Fuel cell systems and vehicles

Abstract

This invention provides a fuel cell system, comprising: an air compressor, a heat exchanger, a fuel cell stack, and an intercooler; the air outlet of the air compressor is connected to the inlet of the intercooler, the outlet of the intercooler is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack, the outlet of the intercooler is also connected to the cooling inlet of the air compressor, the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor is connected to the air inlet of the heat exchanger, the coolant inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack, the coolant outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the coolant inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the air outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to an exhaust pipe. The high-temperature air output from the air compressor heats the coolant in the fuel cell stack through the heat exchanger, fully utilizing the heat from the air compressor. This achieves waste heat utilization from the air compressor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of new energy technology, and in particular relates to a fuel cell system and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell engine is an engine system that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The fuel cell engine's piping is mainly divided into hydrogen piping, air piping, and water piping, used to transport different media. The air compressor primarily supplies air to the fuel cell, compressing and pressurizing the air to meet the fuel cell's pressure and flow requirements. During the high-speed rotation of the air compressor in the fuel cell system, a large amount of heat is generated. Due to cleanliness requirements, the air compressor bearings need to be cooled by cold air to ensure the compressor's normal operation. Therefore, the cold air heated by the air compressor bearings contains a significant amount of heat. Currently, in fuel cell engine systems, this heat from the air compressor is directly released into the atmosphere, resulting in heat loss and exhaustion.

[0003] Currently, fuel cell systems are arranged with the fuel cell stack at the top and components at the bottom, with a support plate in the middle. Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, in this arrangement, the air compressor is located below the system support plate, integrated with other fuel cell engine system components, and positioned below the overall system. Since the air compressor's air-cooling piping currently discharges directly to the atmosphere through the exhaust pipe, the exhaust pipe ends are open and without any protection. Therefore, two problems arise:

[0004] 1. The lowest point of the air compressor exhaust pipe is the lowest point of water immersion for the fuel cell system. The current arrangement of the air compressor at the bottom results in a very low lowest point of water immersion for the system.

[0005] 2. During the IP67 test of the fuel cell system, the air compressor exhaust pipe needs to be sealed to meet the IP67 requirements. However, during the application of the fuel cell system in a vehicle, exhaust is required here, so sealing is not allowed. Therefore, the IP67 of the system during fuel cell use is inconsistent with the test condition. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a fuel cell system and vehicle that at least partially solves the problem of heat loss caused by the heat discharge of the air compressor in the prior art.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a fuel cell system, including: an air compressor, a heat exchange device, a fuel cell stack, and an intercooler;

[0008] The air outlet of the air compressor is connected to the inlet of the intercooler, the outlet of the intercooler is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack, the outlet of the intercooler is also connected to the cooling inlet of the air compressor, the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor is connected to the air inlet of the heat exchange device, the coolant inlet of the heat exchange device is connected to the coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack, the coolant outlet of the heat exchange device is connected to the coolant inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the air outlet of the heat exchange device is connected to the exhaust pipe.

[0009] Optionally, the heat exchange device includes an air bath heat exchanger or a jacketed pipeline.

[0010] Optionally, an air three-way valve is installed on the pipeline between the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor and the air inlet of the heat exchange device. One outlet of the air three-way valve is connected to the air inlet of the heat exchange device, and the other outlet of the air three-way valve is connected to the exhaust pipe.

[0011] Optionally, a bypass valve is provided between the outlet of the intercooler and the air inlet of the fuel cell stack. One outlet of the bypass valve is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the other outlet of the bypass valve is connected to the tailpipe.

[0012] Optionally, the pipe between the other outlet of the bypass valve and the tailpipe is connected to the outlet of the exhaust pipe.

[0013] Optionally, a three-way water valve is provided between the coolant inlet of the heat exchange device and the coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack. One outlet of the three-way water valve is connected to the coolant inlet of the heat exchange device, and the other outlet of the three-way water valve is connected to the inlet of the radiator. The outlet of the radiator is connected to the coolant inlet of the heat exchange device.

[0014] Optionally, the outlet of the exhaust pipe is connected to the tailpipe.

[0015] Optionally, the outlet of the exhaust pipe is located at the highest point of the fuel cell system.

[0016] Optionally, when the fuel cell is powered on, it can be determined whether the fuel cell is undergoing a cold start at low temperature or normal operation.

[0017] When the fuel cell is cold-started at low temperature, the high-temperature air output from the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor heats the coolant of the fuel cell stack through a heat exchange device.

[0018] When the fuel cell is operating normally, the high-temperature air output from the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor is discharged through the exhaust pipe, so that the high-temperature air output from the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor does not pass through the heat exchange device. The coolant of the fuel cell stack is cooled and dissipated through the installed radiator and heat exchange device.

[0019] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a vehicle, including: any of the fuel cell systems described in the first aspect.

[0020] The present invention provides a fuel cell system and vehicle, wherein the fuel cell system heats the coolant in the fuel cell stack by passing the high-temperature air output from the air compressor through a heat exchange device, thus making full use of the heat from the air compressor. This achieves waste heat utilization from the air compressor.

[0021] Connecting the outlet of the air compressor's exhaust pipe to the other outlet of the tailpipe or bypass valve, and placing it at the highest point of the system to increase the system's wading depth, can improve the system's waterproof rating to meet the IP67 requirement. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals generally denote like parts.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of a fuel cell system in the prior art;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation control of a fuel cell system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Among them, 1-air compressor; 2-intercooler; 3-fuel stack; 4-main radiator; 5-air bath heat exchanger; 6-air circuit three-way valve; 7-water circuit three-way valve; 8-tail drain; 9-bypass valve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] It should be understood that the following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this disclosure from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. This disclosure can also be implemented or applied through other different specific implementation methods, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0029] It should be noted that various aspects of embodiments within the scope of the appended claims are described below. It will be apparent that the aspects described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, and any particular structure and / or function described herein is merely illustrative. Based on this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that one aspect described herein can be implemented independently of any other aspect, and two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein can be used to implement the device and / or practice the method. Additionally, this device and / or method can be implemented using structures and / or functionalities other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein.

[0030] It should also be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this disclosure. The illustrations only show the components related to this disclosure and are not drawn according to the number, shape and size of the components in actual implementation. In actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0031] Furthermore, specific details are provided in the following description to facilitate a thorough understanding of the examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the described aspects can be practiced without these specific details.

[0032] Air compressor: A device used to compress gas to provide the required air (air pressure and air flow rate) for fuel cell engines.

[0033] Air compressor air cooling pipeline: Pipeline used to deliver cooling air to the bearings of the air compressor.

[0034] For ease of understanding, such as Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment discloses a fuel cell system, including: an air compressor, a heat exchanger, a fuel cell stack, and an intercooler;

[0035] The air outlet of the air compressor is connected to the inlet of the intercooler, the outlet of the intercooler is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack, the outlet of the intercooler is also connected to the cooling inlet of the air compressor, the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor is connected to the air inlet of the heat exchange device, the coolant inlet of the heat exchange device is connected to the coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack, the coolant outlet of the heat exchange device is connected to the coolant inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the air outlet of the heat exchange device is connected to the exhaust pipe.

[0036] Optionally, the heat exchange device includes an air bath heat exchanger or a jacketed pipeline.

[0037] Optionally, an air three-way valve is installed on the pipeline between the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor and the air inlet of the heat exchange device. One outlet of the air three-way valve is connected to the air inlet of the heat exchange device, and the other outlet of the air three-way valve is connected to the exhaust pipe.

[0038] Optionally, a bypass valve is provided between the outlet of the intercooler and the air inlet of the fuel cell stack. One outlet of the bypass valve is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the other outlet of the bypass valve is connected to the tailpipe.

[0039] Optionally, the pipe between the other outlet of the bypass valve and the tailpipe is connected to the outlet of the exhaust pipe.

[0040] Optionally, a three-way water valve is provided between the coolant inlet of the heat exchange device and the coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack. One outlet of the three-way water valve is connected to the coolant inlet of the heat exchange device, and the other outlet of the three-way water valve is connected to the inlet of the radiator. The outlet of the radiator is connected to the coolant inlet of the heat exchange device.

[0041] Optionally, the outlet of the exhaust pipe is connected to the tailpipe.

[0042] Optionally, the outlet of the exhaust pipe is located at the highest point of the fuel cell system.

[0043] Optionally, when the fuel cell is powered on, it can be determined whether the fuel cell is undergoing a cold start at low temperature or normal operation.

[0044] When the fuel cell is cold-started at low temperature, the high-temperature air output from the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor heats the coolant of the fuel cell stack through a heat exchange device.

[0045] When the fuel cell is operating normally, the high-temperature air output from the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor is discharged through the exhaust pipe, so that the high-temperature air output from the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor does not pass through the heat exchange device. The coolant of the fuel cell stack is cooled and dissipated through the installed radiator and heat exchange device.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the specific operation control of the fuel cell system in this embodiment is as follows:

[0047] I. Cold start of fuel cell at low temperature:

[0048] Air compressor 1 compresses atmospheric air, which is then cooled by intercooler 2 before entering fuel cell stack 3. In stack 3, air reacts with hydrogen to generate electricity. A pipeline from the outlet of intercooler 2 returns to air compressor 1 to cool the high-temperature compressor bearings. The high-temperature air discharged from the compressor outlet passes through a three-way valve 6 into an air bath heat exchanger 5, heating the fuel cell coolant, increasing the temperature of stack 3, improving cold-start performance, and reducing cold-start time. The heat-exchanged air then merges with the fuel cell exhaust 8 and is released into the atmosphere.

[0049] In the specific example, the radiator is the main radiator of the system. The main radiator 4 is not started, the water circuit three-way valve 7 is closed, the coolant does not pass through the main radiator 4, but heats the fuel cell stack 3 through the air bath heat exchanger 5, so as to realize the utilization of the waste heat of the air compressor air cooling.

[0050] II. Normal operation of fuel cell after cold start:

[0051] Air compressor 1 compresses atmospheric air, which is then cooled by intercooler 2 before entering fuel cell stack 3. In stack 3, the air reacts with hydrogen to generate electricity. A pipeline leads from the outlet of intercooler 2 back to air compressor 1 to cool the high-temperature compressor bearings. High-temperature air is discharged from the compressor outlet. The three-way valve 6 closes, preventing the high-temperature air from entering the air bath heat exchanger 5. Instead, the high-temperature air directly merges with the fuel cell exhaust 8 and is released into the atmosphere.

[0052] When the main radiator 4 starts normally, the three-way valve 7 in the water circuit opens, and the coolant cools the fuel cell stack 3 through the main radiator 4 and the air bath heat exchanger 5, enabling the fuel cell stack 3 to operate normally. That is, the main radiator 4 and the air bath heat exchanger 5 simultaneously dissipate heat from the coolant in the fuel cell stack.

[0053] In this embodiment, a jacketed pipeline can be used instead of the air bath heat exchanger 5. The air-cooled gas from the air compressor does not merge with the tailpipe; it is directly guided to the highest point of the system for atmospheric discharge, or to other locations, thus improving the system's wading depth and wading performance. The air-cooled gas from the air compressor does not merge with the tailpipe; it can directly flow into the pipeline downstream of the bypass valve 9. The air-cooled gas pipeline from the air compressor should be flexibly arranged according to the actual layout, considering the pipeline direction and length, to avoid direct atmospheric discharge.

[0054] This embodiment has the following effects:

[0055] 1. The high-temperature air from the air compressor heats the coolant and utilizes the heat from the air compressor bearings. During system cold start, this heat is used to heat the coolant in the fuel cell, improving the fuel cell's low-temperature cold start performance and realizing the utilization of waste heat from the air compressor.

[0056] 2. The exhaust pipe of the air compressor's air-cooled pipeline does not directly discharge into the atmosphere. Instead, it can merge with the tailpipe and then discharge into the system's tailpipe. This effectively seals off any water-contacting points in the system and isolates them from the outside world, thus eliminating the risk of water ingress and increasing the system's water-contact height.

[0057] 3. Effectively improves water resistance and enhances the system's IP rating to meet IP67 requirements.

[0058] This embodiment also discloses a vehicle, including the fuel cell system of this embodiment.

[0059] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0060] In this disclosure, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this disclosure are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as "comprising," "including," "having," etc., are open-ended terms meaning "including but not limited to," and are used interchangeably with them. The terms "or" and "and" as used herein refer to the terms "and / or," and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "such as" as used herein refers to the phrase "such as but not limited to," and is used interchangeably with it.

[0061] Additionally, as used herein, the "or" used in a list of items beginning with "at least one" indicates a separate list, such that a list of, for example, "at least one of A, B, or C" means A or B or C, or AB or AC or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, the word "exemplary" does not imply that the described example is preferred or better than other examples.

[0062] It should also be noted that in the systems and methods of this disclosure, the components or steps can be decomposed and / or recombined. These decompositions and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions to this disclosure.

[0063] Various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the technology described herein without departing from the teachings defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of the claims of this disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects of the processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, and actions described above. Currently existing or later-developed processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding aspects described herein can be utilized. Therefore, the appended claims include such processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions within their scope.

[0064] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0065] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations therein.

Claims

1. A fuel cell system, characterized in that, include: Air compressors, heat exchangers, fuel cells, and intercoolers; The air outlet of the air compressor is connected to the inlet of the intercooler, the outlet of the intercooler is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack, the outlet of the intercooler is also connected to the cooling inlet of the air compressor, the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor is connected to the air inlet of the heat exchange device, the coolant inlet of the heat exchange device is connected to the coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack, the coolant outlet of the heat exchange device is connected to the coolant inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the air outlet of the heat exchange device is connected to the exhaust pipe. An air three-way valve is installed on the pipeline between the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor and the air inlet of the heat exchange device. One outlet of the air three-way valve is connected to the air inlet of the heat exchange device, and the other outlet of the air three-way valve is connected to the exhaust pipe. A three-way water valve is provided between the coolant inlet of the heat exchange device and the coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack. One outlet of the three-way water valve is connected to the coolant inlet of the heat exchange device, and the other outlet of the three-way water valve is connected to the inlet of the radiator. The outlet of the radiator is connected to the coolant inlet of the heat exchange device. When a fuel cell is powered on, it is determined whether the fuel cell is undergoing a cold start at low temperatures or normal operation. When the fuel cell is cold-started at low temperature, the high-temperature air output from the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor heats the coolant of the fuel cell stack through a heat exchange device. When the fuel cell is operating normally, the high-temperature air output from the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor is discharged through the exhaust pipe, so that the high-temperature air output from the high-temperature air outlet of the air compressor does not pass through the heat exchange device, and the coolant of the fuel cell stack is cooled and dissipated through the installed radiator and heat exchange device. A bypass valve is provided between the outlet of the intercooler and the air inlet of the fuel cell stack. One outlet of the bypass valve is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the other outlet of the bypass valve is connected to the tailpipe. The other outlet of the bypass valve is connected to the tailpipe through a pipe that is also connected to the outlet of the exhaust pipe. The outlet of the exhaust pipe is located at the highest point of the fuel cell system.

2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange device includes an air bath heat exchanger or a jacketed pipeline.

3. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the exhaust pipe is connected to the tailpipe.

4. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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