetric flow rate measurement value of the fuel gas into a mass flow rate value and obtaining the fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value, which is the mass flow rate conversion value of the fuel gas, is performed by calculating the density (ρ) based on the temperature and pressure of the fuel gas. gas) is derived, and the volumetric flow rate of fuel gas per unit time (V) is measured. gas / t) and the mass flow rate conversion value of fuel gas (m) using the mathematical formula 3 below. gas ) is derived, and the derived mass flow rate conversion value (m gas ) can be named the fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value.

[0091] [Equation 3]

[0092] m gas = ρ gas × V gas / t

[0093] (In Equation 3, m gas is the fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value, ρ gas is the density of the fuel gas, V gas / t is the volumetric flow rate of fuel gas.)

[0094] In the step (S523) of calculating the difference between the fuel gas flow rate measurement value and the fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value and determining whether it is within the error tolerance range, if the difference between the fuel gas flow rate measurement value and the fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value is within the error tolerance range, it can be determined that the equipment of the fuel gas flow unit (200) is operating properly.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when residual fuel gas (hydrogen, helium gas, etc.) of a fuel cell is discharged to the outside from the fuel cell, the performance of a fuel gas concentration reduction device that maintains the discharge concentration of the fuel gas below a predetermined standard value is confirmed, thereby enabling the safe use of the fuel cell and preventing human and material damage caused thereby.

[0096] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the flow rate, temperature, pressure and humidity of air and hydrogen or alternative test gas can be controlled, and it can be used in various performance test scenarios, and at the same time, the concentration, temperature, humidity and pressure of the mixed gas can be measured, so that the performance of the test product can be judged, developed and improved.

[0097] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described as specific embodiments, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto, but should be construed to have the broadest scope in accordance with the technical concepts disclosed in this specification. Those skilled in the art may combine / substitute the disclosed embodiments to implement patterns of shapes not specified, but this also does not depart from the scope of the present invention. In addition, those skilled in the art may easily modify or alter the disclosed embodiments based on this specification, and it is clear that such modifications or alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air inlet section including an air flow pipe through which air is supplied from the outside and flows, and a first measuring section for measuring the physical characteristics of the air; A fuel gas flow section including a fuel gas flow pipe through which residual fuel gas discharged from a fuel cell is supplied and flows, and a second measurement section for measuring the physical characteristics of the fuel gas; A connecting portion communicating with the air inlet portion and the fuel gas flow portion, and in which the air of the air inlet portion and the fuel gas of the fuel gas flow portion are mixed to provide a mixed gas; A mixed gas discharge unit including a mixed gas flow pipe through which the mixed gas is discharged to the outside and a third measuring unit for measuring the physical characteristics of the mixed gas, one end of which is connected to the connecting unit and the other end of which the mixed gas is discharged to the outside; and A control unit that determines the performance of the exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device of the fuel cell based on at least one of the physical characteristics of the air, the physical characteristics of the fuel gas, and the physical characteristics of the mixed gas. Performance testing facility for hydrogen emission reduction devices for fuel cells.

2. In paragraph 1, The first measuring unit includes an air flow meter that measures the flow rate of the air flowing through the air inlet, an air temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the air, and an air pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the air. The second measuring unit includes a fuel gas flow meter that measures the flow rate of the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas flow unit, a fuel gas temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the fuel gas, and a fuel gas pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the fuel gas. The third measuring unit includes a mixed gas temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the mixed gas flowing through the mixed gas discharge unit, a mixed gas pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the mixed gas, a fuel gas concentration sensor for measuring the concentration of the fuel gas, a mixed gas anemometer for measuring the wind speed of the mixed gas, and a fuel gas volume flow rate meter for measuring the volume flow rate of the fuel gas. Performance testing facility for hydrogen emission reduction devices for fuel cells.

3. In paragraph 1, The above connection part is, A test body in which the air and the fuel gas are mixed; A connecting pipe connecting the above test body and the mixed gas discharge unit; A pipe connection device connecting one end of the above connecting pipe and the above mixed gas discharge portion; and In order to prevent the above mixed gas from leaking out, a sealing material is included that seals one surface facing the connecting pipe and the mixed gas discharge portion in the circumferential direction. Performance testing facility for hydrogen emission reduction devices for fuel cells.

4. In paragraph 2, The above air flow meter and the above fuel gas flow meter use any one of the Coriolis method, differential pressure method, thermal method, and turbine method. Performance testing facility for hydrogen emission reduction devices for fuel cells.

5. In the performance test method of a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performed by a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device performance test facility, An air flow measurement step for measuring the flow rate of air flowing through an air inlet; A fuel gas flow measurement step for measuring the flow rate of residual fuel gas flowing in a fuel gas flow section; A fuel gas concentration measuring step for measuring the concentration of the fuel gas included in the mixed gas in which the air and the fuel gas flowing through the mixed gas discharge unit are mixed; and A comparison step including comparing a first volume fraction conversion value, which is a volume fraction conversion value of the fuel gas converted based on the flow rate measurement value of the air and the flow rate measurement value of the fuel gas, with a second volume fraction conversion value, which is a volume fraction conversion value of the fuel gas converted based on the concentration value of the fuel gas measured at the mixed gas discharge unit. Performance test method for a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device.

6. In paragraph 5, In the above comparison step, The above first volume fraction conversion value is obtained through the following mathematical expression 1, and the difference between the first volume fraction conversion value and the second volume fraction conversion value is calculated to determine whether it is within the error tolerance range. Performance test method for a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device. [Mathematical Formula 1] Φ i = V i / ∑V i (In the above mathematical expression 1, Φ i is the volume fraction of the fuel gas, V i is the volume of the fuel gas, ∑V i is the total volume of the above mixed gas.) 7. In paragraph 5, It further includes a verification step to verify the performance of the air flow meter and the fuel gas flow meter. The above verification step is, A step of obtaining a third air flow rate conversion value, which is a converted air flow rate conversion value based on the temperature of the air, the pressure difference, and the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow pipe arranged in the air inlet; and Including a step of calculating the difference between the air flow rate measurement value measured in the air flow rate measurement step and the third air flow rate conversion value and determining whether it is within the error tolerance range. Performance test method for a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device.

8. In paragraph 7, The above third air flow rate conversion value is obtained through the mathematical expression 2 below. Performance test method for a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device. [Equation 2] m air = p air × A pipe × V air (In the above mathematical expression 2, m air is the mass flow rate of the air, ρ air is the density of the air, A pipe is the inner cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe, V air is the wind speed.) 9. In paragraph 5, It further includes a verification step to verify the performance of the air flow meter and the fuel gas flow meter. The above verification step is, A step of measuring the volume flow rate of the above fuel gas; A step of converting the measured value of the volume flow rate of the fuel gas into a mass flow rate value to obtain a fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value, which is a mass flow rate conversion value of the fuel gas; and Including a step of calculating the difference between the flow rate measurement value of the fuel gas and the fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value and determining whether it is within the error tolerance range. Performance test method for a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device.

10. In paragraph 9, The fourth fuel gas mass flow rate conversion value of the above fuel gas is obtained through the following mathematical expression 3. Performance test method for a fuel cell exhaust hydrogen concentration reduction device. [Equation 3] m gas = ρ gas × V gas / t (In the above mathematical expression 3, m gas is the mass flow rate of the fuel gas, ρ gas is the density of the fuel gas, V gas / t is the volume flow rate of the above fuel gas.)

Images