Battery stack ventilation system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery stack ventilation system, comprising: a supply line configured to supply supply gas to an air electrode of a fuel cell stack; an exhaust line configured to exhaust exhaust gas released from the air electrode; and a battery stack supply line branched from a branching point of the supply line, the battery stack supply line being configured to supply the supply gas in the supply line to a battery stack housing in which the fuel cell stack is accommodated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery stack ventilation system. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell system generates electricity by supplying hydrogen-containing fuel gas to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell stack, supplying air to the air electrode of the fuel cell stack, and allowing the fuel gas to undergo an electrochemical reaction with oxygen in the air through an electrolyte membrane.

[0003] Fuel cell stacks are typically housed within a stack housing and require ventilation to remove moisture generated by internal condensation. Therefore, a separate ventilation duct is installed and connected to the stack housing.

[0004] However, existing fuel cell systems utilize negative pressure on the intake side to perform fuel cell stack ventilation when driving the compressor, which poses a risk of degrading compressor efficiency. Furthermore, fuel cell stack ventilation can only be performed when the compressor is driven.

[0005] Furthermore, in the case of fuel cell systems in the relevant existing technologies, water may flow into the ventilation ducts when the vehicle is submerged in water. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a battery stack ventilation system for improving compressor efficiency, which enables ventilation of the battery stack regardless of whether the compressor is driven, and improves waterproofing.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description any other technical problems not mentioned herein.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell stack ventilation system includes: a supply line for supplying supply gas to the air electrode of the fuel cell stack; an exhaust line for discharging exhaust gas released from the air electrode; and a fuel cell stack supply line branching off from a branch point of the supply line, the fuel cell stack supply line supplying the supply gas in the supply line to a fuel cell stack housing therein. For example, the branch point may be a point on the supply line.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the battery stack ventilation system may further include: a first filter disposed in the supply line and configured to filter foreign objects, and a branch point may be located downstream of the first filter along the supply line.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the battery stack ventilation system may further include: a flow sensor disposed in the supply line and measuring the flow rate of the supply gas, and a branch point along the supply line located upstream of the flow sensor.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the battery stack ventilation system may further include: a compressor disposed in the supply line to compress and release the compressed supply gas, and a branch point may be located upstream of the compressor along the supply line.

[0012] According to one embodiment, an inlet formed in the battery stack housing is located at the top of the battery stack housing to allow supply gas from the battery stack supply line to flow into the battery stack housing.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the battery stack ventilation system may further include: a blower disposed in the battery stack supply line and configured to force the supply gas in the battery stack supply line toward the battery stack casing.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the battery stack ventilation system may further include: a pressure regulating device disposed in the discharge line and regulating the pressure of the exhaust gas; and a battery stack discharge line connecting the battery stack casing to a point downstream of the pressure regulating device, the battery stack discharge line discharging the supply gas introduced into the battery stack casing to the discharge line.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the battery stack ventilation system may further include: a second filter disposed in the battery stack discharge line, which prevents foreign matter from flowing into the battery stack casing through the battery stack discharge line.

[0016] According to one embodiment, an outlet formed in the battery stack housing is located at the top of the battery stack housing to release the supply gas in the battery stack housing to the battery stack discharge line.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the battery stack ventilation system may further include: a blower disposed in the battery stack discharge line, which forces the supplied gas in the battery stack discharge line to move toward the discharge line. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating a battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a view showing the portion of the battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention where an inlet is formed in the battery stack casing; and

[0021] Figure 3 This is a view showing the portion of the battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention where an outlet is formed in the battery stack casing.

[0022] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0023] 1: Air electrode

[0024] 2: Fuel cell stack

[0025] 3: Battery stack casing

[0026] 4: Entrance

[0027] 5: Exports

[0028] 10: Supply pipelines

[0029] 11: Branch Point

[0030] 12: First Filter

[0031] 13: Flow sensor

[0032] 14: Compressor

[0033] 15: Air cooler

[0034] 16: Humidifier

[0035] 17: Blower circuit breaker

[0036] 18: Muffler

[0037] 20: Discharge pipeline

[0038] 21: Pressure regulating device

[0039] 22: Temperature sensor

[0040] 30: Battery stack supply pipeline

[0041] 40: Battery stack discharge pipeline

[0042] 41: Second Filter

[0043] 50: Blower Detailed Implementation

[0044] It should be understood that the terms "vehicle" or "of a vehicle" or other similar terms as used herein include motor vehicles in general, such as passenger vehicles including SUVs, buses, trucks, and various commercial vehicles, watercraft including various boats and vessels, and aircraft, and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As mentioned herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, such as a vehicle that has both gasoline and electric power.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that, when used in this specification, the words “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the word “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the specification, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the words “comprising” and variations such as “including” or “containing” will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated elements, but do not exclude any other elements. Additionally, the terms “unit,” “device,” “piece,” and “module” described in the specification refer to a unit for performing at least one function and operation, and may be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0046] Furthermore, the control logic of the present invention can be implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions that are executed by a processor, controller, or the like. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, optical disc (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage device. The computer-readable medium can also be distributed across a network-connected computer system, enabling distributed storage and execution, for example, via a remote information processing server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0047] In the following, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in the various drawings, it should be noted that the same or equivalent components are indicated by the same reference numerals even when the same or equivalent components are shown in other drawings. Furthermore, in the description of embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions will be excluded to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the spirit of the invention.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fuel cell stack ventilation system is configured to ventilate the fuel cell stack housing 3 of a fuel cell system. The fuel cell stack ventilation system may include a supply line 10, an exhaust line 20, and a fuel cell stack supply line 30. The supply line 10 may be configured to supply supply gas to the air electrode 1 of the fuel cell stack 2. The exhaust line 20 may be configured to exhaust exhaust gas released from the air electrode 1. The fuel cell stack supply line 30 may branch off from a branch point 11 of the supply line 10, wherein the branch point 11 may be a point of the supply line 10. The fuel cell stack supply line 30 may be configured to supply the supply gas in the supply line 10 to the fuel cell stack housing 3, which houses the fuel cell stack 2.

[0049] According to the present invention, battery stack ventilation can be performed via a battery stack supply line 30 branching off from the supply line 10, wherein the supply line 10 supplies air to the air electrode 1. Therefore, battery stack ventilation can be performed regardless of whether the compressor 14 is driven.

[0050] Furthermore, since battery stack ventilation is performed regardless of whether the compressor 14 is driven, the efficiency of the compressor 14 can be improved compared to performing battery stack ventilation by creating negative pressure through the compressor 14.

[0051] <First Filter 12>

[0052] The battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a first filter 12. The first filter 12 may be disposed in the supply line 10 and configured to filter foreign matter introduced into the supply line 10. A branch point 11 may be located downstream of the first filter 12 along the supply line 10. The term "downstream" as used herein may be based on the supply gas flow. (See also...) Figure 1 When branch point 11 is located downstream of the first filter 12, it means that branch point 11 is located to the left of the first filter 12. Since branch point 11 is formed downstream of the first filter 12, it is not necessary to install a separate filter in the battery stack supply line 30. Therefore, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0053] <Flow Sensor 13>

[0054] The battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a flow sensor 13. The flow sensor 13 may be disposed in the supply line 10 and configured to measure the flow rate of the supply gas. The branch point 11 may be located upstream of the flow sensor 13 along the supply line 10. (See also...) Figure 1 When branch point 11 is located upstream of flow sensor 13, it means that branch point 11 is located to the right of flow sensor 13. For example, branch point 11 could be the point between the first filter 12 and flow sensor 13. Because branch point 11 is located upstream of flow sensor 13, flow sensor 13 can measure only the flow rate of the gas flowing in supply line 10. Therefore, the flow rate of the supply gas introduced into air electrode 1 can be accurately measured.

[0055] <Compressor 14>

[0056] The battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a compressor 14. The compressor 14 may be disposed in the supply line 10 and configured to compress and release the compressed supply gas. A branch point 11 may be located upstream of the compressor 14 along the supply line 10. (See also...) Figure 1When branch point 11 is located upstream of compressor 14, it means that branch point 11 is located to the right of compressor 14. For example, branch point 11 could be the point between the first filter 12 and compressor 14.

[0057] For example, consider the case where branch point 11 is located downstream of compressor 14. In this case, a portion of the supply gas compressed and released by compressor 14 can flow into battery stack supply line 30. That is, a portion of the supply gas compressed to be introduced into air electrode 1 can flow into battery stack supply line 30, thus reducing the pressure of the supply gas introduced into air electrode 1.

[0058] In the battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a branch point 11 may be formed upstream of the compressor 14, and a separate blower 50 (described below) may be provided in the battery stack supply line 30. Therefore, the supply gas compressed by the compressor 14 can be introduced into the air electrode 1 without flowing into the supply line 30, thus maintaining the pressure of the supply gas introduced into the air electrode 1.

[0059] <Pressure regulating device 21 and battery stack discharge line 40>

[0060] The battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a pressure regulating device 21 and a battery stack discharge line 40. The pressure regulating device 21 may be disposed in the discharge line 20 and configured to regulate the pressure of the exhaust gas. The battery stack discharge line 40 may be configured to discharge the supply gas introduced into the battery stack housing 3 to the discharge line 20. The battery stack discharge line 40 may be configured to connect the battery stack housing 3 to a point downstream of the pressure regulating device 21 in the discharge line 20. (Refer to...) Figure 1 When a point is located downstream of the pressure regulating device 21, it means that the point is located to the right of the pressure regulating device 21.

[0061] For example, one could consider a scenario where the battery stack discharge line 40 is connected to the discharge line 20 at a point upstream of the pressure regulating device 21. In this case, when the pressure of the exhaust gas in the discharge line 20 is higher than the pressure of the supply gas in the battery stack discharge line 40, the exhaust gas can flow back into the battery stack discharge line 40.

[0062] However, in the battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery stack discharge line 40 can be connected to the discharge line 20 at a point downstream of the pressure regulating device 21. Therefore, the pressure regulating device 21 can regulate the pressure of the exhaust gas in the discharge line 20 and prevent the exhaust gas from flowing back into the battery stack discharge line 40.

[0063] <Second Filter 41>

[0064] The battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a second filter 41. The second filter 41 may be disposed in the discharge line 40 and may prevent foreign matter from being introduced into the battery stack housing 3 through the battery stack discharge line 40 when backflow occurs in the battery stack discharge line 40.

[0065] <Blower 50>

[0066] The battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a blower 50. The blower 50 may be disposed in the battery stack supply line 30 and may force the supply gas in the battery stack supply line 30 to move toward the battery stack casing 3.

[0067] Optionally, the blower 50 may be disposed in the battery stack discharge line 40 and may force the supply gas in the battery stack discharge line 40 to move toward the discharge line 20. For example, the blower 50 may be disposed in at least one of the battery stack supply line 30 and the battery stack discharge line 40. Figure 1 The blower 50 is shown to be installed in the battery stack supply line 30 and the battery stack discharge line 40 respectively.

[0068] <Entrance 4 and Exit 5>

[0069] Inlet 4 can be formed in the battery stack casing 3. Figure 2 This is a view showing the portion of the battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an inlet is formed in the battery stack housing. The inlet 4 may be located at the top of the battery stack housing 3. The inlet 4 may be formed in the battery stack housing 3 to allow supply gas from the battery stack supply line 30 to flow into the battery stack housing 3. Because the inlet 4 is located at the top of the battery stack housing 3, the risk of water flowing into the battery stack housing 3 through the inlet 4 is reduced even when the vehicle is submerged in water. Therefore, the waterproofing effect can be improved.

[0070] Additionally, outlet 5 can be formed within the battery stack casing 3. Figure 3 This is a view showing the portion of the battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an outlet is formed within the battery stack housing. The outlet 5 may be formed in the battery stack housing 3 to release the supplied gas from the battery stack housing 3 to the battery stack discharge line 40. The outlet 5 may be located at the top of the battery stack housing 3. Because the outlet 5 is located at the top of the battery stack housing 3, the risk of water flowing into the battery stack housing 3 through the outlet 5 is reduced even when the vehicle is submerged in water. Therefore, the waterproofing effect can be improved.

[0071] The battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: an air cooler 15, a humidifier 16, and a blower circuit breaker 17 disposed in the supply line 10. A branch point 11 may be located upstream of at least one of the air cooler 15, humidifier 16, and blower circuit breaker 17. Typically, the air cooler 15, humidifier 16, and blower circuit breaker 17 may be disposed downstream of the compressor 14. Therefore, since the branch point 11 is located upstream of the compressor 14, it can be located upstream of at least one of the air cooler 15, humidifier 16, and blower circuit breaker 17. Because the branch point 11 is located upstream of the humidifier 16, humidified air can be prevented from being introduced into the battery stack housing 3.

[0072] The battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a silencer 18 disposed in the supply line 10. The silencer 18 may be arranged upstream of the compressor 14.

[0073] The battery stack ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor 22 disposed in the discharge line 20. The temperature sensor 22 may be disposed upstream of the pressure regulating device 21. The temperature sensor 22 may be configured to obtain information about the temperature of the portion of the discharge line 20 located upstream of the pressure regulating device 21.

[0074] As described above, according to the present invention, battery stack ventilation can be performed via a battery stack supply line branching off from the supply line that supplies air to the air electrodes. Therefore, battery stack ventilation can be performed regardless of whether the compressor is driven, thereby improving compressor efficiency.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the inlet for the battery stack supply line and the outlet for the battery stack discharge line can be located at the top of the battery stack casing. Therefore, even when the vehicle is submerged in water, the risk of water flowing into the battery stack casing can be reduced, thus improving the waterproof effect.

[0076] In the foregoing description of the invention with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and alterations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the invention are intended to explain the spirit and scope of the invention, not to limit it, so that the spirit and scope of the invention are not limited by the embodiments. The scope of the invention should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of the claims should be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A battery stack ventilation system, comprising: The supply line is configured to supply supply gas to the air electrode of the fuel cell stack; The exhaust line is configured to discharge the exhaust gas released from the air electrode; as well as A fuel cell stack supply line branches off from the branch point of the supply line, the fuel cell stack supply line being configured to supply supply gas from the supply line to the fuel cell stack housing therein. Also includes: A pressure regulating device is provided in the discharge pipeline and configured to regulate the pressure of the exhaust gas; as well as A battery stack discharge line is configured to connect the battery stack housing to a point downstream of the pressure regulating device, and the battery stack discharge line is configured to discharge supply gas introduced into the battery stack housing to the discharge line.

2. The battery stack ventilation system according to claim 1 further includes: A first filter is disposed in the supply line and configured to filter out foreign matter. The branch point is located downstream of the first filter along the supply pipeline.

3. The battery stack ventilation system according to claim 1 further includes: A flow sensor is disposed in the supply line and configured to measure the flow rate of the supplied gas. The branch point is located upstream of the flow sensor along the supply pipeline.

4. The battery stack ventilation system according to claim 1, further comprising: A compressor is disposed in the supply line and configured to compress the supply gas and release the compressed supply gas. The branch point is located upstream of the compressor along the supply pipeline.

5. The battery stack ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein, An inlet formed in the battery stack housing is located at the top of the battery stack housing to allow supply gas from the battery stack supply line to flow into the battery stack housing.

6. The battery stack ventilation system according to claim 1, further comprising: A blower is provided in the battery stack supply line and is configured to force the supply gas in the battery stack supply line toward the battery stack casing.

7. The battery stack ventilation system according to claim 1, further comprising: A second filter is disposed in the battery stack discharge line and configured to prevent foreign matter from flowing into the battery stack housing through the battery stack discharge line.

8. The battery stack ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein, An outlet formed in the battery stack housing is located at the top of the battery stack housing to release the supply gas in the battery stack housing to the battery stack discharge line.

9. The battery stack ventilation system according to claim 1, further comprising: A blower is provided in the battery stack discharge line and is configured to force the supply gas in the battery stack discharge line toward the discharge line.

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