Fuel cell integrated device, gas supply system and gas supply method

Abstract

The present invention provides an integrated device, gas supply system and gas supply method for a fuel cell, including: an integrated intercooler; an air supply system, supplying air to the integrated intercooler; a hydrogen supply system, supplying hydrogen to the integrated intercooler; a fuel cell stack, connected to the integrated intercooler; and a tail exhaust air system, to transport the tail exhaust air of the fuel cell stack to the integrated intercooler. The air supply system includes: an air compressor, connected to the integrated intercooler; and an air filter, connected to the air compressor. The integrated device, gas supply system and gas supply method for a fuel cell disclosed in the present invention can make the gas supply system of the fuel cell more integrated and lightweight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to an integrated device, a gas supply system and a gas supply method of a fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] In the fuel cell system, the air system and the hydrogen system provide gas sources for the operation of the stack. The temperature of the air provided by the air system is often higher than the air temperature range required by the stack, and an air cooling device is required for cooling. At the same time, the hydrogen provided by the hydrogen system is generally lower than the air temperature range required by the stack. Especially under low temperature conditions, a heater is required to heat the hydrogen. The cooperation of the air cooling device and the hydrogen heating device can provide the stack with a gas source that meets the temperature requirements. However, the existing fuel cell gas supply system has the problem of large size and low integration. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide an integrated device, a gas supply system and a gas supply method for a fuel cell. The present invention can make the gas supply system of the fuel cell more lightweight and integrated.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives and other related objectives, the present invention provides an integrated device of a fuel cell, comprising:

[0005] Integrated intercooler;

[0006] an air supply system, supplying air to the integrated intercooler;

[0007] a hydrogen supply system, supplying hydrogen to the integrated intercooler;

[0008] A fuel cell stack connected to the integrated intercooler; and

[0009] A tail exhaust air system is used to transport the tail exhaust air of the fuel cell stack to the integrated intercooler.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air supply system comprises:

[0011] an air compressor connected to the integrated intercooler; and

[0012] An air filter is connected to the air compressor.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen supply system comprises:

[0014] a delivery pipeline connected to the integrated intercooler; and

[0015] A hydrogen stop valve is arranged on the delivery pipeline.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tail exhaust air system comprises:

[0017] A tail exhaust air duct is provided between the battery stack and the integrated intercooler;

[0018] The back pressure valve is arranged on the tail exhaust air duct.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, it also includes:

[0020] The cooling circulation system is respectively connected to the integrated intercooler, the fuel cell stack and the air compressor.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the integrated intercooler comprises:

[0022] High temperature air cavity;

[0023] a main coolant chamber; and

[0024] at least two secondary cooling medium chambers;

[0025] Wherein, the high-temperature air cavity, the main cooling liquid cavity and the secondary cooling medium cavity are arranged in the shell of the integrated intercooler.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, it also includes: a hydrogen circulation system for circulating the hydrogen exhausted by the fuel cell stack.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen circulation system comprises:

[0028] a hydrogen circulation device connected to the fuel cell stack; and

[0029] A steam-water separator is connected between the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen circulation device.

[0030] Wherein, the hydrogen and water discharge pipeline of the steam-water separator is connected to the tail gas discharge pipe of the integrated intercooler.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, it also includes:

[0032] The tail gas exhaust pipe is connected to the tail gas exhaust air outlet of the integrated intercooler.

[0033] The present invention also provides a fuel cell gas supply system, comprising:

[0034] Bypass pipe;

[0035] a bypass valve, disposed on the bypass pipeline; and

[0036] An integrated device connected to the bypass pipeline, the integrated device comprising:

[0037] Integrated intercooler;

[0038] an air supply system, supplying air to the integrated intercooler;

[0039] a hydrogen supply system, supplying hydrogen to the integrated intercooler;

[0040] A fuel cell stack connected to the integrated intercooler; and

[0041] A tail exhaust air system is used to transport the tail exhaust air of the fuel cell stack to the integrated intercooler.

[0042] The present invention also provides a gas supply method for a fuel cell, using the above-mentioned integrated device of the fuel cell, comprising the following steps:

[0043] The air supply system inputs high-temperature air into the integrated intercooler, and the tail exhaust air system inputs the tail exhaust air of the fuel cell stack into the integrated intercooler;

[0044] The high-temperature air exchanges heat with the exhaust air to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature air;

[0045] Pass the coolant into the main coolant cavity;

[0046] The coolant exchanges heat with the high-temperature air to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature air;

[0047] The hydrogen supply system inputs hydrogen into the integrated intercooler;

[0048] The hydrogen exchanges heat with the high-temperature air, lowering the temperature of the high-temperature air and raising the temperature of the hydrogen;

[0049] The heated hydrogen and cooled air are supplied to the fuel cell stack as gas sources.

[0050] As described above, the present invention provides an integrated device, a gas supply system and a gas supply method for a fuel cell, which can make the gas supply system of the fuel cell more integrated and lightweight, and improve the overall efficiency of the gas supply system of the fuel cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these accompanying drawings without paying creative work.

[0052] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the process structure of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 2 Shown is a schematic diagram of the gas supply process of the present invention.

[0054] Component number description:

[0055] 10. Air supply system; 11. Air compressor; 12. Air filter;

[0056] 20. Hydrogen supply system; 21. Delivery pipeline; 22. Hydrogen stop valve;

[0057] 30. Integrated intercooler;

[0058] 40. Battery stack;

[0059] 50. Tail exhaust air system; 51. Tail exhaust air duct; 52. Back pressure valve;

[0060] 60. Cooling circulation system;

[0061] 70. Hydrogen circulation system;

[0062] 80. Bypass valve;

[0063] 90. Exhaust pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0065] See also Figure 1-2 It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only schematic illustrations of the basic concept of the present invention. For example, the illustrations only show components related to the present invention rather than the number, shape and size of components in actual implementation. In actual implementation, the type, quantity and proportion of each component may be changed arbitrarily, and the component layout may also be more complicated.

[0066] The embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated device, a gas supply system and a gas supply method for a fuel cell, so that the gas supply system for the fuel cell is more integrated and lightweight. The embodiments will be described in detail below.

[0067] See also Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1An integrated device of a fuel cell provided in an embodiment of the present invention may include an air supply system 10, a hydrogen supply system 20, an integrated intercooler 30, a stack 40, and a tail exhaust air system 50. The air supply system 10 may deliver high-temperature air to be cooled to the integrated intercooler 30, and the hydrogen supply system 20 may deliver hydrogen to the integrated intercooler 30, and the hydrogen may flow in the integrated intercooler 30 as a cooling medium. Since the temperature of hydrogen is lower than that of high-temperature compressed air, the high-temperature compressed air may exchange heat with hydrogen, so that the temperature of hydrogen increases and the temperature of high-temperature compressed air decreases. When the temperature of hydrogen is in the hydrogen temperature range required by the stack 40, hydrogen that meets the temperature requirements may be introduced into the inlet of the stack 40 to provide a hydrogen gas source for the operation of the stack 40. The tail exhaust air system 50 may deliver low-temperature tail exhaust air to the integrated intercooler 30, and the tail exhaust air may flow in the integrated intercooler 30 as a cooling medium to exchange heat with the high-temperature air inside the integrated intercooler 30. The temperature of the high-temperature air is reduced and the temperature of the tail air is increased. When the temperature of the air is in the air temperature range required by the fuel cell stack 40, the air that meets the temperature requirements can be introduced into the inlet of the fuel cell stack 40 to provide an air source for the operation of the fuel cell stack 40. After being heated, the tail air is discharged from the tail gas exhaust pipe of the integrated intercooler 30. In the process of discharging the tail air, as the temperature of the tail air increases, the water vapor saturation therein increases accordingly, which can reduce the liquid water content of the tail air during discharge. In the above-mentioned gas supply process, the function of heating hydrogen and the function of cooling high-temperature air can be integrated in the intercooler, which improves the integration of the gas supply system and makes the gas supply system lighter.

[0068] See also Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the air supply system 10 may include an air compressor 11 and an air filter 12. In order to prevent air impurities from entering the air compressor 11, the air filter 12 may be connected to the air inlet of the air compressor 11 to filter impurities in the air. Prevent impurities in the air from entering the air compressor 11 and affecting the body. The air compressor 11 may compress the filtered air into high-temperature air and deliver it to the integrated intercooler 30. The type of the air filter 12 may be unlimited, and may be a plate filter, a bag filter, or other types of filters.

[0069] See also Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen supply system 20 may include a delivery pipeline 21 and a hydrogen shut-off valve 22. By opening the hydrogen shut-off valve 22 on the delivery pipeline 21, hydrogen can be delivered to the integrated intercooler 30. By closing the hydrogen shut-off valve 22 on the delivery pipeline 21, the delivery of hydrogen can be stopped.

[0070] See also Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the integrated intercooler 30 includes a high-temperature air cavity, a main coolant cavity and a secondary coolant cavity. High-temperature compressed air can be introduced into the high-temperature air cavity to perform heat exchange with the cooling medium of other cavities. The number of high-temperature air cavities is not limited. It can be one high-temperature air cavity or multiple high-temperature air cavities to divert the high-temperature air into each high-temperature air cavity. Coolant can be introduced into the main coolant cavity, and the high-temperature compressed air can perform heat exchange with the coolant to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature compressed air. The number of main coolant cavities is not limited, and it can be one main coolant cavity or multiple main coolant cavities, as long as the coolant in the main coolant cavity can cool the high-temperature air. There are at least two secondary coolant cavities, one of which can be introduced with hydrogen as a cooling medium, and the high-temperature compressed air can perform heat exchange with hydrogen. The other secondary coolant cavity can be introduced with tail exhaust air as a cooling medium, and the high-temperature air can perform heat exchange with the tail exhaust air. The distribution positions of the main cooling liquid cavity and the secondary cooling medium cavity may not be limited, as long as the main cooling liquid cavity and the secondary cooling medium cavity surround the high-temperature air cavity so that the cooling medium and the high-temperature air can exchange heat.

[0071] See also Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a temperature sensor may be installed at the inlet of the high-temperature air cavity, and the temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the high-temperature air. The flow rate of the coolant may be adjusted according to the temperature of the high-temperature air. The higher the air temperature at the inlet of the high-temperature air cavity, the greater the flow rate of the coolant to ensure the cooling effect.

[0072] See also Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tail exhaust air can first be passed into the secondary cooling medium cavity, and the tail exhaust air can be used to cool the high-temperature air to the maximum extent, thereby reducing the heat load of the coolant and hydrogen in other cavities. The coolant can be passed into the main coolant cavity as a second-order cooling medium to further reduce the temperature of the high-temperature air and minimize the heat load of the hydrogen. This ensures that after the hydrogen and high-temperature compressed air are heat-exchanged, the problem of excessively high hydrogen temperature will not occur, avoiding the risk of explosion caused by excessively high temperature after the hydrogen heat exchange.

[0073] See also Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tail exhaust air system 50 includes a tail exhaust air duct 51 and a back pressure valve 52. The tail exhaust air duct 51 can be connected between the tail exhaust air outlet of the battery stack 40 and the tail exhaust air inlet of the integrated intercooler 30 to transport the tail exhaust air of the battery stack 40 to the integrated intercooler 30. The back pressure valve 52 can be installed on the tail exhaust air duct 51, and the intake pressure of the battery stack 40 can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the back pressure valve 52, so that the intake pressure of the battery stack 40 meets the intake requirements.

[0074] See also Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the coolant flows out of the main coolant cavity, it can be cooled by the radiator fan of the external cooling circulation system 60 and then transported back to the main coolant cavity by the cooling water pump. Since the tail exhaust air and hydrogen can bear part of the heat load of the high-temperature air, the amount of coolant used can be reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption of the external cooling circulation loop.

[0075] See also Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the air compressor 11, the integrated intercooler 30 and the battery stack 40 can be connected to the cooling circulation system 60. The cooling circulation system 60 can be connected to the outlet of the main coolant cavity of the integrated intercooler 30 of the integrated structure. After the coolant flows out of the main coolant cavity, it enters the cooling circulation system 60. The radiator module of the cooling circulation system 60 can cool the coolant, and the cooled coolant can enter the main coolant cavity again to realize the circulation of the coolant. The air compressor 11 can be connected to the corresponding cooling circulation system 60, and the radiator module of the cooling circulation system 60 can dissipate heat from its operating parts. The battery stack 40 can be connected to the corresponding cooling circulation system 60, and the radiator module of the cooling circulation system 60 can dissipate heat from its operating parts. The cooling circulation system 60 connected to the air compressor 11, the integrated intercooler 30 and the battery stack 40 can be the same cooling circulation system 60 and share a radiator module, or can be independent cooling circulation systems 60 and have independent radiator modules. The specific structure of the cooling circulation system 60 is not limited, as long as it can ensure the cooling and heat dissipation effect.

[0076] See also Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen outlet of the stack 40 can be connected to the hydrogen circulation system 70, and the unreacted hydrogen of the stack 40 can be repeatedly transported to the stack 40 for recycling through the hydrogen circulation system 70. The hydrogen circulation system 70 may include a hydrogen circulation device and a steam-water separator. The hydrogen circulation device may be a hydrogen circulation pump, or an ejector or other types of circulation devices. Taking the hydrogen circulation device as a hydrogen circulation pump as an example, the hydrogen outlet of the stack 40 can be connected to the inlet of the hydrogen circulation pump, and the unreacted hydrogen of the stack 40 can be circulated to the hydrogen inlet of the stack 40 again through the hydrogen circulation pump. The steam-water separator can be connected between the inlet of the hydrogen circulation pump and the hydrogen outlet of the stack 40, and the impurity gas and liquid water in the hydrogen can be separated and discharged to the tail gas exhaust pipe 90. Thereby, the water in the hydrogen can be prevented from entering the anode of the stack 40 again to cause abnormal operation.

[0077] See also Figure 1As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides an air supply system for a fuel cell, the air supply system for the fuel cell includes a bypass pipe, a bypass valve 80 and an integrated device. When the air compressor 11 of the integrated device experiences a surge condition, the bypass valve 80 can be opened, and the integrated device can exhaust air through the bypass pipe. This prevents abnormal conditions such as surge from damaging the components of the air compressor 11.

[0078] See also Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the air compressor 11 may generate a surge condition during operation or emergency shutdown. Specifically, when the gas pressure in the system pipeline connected to the outlet of the air compressor 11 is too high, the high-pressure gas may cause the outlet of the air compressor 11 to be blocked and the pipeline gas to flow back, which is the surge condition of the air compressor 11. In order to avoid the continuous surge condition of the air compressor 11, a bypass pipe can be set on the integrated intercooler 30. The bypass pipe can be connected to the exhaust gas exhaust pipe 90 of the integrated intercooler 30, and a bypass valve 80 can be installed on the bypass pipe. When the air compressor 11 has a surge condition, the opening of the stop valve at the inlet of the stack 40 can be reduced or the stop valve can be closed, and the bypass valve 80 can be opened. Most or all of the air discharged from the high-temperature air cavity can be discharged to the exhaust gas exhaust pipe 90 through the bypass pipe, thereby reducing the gas pressure in the system pipeline connected to the outlet of the air compressor 11, and avoiding abnormal conditions such as surge from damaging the components of the air compressor 11.

[0079] See also Figure 2 As shown, when the integrated device of the fuel cell in the above technical solution is used to supply gas, the following steps are included:

[0080] Step S10 : The air supply system 10 inputs high-temperature air into the integrated intercooler 30 , and the tail exhaust air system 50 inputs tail exhaust air of the fuel cell stack 40 into the integrated intercooler 30 .

[0081] In one embodiment of the present invention, specifically, during the process of conveying air by the air supply system 10, the temperature of the air compressed by the air compressor 11 is higher than the air source temperature required by the fuel cell stack 40. The high-temperature air can be passed into the integrated intercooler 30 for cooling. At the same time, the tail exhaust air system 50 can input the tail exhaust air of the fuel cell stack into the integrated intercooler 30. The temperature of the tail exhaust air is lower than that of the high-temperature air, and can be used as a cooling medium inside the integrated intercooler 30.

[0082] Step S20: The high-temperature air exchanges heat with the exhaust air to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature air.

[0083] In one embodiment of the present invention, specifically, during the heat exchange between the high-temperature air and the tail exhaust air, the temperature of the high-temperature air decreases and the temperature of the tail exhaust air increases. The heated tail exhaust air is discharged from the integrated intercooler 30 .

[0084] Step S30, passing the coolant into the main coolant cavity.

[0085] In one embodiment of the present invention, specifically, after the coolant is introduced into the main coolant cavity, it can be used as a cooling medium to cool down the high-temperature air.

[0086] Step S40: The coolant exchanges heat with the high-temperature air to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature air.

[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, specifically, during the heat exchange between the coolant and the high-temperature air, the temperature of the high-temperature air is further reduced, and the temperature of the coolant is increased. After the coolant flows out of the main coolant cavity, the external cooling circulation system 60 can cool the coolant and circulate the coolant into the main coolant cavity again.

[0088] Step S50: The hydrogen supply system inputs hydrogen into the integrated intercooler.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention, specifically, hydrogen can be used as the cooling medium of the integrated intercooler 30 . The hydrogen shut-off valve 22 on the delivery pipeline 21 is opened to deliver hydrogen to the integrated intercooler 30 .

[0090] Step S60: The hydrogen gas and the high-temperature air perform heat exchange to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature air and increase the temperature of the hydrogen gas.

[0091] In one embodiment of the present invention, specifically, during the heat exchange between hydrogen and high-temperature air, the high-temperature air is cooled while the hydrogen can also be heated, eliminating the need for an additional heating device, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the fuel cell's gas supply system and making the fuel cell's gas supply system more integrated and lightweight.

[0092] Step S70: The heated hydrogen and the cooled air are supplied to the fuel cell stack as gas sources.

[0093] In one embodiment of the present invention, specifically, when the temperature of hydrogen increases to between 60 degrees and 70 degrees, it can be introduced into the fuel cell stack 40 as a gas source. When the temperature of air decreases to between 60 degrees and 70 degrees, it can be introduced into the fuel cell stack 40 as a gas source.

[0094] In summary, the integrated device, gas supply system and gas supply method of a fuel cell provided by the present invention can make the gas supply system of the fuel cell more integrated and lightweight, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the gas supply system of the fuel cell.

[0095] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "this embodiment", "example", "specific example", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0096] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are only used to help illustrate the present invention. The embodiments do not describe all the details in detail, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementation methods described. Obviously, many modifications and changes can be made according to the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments in order to better explain the principles and practical applications of the present invention, so that those skilled in the art can understand and use the present invention well. The present invention is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A gas supply method for a fuel cell, characterized in that: Applied to the integrated device of the fuel cell, the gas supply method comprises: S10, the air supply system inputs high-temperature air into the high-temperature air cavity, and the tail exhaust air system inputs the tail exhaust air of the stack into the secondary cooling medium cavity; S20, the high-temperature air exchanges heat with the tail exhaust air to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature air; S30, passing the coolant into the main coolant cavity; S40, the coolant exchanges heat with the high-temperature air to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature air; S50, the hydrogen supply system inputs hydrogen into the secondary cooling medium cavity; S60, the hydrogen gas exchanges heat with the high-temperature air to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature air and increase the temperature of the hydrogen gas; S70, the heated hydrogen and the cooled air are supplied to the fuel cell stack as gas sources; Wherein, the integrated device of the fuel cell comprises: A high-temperature air cavity is provided in the housing of the integrated intercooler to allow high-temperature air to flow in; A main coolant cavity is provided in the housing of the integrated intercooler to allow coolant to flow in and perform heat exchange with the high-temperature air; At least two secondary cooling medium cavities are arranged in the housing of the integrated intercooler to respectively introduce hydrogen and tail exhaust air and perform heat exchange with the high-temperature air, and the main cooling liquid cavity and the secondary cooling medium cavity are arranged around the high-temperature air cavity; an air supply system, supplying air to the integrated intercooler; a hydrogen supply system, supplying hydrogen to the integrated intercooler; A fuel cell stack connected to the integrated intercooler; A tail exhaust air system for conveying tail exhaust air of the fuel cell stack to the integrated intercooler; a hydrogen circulation device connected to the fuel cell stack; and A steam-water separator connected between the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen circulation device; Wherein, a temperature sensor is provided at the inlet of the high-temperature air cavity to adjust the flow rate of the coolant according to the temperature of the high-temperature air introduced; The hydrogen and water discharge pipeline of the steam-water separator is communicated with the integrated intercooler.

2. A fuel cell gas supply method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air supply system comprises: an air compressor connected to the integrated intercooler; and An air filter is connected to the air compressor.

3. A fuel cell gas supply method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen supply system comprises: a delivery pipeline connected to the integrated intercooler; and A hydrogen stop valve is arranged on the delivery pipeline.

4. A fuel cell gas supply method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tail exhaust air system comprises: A tail exhaust air duct is provided between the battery stack and the integrated intercooler; The back pressure valve is arranged on the tail exhaust air duct.

5. A fuel cell gas supply method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The integrated device of the fuel cell also includes: The cooling circulation system is respectively connected to the integrated intercooler, the fuel cell stack and the air compressor.

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