Water recovery device for two-stage proton exchange membrane fuel cell
By using a two-stage condensation and spray water circulation closed-loop design, the problem of low efficiency of single-stage condensation devices is solved, achieving efficient water resource recovery and purification, reducing system energy consumption and maintenance costs, and providing potable pure water.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511407189.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing proton exchange membrane fuel cells have low efficiency in single-stage condensation devices. The formation of a thick water film on the condensation surface leads to a decrease in the heat transfer coefficient, increasing system energy consumption and maintenance costs. Furthermore, it is difficult to simultaneously achieve high flow rates, high dehydration rates, and ultra-low water content in the outlet gas.
A two-stage condensation method is adopted, which combines a primary direct-injection contact condenser tower and a secondary surface condenser, along with a closed-loop spray water circulation system and a closed-loop cooling circulation system, to achieve multi-stage condensation and water recovery and purification, including spray water recycling and water quality purification.
It improves water resource recycling efficiency, reduces system energy consumption and maintenance costs, achieves efficient water resource recycling and purification, and provides potable pure water.
Smart Images
Figure CN121355293A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to water resource recovery in proton exchange membrane fuel cell exhaust, in particular to a two-stage condensing water recovery device and method. BACKGROUND
[0002] In the working process of proton exchange membrane fuel cell, a large amount of high-temperature water vapor is generated by the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. If these water vapors are directly discharged, it will cause waste of water resources and increase the cooling load of the system. In addition, the efficiency of the existing single-stage condensing device is limited, and the heat transfer coefficient will rapidly decrease due to the formation of thick water film on the condensing surface, thereby reducing the condensing efficiency. Pure plate cooling or spraying system often has difficulty in balancing large flow, high dehydration rate and ultra-low water content of outlet gas. At the same time, the existing device usually needs high energy consumption, frequent maintenance, and complex water circulation path, which increases the cost of the overall system. SUMMARY
[0003] The present application aims to provide a way of water recovery purification through multi-stage condensation, to improve the water resource recovery efficiency, reduce the cooling load, and reduce the energy consumption and maintenance cost of the system.
[0004] The present application provides a two-stage proton exchange membrane fuel cell water recovery device, comprising: a condensing water recovery circuit and a spraying water circulation closed circuit; The condensing water recovery circuit comprises: a primary direct spraying contact condensing tower 7, a secondary surface condenser 8 and a central buffer water tank 9; the gas discharged by the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 4 is introduced into the gas inlet of the primary direct spraying contact condensing tower 7 to contact with the spraying water for primary condensation, the condensed water formed after condensation is introduced into the spraying water circulation closed circuit, the gas after primary condensation is introduced into the secondary surface condenser 8 for secondary condensation, the condensed water formed after condensation of the secondary surface condenser 8 is discharged into the central buffer water tank 9, and the remaining gas is discharged through the gas outlet of the secondary surface condenser 8; The spraying water circulation closed circuit is responsible for the supply and recovery of spraying water in the primary condensation, comprising: a third stop valve 10 and a water pump 11, the condensed water stored in the central buffer water tank 9 is introduced into the spraying water inlet of the primary direct spraying contact spraying tower 7 through the third stop valve 10 and the water pump 11, sprayed from the top nozzle of the primary direct spraying contact spraying tower 7, mixed with the primary condensed water, and then flowed into the central buffer water tank 9 through the bottom of the primary direct spraying contact condensing tower 7.
[0005] Further, the two-stage proton exchange membrane fuel cell water recovery device further comprises a spraying water cooling circulation closed circuit, which comprises a forced air cooler 12, the condensed water stored in the central buffer water tank 9 is sent to the forced air cooler 12 for cooling, and then transported back to the central buffer water tank 9 after cooling.
[0006] Further, the double-stage proton exchange membrane fuel cell water recovery device further comprises a condensed water storage and purification circuit, which comprises a fourth stop valve 13, an external discharge pump 14, a water storage tank 15 and a water purification unit 16; the central buffer water tank 9, the fourth stop valve 13, the external discharge pump 14, the water storage tank 15 and the water purification unit 16 are sequentially connected; the primary condensed water and the secondary condensed water are mixed and stored in the central buffer water tank 9; in order to control the water level of the central buffer water tank 9, the condensed water is discharged into the water storage tank 15 for storage by using the external discharge pump 14; the water in the water storage tank 15 is treated by the water purification unit 16 to complete water quality purification.
[0007] Further, the double-stage proton exchange membrane fuel cell water recovery device further comprises a hydrogen channel circuit, which comprises a hydrogen tank 1, a pressure reducing valve 2 and a first stop valve 3; the hydrogen tank 1 is connected to the anode end of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 4 through the pressure reducing valve 2 and the first stop valve 3.
[0008] Further, the double-stage proton exchange membrane fuel cell water recovery device further comprises an air channel circuit, which comprises an air pump 5 and a second stop valve 6; air enters the cathode end of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 4 through the air pump 5 and the second stop valve 6 in sequence.
[0009] Further, the water purification unit 16 comprises a raw water pretreatment device and a deep treatment device; the water storage tank 15 is connected to the water purification unit 16 by a water pipe; the raw water pretreatment device uses a screen in the water pipe to block larger particles in the water; the blocked particles flow into a granular activated carbon column to adsorb micro pollutants; the deep treatment device comprises a PP cotton filter and an ultraviolet sterilizer; the condensed water treated by the raw water pretreatment device is further treated and filtered by the PP cotton filter; the treated condensed water flows into the ultraviolet sterilizer to be sterilized by ultraviolet rays, so that directly drinkable pure water is obtained.
[0010] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the following beneficial effects: (1) The present application uses double-stage condensation dehydration; a direct injection contact condensation tower is used to quickly remove most of the water vapor; direct injection atomization strengthens heat exchange; compared with the traditional condensation, the unit energy consumption is lower; a surface condenser is used for secondary fine dehydration to ensure that the dehydration recovery benefit is maximized; double-stage temperature cooling reduces the load on the cooling machine and the cooling tower; (2) The present application designs a spray water closed loop reuse; the used spray water is collected with the condensed water to the central buffer water tank for cooling; the water used for subsequent spray condensation only needs to be extracted from the central buffer water tank; the condensed water is continuously supplemented into the water tank; no other water source is needed; the system water balance is achieved; (3) The spray water circuit and the condensing medium circuit of the present application are physically isolated and independent of each other; the condensed water is prevented from being polluted; the water purification unit is arranged; the condensation recovery and water quality purification are simultaneously achieved; directly drinkable water is provided for residents; the present application has high practical value. Attached Figure Description
[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water recovery device for a two-stage proton exchange membrane fuel cell of the present invention; Figure 1 The components are as follows: 1. Hydrogen tank; 2. Pressure reducing valve; 3. First shut-off valve; 6. Second shut-off valve; 10. Third shut-off valve; 13. Fourth shut-off valve; 4. Proton exchange membrane fuel cell; 5. Gas pump; 7. Primary direct injection contact condenser tower; 8. Secondary surface condenser; 9. Central buffer water tank; 11. Water pump; 12. Blower cooler; 14. External discharge pump; 15. Water storage tank; 16. Water purification unit. Detailed Implementation
[0012] It should be understood that in the description of this invention, terms such as "top", "bottom", "upper", and "lower" are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only used to more clearly express this invention and simplify the description, rather than specifying or implying that the equipment must have a specific structure, placement form, or specified relative position, and therefore cannot be used as a limitation of this invention.
[0013] To further illustrate the technical content and structural features of the present invention, a detailed description is provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0014] In this embodiment, the water recovery device for a two-stage proton exchange membrane fuel cell is as follows: Figure 1 As shown. The two-stage proton exchange membrane fuel cell water recovery device includes a hydrogen channel circuit, an air channel circuit, a spray water circulation closed loop, a spray water cooling circulation closed loop, and a condensate storage and purification circuit.
[0015] The hydrogen channel circuit is responsible for supplying hydrogen to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 4, and includes: hydrogen tank 1, pressure reducing valve 2 and first shut-off valve 3; hydrogen tank 1 is connected to the anode of proton exchange membrane fuel cell 4 through pressure reducing valve 2 and first shut-off valve 3. The air channel circuit is responsible for providing the oxygen required for the reaction of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 4; it includes: an air pump 5 and a second shut-off valve 6, through which air enters the cathode of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 4 in sequence. The condensate recovery loop is responsible for condensing and recovering water vapor in the gas discharged from the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 4. The condensate recovery loop includes a primary direct injection contact condenser tower 7, a secondary surface condenser 8, and a central buffer water tank 9. The gas discharged from the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 4 is introduced into the inlet of the primary direct injection contact condenser tower 7 and comes into contact with the spray water for primary condensation. The condensate formed after condensation enters the spray water circulation closed loop. The gas after primary condensation is introduced into the secondary surface condenser 8 for secondary condensation. The condensate formed after condensation in the secondary surface condenser 8 is discharged into the central buffer water tank 9. The remaining gas is discharged through the outlet of the secondary surface condenser 8. The spray water circulation closed loop is responsible for the supply and recovery of spray water in primary condensation, comprising: a third stop valve 10 and a water pump 11, the condensate water stored in the central buffer water tank 9 is sent into the spray water inlet of the primary direct spray contact spray tower 7 through the third stop valve 10 and the water pump 11, and is sprayed out from the top nozzle of the primary direct spray contact spray tower 7, mixed with the primary condensate water, and then flows into the central buffer water tank 9 through the bottom of the primary direct spray contact condensation tower 7; The spray water cooling circulation closed loop is responsible for cooling the water temperature of the condensate water (spray water) stored in the central buffer water tank 9 to the ambient temperature, comprising: an air cooling device 12, the condensate water stored in the central buffer water tank 9 is sent into the air cooling device 12 through a pipeline for cooling, and is then transported back to the central buffer water tank 9 after cooling; The condensate water storage and purification loop is responsible for the storage and purification of the condensate water, comprising: a fourth stop valve 13, an external discharge pump 14, a water storage tank 15 and a water purification unit 16, the central buffer water tank 9, the fourth stop valve 13, the external discharge pump 14, the water storage tank 15 and the water purification unit 16 are connected in sequence, the primary condensate water and the secondary condensate water are mixed and stored in the central buffer water tank 9, the condensate water is discharged into the water storage tank 15 for storage by using the external discharge pump 14, and the water in the water storage tank 15 is treated by the water purification unit 16 to complete water quality purification.
[0016] The specific working process of the embodiment is as follows: hydrogen enters the anode of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 4 through the hydrogen channel loop, air enters the cathode of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 4 through the remaining gas channel loop, hydrogen and oxygen in air undergo electrochemical reaction to generate electric energy and reaction gas, the reaction gas first enters the primary direct spray contact condensation tower 7 to directly contact with the spray water and the mixed gas after reaction, preliminary dehydration is realized by heat convection heat transfer, and first-stage condensate water is formed, then the first-stage condensate water enters the secondary surface condenser 8 for condensation to generate primary condensate water and secondary condensate water, the primary condensate water and the secondary condensate water flow into the central buffer water tank 9, the water temperature of the central buffer water tank 9 is cooled to the ambient temperature by using the air cooling device 12, a small part of the cooled condensate water is sprayed out from the spray head of the primary direct spray contact spray tower 7 by the spray water circulation closed loop, and the remaining condensate water is sent to the water storage tank 15 for storage through the condensate water storage and purification loop, and then is purified by the water purification unit 16 to form pure direct drinking water.
[0017] The present application uses double-stage condensation dehydration, first uses direct spray atomization to enhance heat exchange, which consumes less energy compared with traditional condensation technology, and then uses a tubular condenser for fine dehydration to improve the reaction gas recovery efficiency, the temperature drop of each stage is small, and the load of the cooling equipment is reduced. At the same time, the spray water closed loop is designed for reuse, the required spray water is automatically recovered, the condensate water is continuously supplemented with water, and other water sources are not needed, realizing the reuse of spray water. The water purification device is also designed, realizing the water recovery and purification integration of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell, which has practical application value.
Claims
1. A two-stage proton exchange membrane fuel cell water recovery device, characterized by, The device comprises a condensate water recovery circuit and a spray water circulation closed circuit; The condensate water recovery circuit comprises a primary direct contact condensing tower (7), a secondary surface condenser (8) and a central buffer water tank (9); the gas discharged from the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (4) is introduced into the gas inlet of the primary direct contact condensing tower (7) to contact with the spray water for primary condensation, the condensate water formed after condensation is introduced into the spray water circulation closed circuit, the gas after primary condensation is introduced into the secondary surface condenser (8) for secondary condensation, the condensate water formed after condensation of the secondary surface condenser (8) is discharged into the central buffer water tank (9), and the remaining gas is discharged through the gas outlet of the secondary surface condenser (8); The spray water circulation closed circuit comprises a third stop valve (10) and a water pump (11), the condensate water stored in the central buffer water tank (9) is introduced into the spray water inlet of the primary direct contact condensing tower (7) through the third stop valve (10) and the water pump (11), sprayed from the top nozzle of the primary direct contact condensing tower (7) and mixed with the primary condensate water to flow into the central buffer water tank (9) through the bottom of the primary direct contact condensing tower (7).
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The device further comprises a spray water cooling circulation closed circuit, which comprises a forced air cooler (12), the condensate water stored in the central buffer water tank (9) is sent into the forced air cooler (12) for cooling through a pipeline, and then sent back to the central buffer water tank (9) after cooling.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The device further comprises a condensate water storage and purification circuit, which comprises a fourth stop valve (13), an external discharge pump (14), a water storage tank (15) and a water purification unit (16), the central buffer water tank (9), the fourth stop valve (13), the external discharge pump (14), the water storage tank (15) and the water purification unit (16) are connected in sequence, the primary condensate water and the secondary condensate water are stored in the central buffer water tank (9), the condensate water is discharged into the water storage tank (15) for storage by using the external discharge pump (14), the water in the water storage tank (15) is treated by the water purification unit (16) to complete water quality purification.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The device further comprises a hydrogen channel circuit, which comprises a hydrogen tank (1), a pressure reducing valve (2) and a first stop valve (3); the hydrogen tank (1) is connected to the anode end of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (4) through the pressure reducing valve (2) and the first stop valve (3).
5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The device further comprises an air channel circuit, which comprises an air pump (5) and a second stop valve (6); air is introduced into the cathode end of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (4) through the air pump (5) and the second stop valve (6) in sequence.
6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The water purification unit (16) comprises a raw water pretreatment device and a deep treatment device, the water storage tank (15) and the water purification unit (16) are connected by a water pipe, the raw water pretreatment device uses a screen in the water pipe to block larger particles in the water, and then flows into a granular activated carbon column to adsorb micro pollutants, the deep treatment device comprises a PP cotton filter and an ultraviolet sterilizer, the condensate water after the raw water pretreatment device is further treated and filtered by the PP cotton filter, the treated condensate water flows into the ultraviolet sterilizer for ultraviolet sterilization to obtain direct drinking pure water.