Ion filter device for fuel cell stack

Abstract

An ion filter device for a fuel cell stack, which is configured to overcome a limitation related to a hydraulic head on an ion filter in a fuel cell system and has a simple structure, can include a manifold unit that splits a coolant introduced from the outside, and an ion filter unit connected to the manifold unit to receive the coolant from the manifold unit, and the ion filter unit includes a filter cartridge assembly having an ion filter resin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ion filter. More specifically, this invention relates to an ion filter for a fuel cell stack that overcomes limitations associated with the hydraulic head of ion filters in fuel cell systems and has a simple structure. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell system generates electricity through the electrochemical reaction of reactant gases within a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack is connected to both an air supply unit and a hydrogen supply unit, wherein the air supply unit is configured to supply air, including the oxygen required for the electrochemical reaction, and the hydrogen supply unit is configured to supply hydrogen for use as fuel. Furthermore, the fuel cell system includes a system configured to manage heat and water, which discharges heat and water generated as byproducts of the electrochemical reaction within the fuel cell system.

[0003] Therefore, fuel cell stacks generate electricity through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, which are the reactant gases, and the fuel cell stack discharges heat and water as byproducts of the electrochemical reaction. To prevent the temperature of the fuel cell stack from rising, the fuel cell system includes a water-cooled cooling device for the stack, in which coolant circulates through coolant channels within the stack to cool it.

[0004] An ion filter is installed on the circulation line where the coolant exits the stack after circulating within it. For fuel cells, the ion filter maintains the increased conductivity due to the presence of cations and anions in the coolant below a certain level to enhance the vehicle's electrical insulation stability.

[0005] The ion filter cartridge, filled with ion exchange resin, is housed within the ion filter housing. Due to the limited filtration life of the ion exchange resin, the cartridge needs to be replaced periodically. Because of this required regular maintenance, the upper part of the ion filter housing must be aligned with the top of the thermal management system (TMS) to minimize coolant leakage during cartridge replacement.

[0006] like Figure 1 As shown, the upper part of the ion filter housing 610 is configured to be substantially aligned with the top line of the thermal management system (TMS), indicated by A1. Up to this point, the length of the mounting bracket 630 has been increased so that the upper part of the ion filter housing 610 is located at line A1.

[0007] If the upper part of the ion filter housing 610 is located at line A2, that is, if the upper part of the ion filter housing 610 is lower than line A1, then the upper part of the ion filter housing 610 becomes lower than the top of the coolant line. In this case, there is a problem: excessive coolant loss occurs after replacing the ion filter element.

[0008] If the upper part of the ion filter housing 610 is approximately located at line A3, then the upper part of the ion filter housing 610 becomes higher than the top of the coolant line. In this case, air bubbles may be trapped in the ion filter, and the coolant flow rate may be slowed down.

[0009] Therefore, the placement of the ion filter is limited; that is, the ion filter must be aligned with the top of the thermal management system (TMS). Furthermore, the increased length of the mounting bracket 630 increases the overall weight and cost.

[0010] The information disclosed in the background section of this invention is only intended to enhance the understanding of the general background of this invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Several aspects of the present invention aim to provide an ion filter configured to overcome the limitations associated with existing hydraulic heads of ion filters in fuel cell systems.

[0012] Several aspects of the present invention aim to provide an ion filter that allows for optimal arrangement of ion filters in a fuel cell system.

[0013] Several aspects of the present invention aim to provide an ion filter that facilitates the replacement of the ion filter element.

[0014] The purpose of this invention is not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned purposes of this invention will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0015] In order to achieve the objectives of the present invention and perform the characteristic functions of the present invention, the features of the present invention are as follows.

[0016] Several aspects of the present invention aim to provide an ion filter for a fuel cell stack, the ion filter comprising: a manifold unit that diverts coolant introduced from the outside; and an ion filter unit connected to the manifold unit to receive coolant from the manifold unit, the ion filter unit including a filter element assembly having an ion-filtering resin.

[0017] Other aspects and exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

[0018] The above and other features of the present invention are discussed below.

[0019] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "of a vehicle" or other similar terms as used herein include motor vehicles in a broad sense, such as: passenger vehicles including SUVs, buses, trucks, and various commercial vehicles; water vehicles including various boats and ships; aircraft; and hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other vehicles using alternative fuels (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). When referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more power sources, such as a gasoline-powered and an electric-powered vehicle.

[0020] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages, which will become apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein the drawings are incorporated herein and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain certain principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an exemplary view showing the position of the ion filter relative to the thermal management system of the fuel cell system;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack including ion filters according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an ion filter according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an ion filter according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an ion filter according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6A This is an exemplary view illustrating the coupling structure between an ion filter and a cap according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6B It is along Figure 6A A cross-sectional view taken by line B-B' in the diagram;

[0028] Figure 7 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the flow path of coolant in an ion filter according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

[0029] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of an ion filter according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and present a slightly simplified representation of several features illustrating the basic principles of this disclosure. Specific design features of the invention included herein (including, for example, particular dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific intended application and environment of use.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals throughout the several figures refer to the same or equivalent parts of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments thereof, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0033] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific structures and functions described in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are merely for illustrative purposes. Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in various forms, and it should be understood that the present invention should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments described in the exemplary embodiments, but rather includes all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions covered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0034] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the invention. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0035] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another element, that element may be directly coupled or directly connected to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element between the two elements. Conversely, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another element, there is no intermediate element. Other expressions indicating relationships between elements, such as "between," "directly between," "adjacent," or "directly adjacent," should be interpreted in the same manner.

[0036] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. Throughout, the technical terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. 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 the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., when used in exemplary embodiments, specifically refer to the presence of the stated parts, steps, operations, or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other parts, steps, operations, or elements.

[0037] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, an ion filter according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes an ion filter unit 100 and a manifold unit 200. The ion filter unit 100 and the manifold unit 200 may be disposed in a single body 10. The ion filter according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention is mounted as a module on a fuel cell stack S.

[0039] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 A receiving space 12, including an empty space, is provided on the main body 10. A filter element assembly 20 is received in the receiving space 12. The filter element assembly 20 includes an ion-filtering resin for filtering ions from the coolant, and the filter element assembly 20 is disposed in the receiving space 12 so that it can be detached from the main body 10.

[0040] A cover 30 is mounted above the receiving space 12 of the body 10 to close the receiving space 12. The cover 30 seals the coolant within the receiving space 12. The cover 30 can be coupled to the body 10 using fastening elements such as bolts. According to several exemplary embodiments of the invention, a removable cover 30 allows easy access to the receiving space 12 and provides a seal between the body 10 and the cover 30.

[0041] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B According to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a coupling structure is provided between the cover 30 and the filter element assembly 20. The upper surface of the filter element assembly 20 has one or more mounting portions 22, and the lower surface of the cover 30 has one or more receiving portions 32. As a non-limiting embodiment, the mounting portion 22 may be formed as a hook, and the receiving portion 32 may be formed as a ring structure or annular member. Therefore, when the cover 30 is separated from the body 10 and subsequently pulled upward, the filter element assembly 20 also separates from the receiving space 12, thereby improving the convenience of replacing the filter element assembly.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the receiving portion 32 may include a locking hole 36, into which the end of the mounting portion 22 may be locked.

[0043] The cover 30 has an exit hole 34. The exit hole 34 allows the receiving space 12 in the body 10 to communicate with the outside.

[0044] A port unit 40 is mounted on the cover 30. The port unit 40 is mounted on the exit hole 34. In other words, the port unit 40 is hermetically coupled to the exit hole 34 such that when the port unit 40 communicates with the receiving space 12 through the exit hole 34, no coolant leakage occurs between the exit hole 34 and the port unit 40. The port unit 40 is provided with a port 42 such that coolant introduced into the port unit 40 through the exit hole 34 is discharged to the outside through this port 42.

[0045] Port unit 40 is connected to external components via pipe 2 and is equipped with an outlet isolation valve 4 to prevent coolant from flowing to the outside. According to several exemplary embodiments of the invention, the outlet isolation valve is a coolant passage control valve. According to several exemplary embodiments of the invention, the number of components can be reduced by utilizing a coolant passage control valve that is substantially located within the fuel cell stack.

[0046] The main body 10 is provided with a manifold unit 200 adjacent to the ion filter unit 100. The manifold unit 200 includes an inlet 14, a branch channel 16, and a filter channel 18. The coolant to be filtered is introduced into the inlet 14, and a portion of the coolant introduced through the inlet 14 flows through the branch channel 16 and is used to cool external components or the fuel cell stack S. A connector 6 is installed at the outlet of the branch channel 16. According to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the inlet 14 is inclined upward, the branch channel 16 is located above the inlet 14, and the filter channel 18 is located below the inlet 14.

[0047] A filter channel 18 is formed in the body 10 to extend from the manifold unit 200 to the ion filter unit 100. In other words, the filter channel 18 is formed as a portion through the body 10. The filter channel 18 is formed in the lower part of the body 10, extends in the lateral direction of the body 10, and is partially inclined.

[0048] The filter channel 18 guides the coolant introduced through the inlet 14 toward the ion filter unit 100 or filter element assembly 20 located in the receiving space 12. In other words, the filter channel 18 extends to the filter element assembly 20 of the ion filter unit 100.

[0049] A valve 50 is provided at the lower end of the filter element assembly 20. The valve 50 is located between the filter channel 18 and the inlet of the filter element assembly 20. The valve 50 is configured to prevent the coolant introduced into the filter element assembly 20 via the filter channel 18 from flowing back in the opposite direction. The valve 50 is also configured to prevent coolant leakage when the filter element assembly 20 is disassembled.

[0050] A sealing member 60 is installed at the periphery of the filter channel 18. The sealing member 60 is configured to seal the filter channel 18 to prevent coolant flowing into the filter channel 18 from leaking to the outside.

[0051] The sealing member 60 prevents coolant leakage between the filter channel 18 and the cover 70 installed at the filter channel 18. The cover 70 is installed on the body 10 to cover the filter channel 18. The cover 70 may be required for the injection molding of the filter channel 18 and prevents undercut formation.

[0052] A temperature sensor 8 may be provided on the cover 70. The temperature sensor 8 can measure the temperature of the coolant flowing through the filter channel 18.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, a portion of the coolant introduced into the manifold unit 200 of the main body 10 through inlet 14 is supplied to the fuel cell stack (D1) via branch channel 16 and connector 6. Another portion of the coolant in the manifold unit 200 is guided toward filter channel 18 and flows through this filter channel 18 to ion filter unit 100. The coolant flows to filter assembly 20 through valve 50 disposed between filter assembly 20 and filter channel 18. The coolant is then filtered in filter assembly 20. The coolant filtered through filter assembly 20 flows to the outside of the main body 10 through exit hole 34 in cover 30 and is discharged from port 42 through port unit 40. According to several exemplary embodiments of the invention, because the inlet line for the coolant is formed within the main body 10 itself, the number of components can be reduced, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0054] Reference Figure 8 According to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the ion filter can be configured such that the ion filter unit 100' and the manifold unit 200' are separated from each other.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, other components are configured in the same manner as in the preceding embodiments, but the filter channel 18 between the ion filter unit 100' and the manifold unit 200' is not formed in the body 10 itself. Instead, the manifold unit 200' is in communication with the ion filter unit 100' via a tubular element 86.

[0056] A coupling pipe 82 communicating with the filter element assembly 20 within the receiving space 12 is provided in the lower part of the ion filter unit 100'. Furthermore, a connecting pipe 84 communicating with the manifold unit 200' is provided in the lower part of the manifold unit 200'.

[0057] The coupling pipe 82 and the connecting pipe 84 are configured to be coupled to the ends of the pipe element 86, respectively. Therefore, the coolant to be filtered, discharged from the connecting pipe 84 through the manifold unit 200', flows through the pipe element 86 and reaches the receiving space 12 or the filter element assembly 20 (D1) via the coupling pipe 82. The coolant filtered in the filter element assembly 20 exits the ion filter (D2).

[0058] According to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the overall system can be simplified because the ion filter is modular within the fuel cell stack. In conventional technology, the fuel cell stack and ion filter are configured separately, and two hoses (i.e., an inlet hose and an outlet hose) are required for the ion filter. Furthermore, the ion filter may be located at the top of the system due to limitations imposed by the hydraulic head. In contrast, the present invention addresses the limitations associated with the hydraulic head typically applied to the ion filter through the modularity of the ion filter with the fuel cell stack, the integral molding of the manifold, and the installation of valves to prevent coolant backflow. Moreover, since the flow path is formed within the ion filter, the inlet hose can be omitted.

[0059] As can be clearly seen from the above description, several aspects of the present invention aim to provide an ion filter configured to overcome the limitations associated with hydraulic heads on ion filters in existing fuel cell systems.

[0060] Several aspects of the present invention aim to provide an ion filter that allows for optimal arrangement of ion filters in a fuel cell system.

[0061] Furthermore, several aspects of the present invention aim to provide an ion filter that makes it easy to replace the ion filter cartridge.

[0062] For ease of explanation and precise definition in the appended claims, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” “lower,” “upward,” “downward,” “front,” “rear,” “rear,” “inner side,” “outer side,” “inward,” “outer,” “internal,” “external,” “inner,” “outer,” “forward,” and “rearward” are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of these features shown in the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that the term “connection” or its derivatives refer to both direct and indirect connections.

[0063] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations will be apparent from the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain certain principles of the invention and its practical application, enabling others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An ion filter device for a fuel cell stack, the ion filter device comprising: A manifold unit, comprising: an inlet for receiving coolant from an external source; a branch channel communicating with the inlet and guiding coolant in a first direction; and a filter channel communicating with the inlet and guiding coolant in a second direction, wherein the second direction is different from the first direction; and An ion filter unit is connected to the filter channel of the manifold unit to receive coolant, and the ion filter unit includes a filter element assembly having an ion-filtering resin. The manifold unit and the ion filter unit are integrated together.

2. The ion filter device according to claim 1, wherein, The manifold unit and the ion filter unit are configured to communicate with each other via filter channels.

3. The ion filter device according to claim 2, wherein, The filter channel is equipped with a valve configured to prevent coolant backflow.

4. The ion filter device according to claim 3, wherein, The filter channel is connected to the filter element assembly, and the valve is disposed between the outlet of the filter channel and the inlet of the filter element assembly.

5. The ion filter device according to claim 1, wherein, The ion filter unit has a receiving space for receiving the filter element assembly.

6. The ion filter device according to claim 5, wherein, The receiving space is enclosed by a cover that can be removed from the ion filter unit.

7. The ion filter device according to claim 6, wherein, The cover includes a receiving portion formed in the lower surface of the cover, and the filter assembly includes a mounting portion that can be inserted into the receiving portion.

8. The ion filter device according to claim 7, in, The receiving portion of the cover is annular, and the mounting portion of the filter assembly is L-shaped in cross-section and can be inserted into the receiving portion.

9. The ion filter device according to claim 7, in, The receiving portion of the cover includes a locking hole, and The assembly portion of the filter element assembly has an "L" shape in cross-section, and the end of the assembly portion can be inserted into the locking hole of the receiving portion.

10. The ion filter device according to claim 6, wherein, The cover has an exit hole that penetrates a portion of the cover and communicates the receiving space with the outside of the ion filter unit.

11. The ion filter device according to claim 10, in, The ion filter unit includes a port unit configured to discharge coolant filtered through the filter element assembly, and The port unit is hermetically installed in the exit hole and has a port communicating with the exit hole.

12. The ion filter device according to claim 1, wherein, The ion filter unit includes a port unit configured to discharge coolant filtered through the filter element assembly.

13. The ion filter device according to claim 1, wherein, The filter channel is formed to pass through a portion of the ion filter unit and a portion of the manifold unit, and the filter channel is hermetically coupled to a cover.

14. The ion filter device according to claim 13, wherein, A sealing member is provided between the cover and the filter channel.

15. The ion filter device according to claim 11, wherein, The port unit is connected to the coolant channel control valve of the fuel cell stack.

16. An ion filter device for a fuel cell stack, the ion filter device comprising: A manifold unit, comprising: an inlet for receiving coolant from an external source; a branch channel communicating with the inlet and guiding coolant in a first direction; and a filter channel communicating with the inlet and guiding coolant in a second direction, wherein the second direction is different from the first direction; and An ion filter unit is connected to the filter channel of the manifold unit to receive coolant, and the ion filter unit includes a filter element assembly having an ion-filtering resin. The manifold unit and the ion filter unit are configured to be separable from each other.

17. The ion filter device according to claim 16, in, The manifold unit and the ion filter unit are connected to each other via tubular elements so that they can be separated; and The connecting pipe located in the lower part of the manifold unit is coupled to the first end of the tube element to communicate with the tube element, and the coupling pipe located in the lower part of the ion filter unit is coupled to the second end of the tube element to communicate with the tube element.

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