Hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system and power plant therefor

Abstract

The application provides a hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system and a power device thereof, which comprises an air filter, a screw air compressor, a deionizer, a hydrogen system, a hydrogen fuel cell, a diluter, a silencer, a gas valve system and a water tank, and the application removes the structure of a liquid circulating water pump and a fan, adopts a water-lubricated screw air compressor to replace the structure function of the water pump, and removes a humidifier; since the water-lubricated screw air compressor adopts circulating water lubrication, the generated compressed air contains saturated water at the current temperature, so that the gas source in the hydrogen fuel cell has humidity and does not contain water, which maximally plays a role in humidifying and enhancing the proton exchange membrane, maximally guarantees the efficient conversion of the proton exchange membrane, improves the conversion rate of the hydrogen fuel cell, can also reduce the volume of the whole system, and in addition, since the temperature of the compressed air generated by the screw air compressor can be adjusted and is relatively low, a intercooler structure is no longer needed, and the structure is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology, specifically to a hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system and its power unit. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generation device that uses hydrogen and air as fuel. It boasts advantages such as high power generation efficiency, high power density, short dynamic response time, low reaction temperature, and clean and environmentally friendly operation, making it a promising candidate for development in the transportation and energy sectors. Hydrogen fuel cells, in particular, use hydrogen as fuel, which reacts with oxygen via an electrochemical reaction and then generates electricity through a proton exchange membrane. Therefore, for a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity, it requires both hydrogen and oxygen, necessitating both hydrogen and oxygen supply systems. Currently, the oxygen supply system in a hydrogen fuel cell stack is typically replaced by an air supply system.

[0003] like Figure 2 As shown, in existing technologies, a fan is used to draw in external air. Since the proton exchange membrane inside the hydrogen fuel cell needs a certain level of humidity to maintain its activity, it must be kept moist during operation. Existing technologies typically use a liquid circulating water pump to circulate saturated water generated by the hydrogen fuel cell to moisten the proton exchange membrane. However, the moisturizing effect and efficiency are poor. The saturated water is then mixed with the air drawn in by the fan and delivered to the hydrogen fuel cell. Because the compressed air generated by the fan has a high temperature, it needs to be cooled, thus requiring the addition of an intercooler. This results in a large system size and high cost. Furthermore, the complex structure involving the liquid circulating water pump, fan, and intercooler leads to significant noise and low overall efficiency. Moreover, the air temperature and humidity cannot be adjusted according to requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system and its power unit to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A hydrogen fuel cell supply system includes an air filter, a water-lubricated screw air compressor, a deionizer, a hydrogen system, a hydrogen fuel cell, and a diluent, wherein:

[0007] The screw air compressor has an air filter installed at its air inlet, and its exhaust port is connected to the air inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell. The liquid injection port and water outlet of the screw air compressor are connected to a deionizer. The deionizer is also connected to the hydrogen fuel cell to collect the water produced by the hydrogen fuel cell and to lubricate the screw air compressor. The exhaust port of the hydrogen fuel cell is connected to a diluent. The hydrogen system is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell to provide hydrogen fuel for the operation of the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0008] Preferably, the screw air compressor is a single-screw type air compressor.

[0009] Preferably, a drain valve for draining water is provided on the pipeline between the outlet of the screw air compressor and the inlet of the deionizer, and the outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell and the injection port of the screw air compressor are connected by a pipeline, and a radiator is provided on the connected pipeline.

[0010] Preferably, a water tank is also provided on the connecting pipeline between the water outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell and the liquid injection port of the screw air compressor. The water tank stores saturated water, and a drain valve for discharging excess saturated water is also installed on the water tank.

[0011] Preferably, the hydrogen system includes a hydrogen storage cylinder, an inlet valve, a hydrogen injector, a hydrogen pump, and a purge valve. The exhaust port of the hydrogen storage cylinder is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell via a pipeline, and the inlet valve and the hydrogen injector are sequentially arranged on the pipeline. The purge valve adopts a three-way purge valve body structure with an inlet, a gas outlet, and a liquid outlet. The inlet of the purge valve is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell, the liquid outlet of the purge valve is connected to the outlet of the diluent, and the gas outlet of the purge valve is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell via a pipeline, and a hydrogen pump is arranged on the pipeline.

[0012] Preferably, the hydrogen system further includes a safety valve, and at least one safety valve is provided on the pipeline between the exhaust port of the hydrogen storage cylinder and the inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0013] Preferably, the hydrogen fuel cell is provided with a gas valve system at its inlet and outlet. The gas valve system includes an inlet valve, an exhaust valve, and a connecting valve. An inlet valve is provided on the connecting pipe between the air compressor and the hydrogen fuel cell, and an exhaust valve is provided on the connecting pipe between the hydrogen fuel cell and the diluter. The two pipes are connected by the connecting valve.

[0014] Preferably, a silencer is also provided on the outlet of the diluent.

[0015] The present invention also provides a hydrogen fuel cell power device, wherein the power device includes a battery gas supply system, a voltage amplifier, an inverter and a motor. The battery gas supply system adopts the above-mentioned hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system. The load end of the hydrogen fuel cell in the hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system is electrically connected to the input end of the voltage amplifier. The output end of the voltage amplifier is electrically connected to the inverter. The inverter is electrically connected to the motor and drives the motor shaft to rotate.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0017] This invention eliminates the structure of liquid circulating water pumps and fans, replacing them with water-lubricated screw air compressors. This results in advantages such as low noise, small size, high speed, high efficiency, and adjustable air temperature and humidity. The humidifier is eliminated because the water-lubricated screw air compressor uses circulating water lubrication, producing compressed air containing saturated water at the current temperature. This ensures the gas source in the hydrogen fuel cell is both humidified and moisture-free, maximizing the humidification and efficiency enhancement of the proton exchange membrane, ensuring high-efficiency proton exchange membrane conversion, improving the conversion rate of the hydrogen fuel cell, and reducing the overall system size and cost. Furthermore, since the temperature of the compressed air produced by the screw air compressor is adjustable and relatively low, an intercooler is no longer needed, simplifying the structure. Water produced by the hydrogen fuel cell enters the single-screw air compressor for lubrication and is recycled, resulting in high efficiency and energy saving. Additionally, the gas pressure, temperature, and humidity can be adjusted by regulating the speed of the single-screw compressor to meet the requirements of the fuel cell. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall system structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the gas supply system structure in the prior art.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Air filter, 2. Screw air compressor, 3. Deionizer, 4. Hydrogen system, 401. Hydrogen storage tank, 402. Inlet valve, 403. Hydrogen injector, 404. Hydrogen pump, 405. Purge valve, 406. Safety valve, 5. Hydrogen fuel cell, 6. Diluter, 7. Silencer, 8. Gas valve system, 801. Inlet valve, 802. Exhaust valve, 803. Connecting valve, 9. Water tank, 10. Radiator. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] Example:

[0023] Please see Figure 1 The present invention provides a technical solution:

[0024] A hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system includes an air filter 1, a water-lubricated screw air compressor 2, a deionizer 3, a hydrogen system 4, a hydrogen fuel cell 5, and a diluent 6, wherein:

[0025] The screw air compressor 2 is a single-screw type air compressor. An air filter 1 is installed at the air inlet of the screw air compressor 2, which filters the air. An air flow meter can also be installed at the air inlet of the screw air compressor 2 as needed to facilitate the detection of the intake air flow. The gas pressure can be adjusted by regulating the speed of the screw air compressor 2, allowing for free adjustment of the intake air pressure to meet the requirements of the hydrogen fuel cell 5. The liquid injection port and water outlet of the screw air compressor 2 are connected to a deionizer 3, which is also connected to the hydrogen fuel cell 5 to collect the water produced by the hydrogen fuel cell 5 and use it for lubrication of the screw air compressor 2.

[0026] The outlet of the screw air compressor 2 and the inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell 5 are connected by a pipeline, and a deionizer 3 is installed on the pipeline. The outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell 5 and the injection port of the screw air compressor 2 are connected by a pipeline, and a radiator 10 is installed on the connected pipeline. The radiator 10 cools the saturated water produced by the hydrogen fuel cell 5 and can also regulate the temperature of the incoming water, thereby regulating the temperature of the gas entering the hydrogen fuel cell 5. Since the air humidity is based on the saturated water content of the screw air compressor 2 at the current temperature, the humidity and temperature are matched. Therefore, controlling the temperature can control the humidity, realizing the adjustment of the temperature and humidity of the air entering the hydrogen fuel cell 5 as needed. The deionizer 3 mainly adsorbs the anions and cations released by the hydrogen fuel cell 5 and related water circuit components, keeping the conductivity in the water circuit at a low value and preventing system leakage.

[0027] A drain valve is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the screw air compressor 2 and the inlet of the deionizer 3. The drain valve is used to drain excess circulating water in the water circulation system between the screw air compressor and the deionizer. The outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell 5 and the injection port of the screw air compressor 2 are connected by a pipeline.

[0028] A water tank 9 is installed on the connecting pipe between the water outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell 5 and the liquid injection port of the screw air compressor 2. The water tank 9 stores saturated water. When the hydrogen fuel cell 5 is first started and no water is produced, the screw air compressor 2 needs lubrication. At this time, water is drawn from the water tank 9 for lubrication. The water tank 9 is also equipped with a drain valve for discharging excess saturated water to drain excess water from the water tank 9.

[0029] The exhaust port of the screw air compressor 2 is connected to the air inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell 5. When the screw air compressor 2 is working, the air inlet draws in air filtered by the air filter 1 and delivers it into the hydrogen fuel cell 5. When the screw air compressor 2 first starts working, it draws water from the water tank 9 for lubrication. As the hydrogen fuel cell 5 continues to work, the water produced is delivered to the water tank 9 for storage. Excess water in the water tank 9 is discharged through the drain valve on the water tank 9. The water entering the screw air compressor 2 will be cooled by the radiator 10. The lubricated water in the screw air compressor 2 will flow back into the water circulation system of the hydrogen fuel cell 5 after passing through the deionizer 3.

[0030] Because this embodiment eliminates the liquid circulating water pump and fan structure, and replaces the functions of the water pump with a water-lubricated screw air compressor 2, it has advantages such as low noise, small size, high speed, high efficiency, and adjustable air temperature and humidity. The humidifier is eliminated, and since the water-lubricated screw air compressor 2 uses circulating water lubrication, the compressed air it produces contains saturated water at the current temperature. Thus, the air source in the hydrogen fuel cell 5 has both humidity and no moisture, maximizing the humidification and efficiency enhancement of the proton exchange membrane, ensuring the efficient conversion of the proton exchange membrane, improving the conversion rate of the hydrogen fuel cell 5, and reducing the overall system size and cost. Furthermore, since the temperature of the compressed air produced by the screw air compressor 2 is adjustable and relatively low, the intercooler structure is no longer needed, simplifying the structure. The water produced by the hydrogen fuel cell 5 enters the single-screw air compressor for lubrication and is recycled, resulting in high efficiency and energy saving.

[0031] The outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell 5 is connected to the diluter 6. A gas valve system 8 is provided on the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell 5. The gas valve system 8 includes an inlet valve 801, an exhaust valve 802, and a connecting valve 903. An inlet valve 801 is provided on the connecting pipe between the air compressor 2 and the hydrogen fuel cell 5, and an exhaust valve 802 is provided on the connecting pipe between the hydrogen fuel cell 5 and the diluter 6. The two pipes are connected by the connecting valve 803. The inlet valve 801 and the exhaust valve 802 are used to control the intake and exhaust rates of the hydrogen fuel cell 5, and the connecting valve 803 serves to balance the intake and exhaust pressures.

[0032] The hydrogen system 4 is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell 5 and is used to provide hydrogen fuel for the operation of the hydrogen fuel cell 5. The hydrogen system 4 includes a hydrogen storage tank 401, an inlet valve 402, a hydrogen injector 403, a hydrogen pump 404, and a purge valve 405. The exhaust port of the hydrogen storage tank 401 is connected to the inlet port of the hydrogen fuel cell 5 through a pipeline, and the inlet valve 402 and the hydrogen injector 403 are sequentially installed on the pipeline. The hydrogen storage tank 401 is used to store hydrogen fuel. The hydrogen fuel enters the hydrogen fuel cell 5 from the hydrogen storage tank 401 after passing through the inlet valve 402 and the hydrogen injector 403. The purge valve 405 is a three-way valve with an inlet, a gas outlet, and a liquid outlet. The purge valve body structure includes a purge valve 405 whose inlet is connected to the air inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell 5, a liquid outlet connected to the outlet of the diluent 6, and a gas outlet connected to the air inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell 5 via a pipeline equipped with a hydrogen pump 404. The purge valve 405 periodically opens and closes to periodically discharge some of the hydrogen and water from the hydrogen circuit discharged from the hydrogen fuel cell 5. The discharged hydrogen periodically re-enters the hydrogen fuel cell 5 via the hydrogen pump 404, while the water periodically discharges to the outside via the diluent 6, preventing the continuous accumulation of hydrogen and water in the circuit.

[0033] The hydrogen system 4 also includes a safety valve 406. At least one safety valve 406 is provided on the pipeline between the exhaust port of the hydrogen storage cylinder 401 and the inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell 5 to prevent the gas pressure to the hydrogen fuel cell 5 from being too high. A silencer 7 is also provided on the outlet of the diluter 6 to reduce the noise during emission.

[0034] The present invention also provides a hydrogen fuel cell power device, wherein the power device includes a battery gas supply system, a voltage amplifier, an inverter and a motor. The battery gas supply system adopts the above-mentioned hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system. The load end of the hydrogen fuel cell 5 of the hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system is electrically connected to the input end of the voltage amplifier. The output end of the voltage amplifier is electrically connected to the inverter. The inverter is electrically connected to the motor and drives the motor shaft to rotate.

[0035] The working principle of this invention:

[0036] In use, the screw air compressor 2 draws in air filtered by the air filter 1 through the air inlet and sends it to the hydrogen fuel cell 5. When the screw air compressor 2 first starts working, it draws water from the water tank 9 for lubrication. As the hydrogen fuel cell 5 continues to work, the water produced is transported to the water tank 9 for storage. Excess water in the water tank 9 is discharged through the drain valve on the water tank 9. The water entering the screw air compressor 2 is cooled by the radiator 10. The lubricated water in the screw air compressor 2 flows back into the water circulation system of the hydrogen fuel cell 5 after passing through the deionizer 3. The compressed air produced by the water-lubricated screw air compressor 2 contains saturated water at the current temperature. The screw air compressor 2 delivers the mixed compressed air to the hydrogen fuel cell 5.

[0037] Hydrogen fuel enters the hydrogen fuel cell 5 from the hydrogen storage tank 401 through the inlet valve 402 and the hydrogen injector 403. The hydrogen fuel cell 5 uses a mixture of air and hydrogen to work, and discharges excess hydrogen and water. The purge valve 405 opens and closes periodically, and the discharged hydrogen is periodically reintroduced into the hydrogen fuel cell 5 through the hydrogen pump 404. The water is periodically discharged to the outside through the diluent 6.

[0038] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system comprising an air filter (1), a water-lubricated screw air compressor (2), a deionizer (3), a hydrogen system (4), a hydrogen fuel cell (5) and a diluter (6), characterized in that: an air filter (1) is installed at the air inlet of the screw air compressor (2), the air outlet of the screw air compressor (2) is connected with the air inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell (5), the water injection port and the water outlet of the screw air compressor (2) are connected with the deionizer (3), the deionizer (3) is also connected with the hydrogen fuel cell (5) for collecting water generated by the hydrogen fuel cell (5) and for lubricating the screw air compressor (2), the air outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell (5) is connected with the diluter (6), and the hydrogen system (4) is connected with the hydrogen fuel cell (5) for providing hydrogen fuel for the operation of the hydrogen fuel cell (5); a drain valve for draining water is arranged on the pipeline between the water outlet of the screw air compressor (2) and the water inlet of the deionizer (3), and a radiator (10) is arranged on the pipeline connecting the water outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell (5) with the water injection port of the screw air compressor (2); a water tank (9) is further arranged on the pipeline between the water outlet of the hydrogen fuel cell (5) and the water injection port of the screw air compressor (2), the water tank (9) stores saturated water, and a drain valve for discharging excess saturated water is further installed on the water tank (9); the hydrogen system (4) comprises a hydrogen storage bottle (401), an air inlet valve (402), a hydrogen injector (403), a hydrogen pump (404) and a purge valve (405), the air outlet of the hydrogen storage bottle (401) is connected with the air inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell (5) through a pipeline, and the air inlet valve (402) and the hydrogen injector (403) are arranged in sequence on the pipeline, the purge valve (405) has a three-way purge valve body structure with an inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet, the inlet of the purge valve (405) is connected with the air inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell (5), the liquid outlet of the purge valve (405) is connected with the air outlet of the diluter (6), the gas outlet of the purge valve (405) is connected with the air inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell (5) through a pipeline, and the hydrogen pump (404) is arranged on the pipeline.

2. A hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system according to claim 1, wherein: The screw air compressor (2) is a single-screw air compressor.

3. A hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system according to claim 1, wherein: The hydrogen system (4) further comprises a safety valve (406), and at least one safety valve (406) is arranged on the pipeline between the air outlet of the hydrogen storage bottle (401) and the air inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell (5). The screw air compressor (2) is a single-screw air compressor. The hydrogen system (4) further comprises a safety valve (406), and at least one safety valve (406) is arranged on the pipeline between the air outlet of the hydrogen storage bottle (401) and the air inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell (5).

4. A hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system according to claim 1, wherein: The hydrogen fuel cell (5) is provided with a gas valve system (8) on the gas inlet and outlet, the gas valve system (8) comprises an air inlet valve (801), an exhaust valve (802) and a communication valve (803), the air compressor (2) and the hydrogen fuel cell (5) are connected by a connecting pipeline provided with the air inlet valve (801), the hydrogen fuel cell (5) and the diluter (6) are connected by a connecting pipeline provided with the exhaust valve (802), the two pipelines are connected by the communication valve (803).

5. A hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system according to claim 1, wherein: The diluter (6) is further provided with a silencer (7) on the outlet.

6. A hydrogen fuel cell power plant characterized by: The power device comprises a battery gas supply system, a voltage amplifier, an inverter and a motor, the battery gas supply system is the hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system according to any one of claims 1-5, the load end of the hydrogen fuel cell (5) of the hydrogen fuel cell gas supply system is electrically connected to the input end of the voltage amplifier, the output end of the voltage amplifier is electrically connected to the inverter, the inverter is electrically connected to the motor, and the motor shaft is driven to rotate.

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