Split manifold and water distribution structure for upper and lower stack assembly

Abstract

The application relates to a split manifold and water distribution structure for up-down splicing of an electric stack, which comprises an upper stack hydrogen water inlet-outlet module, an upper stack hydrogen water outlet-inlet module, a lower stack hydrogen water inlet-outlet module and a lower stack hydrogen water outlet-inlet module; the upper stack hydrogen water inlet-outlet module comprises an upper stack water distribution device, and the lower stack hydrogen water inlet-outlet module comprises a lower stack water distribution device; hydrogen discharged from the double stacks enters the upper stack water distribution device and the lower stack water distribution device through the upper stack hydrogen water inlet-outlet module and the lower stack hydrogen water inlet-outlet module, is mixed and subjected to steam-water separation, is pushed to the upper stack hydrogen water outlet-inlet module and the lower stack hydrogen water outlet-inlet module by an ejector, and returns to the double stacks; the lower stack hydrogen water inlet-outlet module comprises a cooling liquid inlet and a lower stack cooling liquid distribution area, and the lower stack hydrogen water outlet-inlet module comprises a cooling liquid outlet and a lower stack cooling liquid mixing area; the cooling liquid enters from the cooling liquid inlet, is distributed into the double stacks in the lower stack cooling liquid distribution area, is discharged into the double stacks again, is mixed in the lower stack cooling liquid mixing area after entering the double stacks, and is discharged from the cooling liquid outlet. Compared with the prior art, the application has the advantages of high integration degree and the like.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of fuel technology, in particular to a split manifold and water separation structure for up-down splicing stacks. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a new energy power conversion system, fuel cells have a series of characteristics such as high efficiency, no pollution, low noise, and low operating condition requirements, and gradually attract more and more attention from research institutions and companies. In the past two decades, fuel cells have gradually developed from the initial laboratory test stage to the commercialization stage. With the continuous breakthrough of technical difficulties and the reduction of cost, the application of fuel cells is becoming more and more extensive. At present, as a replacement for lithium batteries, fuel cells are more and more applied to commercial vehicles, which makes the power demand of fuel cells more and more large.

[0003] Taking a low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell as an example, due to technical reasons and the characteristics of fuel cells, the power of a single fuel cell stack cannot be increased unlimitedly. When the power of a single fuel cell stack cannot meet the demand, two stacks together as an energy system becomes a solution. In order to improve the integration and reliability of the fuel cell system, hydrogen fuel and cooling liquid for heat exchange need to be uniformly distributed to the two stacks to ensure the performance of the fuel cell; among them, facing the excessive supply of hydrogen, recycling the excess hydrogen can save the cost of the entire fuel cell system. The hydrogen outlet of the fuel cell stack contains a large amount of liquid water in addition to the excess hydrogen. If these excess liquid water is not removed, it will re-enter the inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the excess liquid water will reduce the performance of the fuel cell, and even cause the failure of the fuel cell to work. Therefore, in the hydrogen recycling subsystem of the fuel cell stack, a split manifold is needed to separate the liquid water and hydrogen first. In order to improve the integration, the water supply system of the double stacks needs to be integrated on one channel, and the cooling liquid of the double stacks needs to be collected and distributed to the double stacks. Only one temperature control system is needed to maintain the stability of the performance of the double stacks, which can reduce the manufacturing cost and the number of structural parts, and improve the integration and reliability of the entire fuel cell system. After the integration of the hydrogen manifold and the cooling liquid manifold on the double stacks, there is a certain assembly tolerance and machining error in the structure itself. The integrated manifold applied to the double stack structure is also larger in volume than the general integrated manifold, which causes difficulty in ensuring the sealing of the manifold.

[0004] The existing manifold for high-performance up-down splicing stacks is a one-piece manifold that does not include a water separation device, and the assembly is not ideal. The body is large, which is not conducive to vehicle use, the performance is not ideal, the maintenance cost is high, and the integration is weak. SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a split manifold and water distribution component structure for upper and lower splicing of battery stacks, thereby improving the integration of the entire battery stack system.

[0006] The object of the present invention can be achieved by the following technical solutions: a split manifold and water distribution component structure for upper and lower spliced ​​fuel cell stacks, comprising an upper stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module, an upper stack hydrogen outlet and water inlet module, a lower stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module, and a lower stack hydrogen outlet and water inlet module;

[0007] The upper stack hydrogen water inlet and outlet module includes an upper stack water distribution component, and the lower stack hydrogen water inlet and outlet module includes a lower stack water distribution component, and the upper stack water distribution component is communicated with the lower stack water distribution component;

[0008] The hydrogen discharged from the two stacks enters the upper stack water separation component and the lower stack water separation component respectively through the upper stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module and the lower stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module, and after mixing and steam-water separation, it is pushed by the ejector to the upper stack hydrogen outlet and inlet module and the lower stack hydrogen outlet and inlet module and returns to the two stacks;

[0009] The lower stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module includes a coolant inlet and a lower stack coolant dispersion area, and the lower stack hydrogen outlet and water inlet module includes a coolant outlet and a lower stack coolant mixing area;

[0010] The coolant required for the dual stacks enters from the coolant inlet, is distributed into the dual stacks in the lower stack coolant dispersion area, and the coolant entering the dual stacks is discharged again into the lower stack coolant mixing area for mixing before being discharged from the coolant outlet.

[0011] The present invention disassembles the hydrogen outlet cavity, hydrogen inlet cavity, water inlet cavity and water outlet cavity into multiple components and modules according to the arrangement of the upper and lower fuel cell stacks, thereby reducing the difficulty of production and processing costs, and providing more flexibility in material selection.

[0012] Preferably, the upper stack water separation component is provided with an upper stack hydrogen channel and an upper stack steam-water separation area, and the lower stack water separation component is provided with a lower stack steam-water separation area and a water separation component upper and lower stack hydrogen mixing area. The hydrogen discharged from the dual stacks enters the upper and lower stack hydrogen mixing area, the lower stack steam-water separation area and the upper stack steam-water separation area of ​​the water separation component, and is pushed by the ejector to the upper stack hydrogen outlet water inlet module and the lower stack hydrogen outlet water inlet module, and returns to the dual stack.

[0013] Further preferably, the lower water distribution member further comprises a lower water distribution member water storage area connected to a drainage channel. During operation, when liquid water reaches a certain level in the lower water distribution member water storage area, a liquid level sensor controls the drain valve to open, and the drainage channel closes after the liquid water is drained.

[0014] More preferably, the water storage area of ​​the lower water distribution member is in the shape of an inverted trapezoid, and the front side is controlled to be tilted within a range of 0° to 35°.

[0015] Preferably, the upper stack hydrogen inlet module is provided with an upper stack manifold hydrogen inlet and an upper stack manifold coolant outlet; the upper stack hydrogen outlet module is provided with an upper stack manifold hydrogen outlet and an upper stack manifold coolant inlet; the lower stack hydrogen inlet module is provided with a lower stack manifold hydrogen inlet and a lower stack manifold coolant outlet; and the lower stack hydrogen outlet module is provided with a lower stack manifold hydrogen outlet and a lower stack manifold coolant inlet.

[0016] Further preferably, the upper stack manifold coolant outlet is connected to an upper stack coolant outlet channel, the upper stack manifold coolant inlet is connected to an upper stack coolant inlet channel, the lower stack manifold coolant outlet is connected to a lower stack coolant outlet channel, and the lower stack manifold coolant inlet is connected to a lower stack coolant inlet channel.

[0017] Preferably, the upper stack hydrogen inlet module is provided with a nitrogen discharge channel and a reserved ejector port.

[0018] In operation, when the nitrogen concentration in the gas is detected to be too high, the nitrogen discharge valve is opened to discharge the gas and reduce the nitrogen concentration in the gas, and when the hydrogen concentration returns to normal, the nitrogen discharge channel is closed.

[0019] Preferably, the upper stack hydrogen inlet module and the lower stack hydrogen inlet module are connected by a first connecting device, the upper stack hydrogen inlet module and the upper stack hydrogen outlet module are connected by a second connecting device, and the upper stack hydrogen outlet module and the lower stack hydrogen outlet module are connected by a third connecting device.

[0020] Further preferably, the first connecting device, the second connecting device, and the third connecting device are connected to the corresponding modules by a non-rigid constraint connection mode of a rubber tube and a clamp.

[0021] Preferably, the double stack is an upper and lower spliced stack, including a parallel upper stack and a lower stack; the upper stack includes an upper stack core and an upper stack shell, and the lower stack includes a lower stack core and a lower stack shell; the upper stack shell and the lower stack shell are provided with through holes for the core to communicate with the corresponding modules.

[0022] Preferably, the liquid discharge channel and the nitrogen discharge channel are connected with on-off valve pieces, and in normal operation, the electromagnetic valve connecting the nitrogen discharge channel and the liquid discharge channel is intermittently opened and closed to discharge excess nitrogen and separated liquid water.

[0023] Preferably, the hydrogen cavity and the coolant cavity are connected with a hydrogen concentration sensor, a liquid level sensor, a temperature and pressure integrated sensor, and an additional hydrogen charging device to control the operation of the split manifold and monitor the internal environment.

[0024] The existing double stack manifold design is an integrated manifold of hydrogen channel and cooling liquid channel, wherein a plurality of layers with flow field connecting plates are sequentially arranged and assembled between the double stacks and fixedly connected through bolts, and the sensor is fixed on the plurality of layers with flow field connecting plates through bolts, and the plurality of layers with flow field connecting plates have five connecting plates, the channels between each plate are sealed by a plurality of sealing rings, and there is no steam-water separation structure design. The plurality of layers of the integrated manifold of the double stack manifold compress the space of the fluid too narrow, the structure has a great influence on the flow resistance of the distribution, the assembly consistency is weak, the processing technology requirement of the double stack is high, the double stack cannot be replaced, cannot be applied to the steam-water separation of the hydrogen recovery subsystem of the fuel cell with double stack structure, the sealing requirement of the assembly is high, the troubleshooting ability for possible leakage is weak, the leakage source cannot be accurately found, in order to meet the overall fuel cell vibration strength, a larger volume and structure are needed to ensure the strength, which increases the system weight of the entire fuel cell, reduces the power density and other parameters which are very concerned in the industry, and serves as the core point of competition.

[0025] The fuel cell stack with double stack structure has two hydrogen outlets at present, so the split manifold should have at least two hydrogen inlets, and the existing technology is usually only for a single fuel cell stack. In order to ensure the performance of the overall stack, the hydrogen supply of the double stack needs to be consistent in flow, and the structure design of the split manifold should ensure the consistency of the pressure loss of the double stack gas in the separator. The form of the double hydrogen inlet also increases the difficulty of the design of the water structure, and the liquid water separation and collection of the double stack hydrogen side outlet need to be avoided in design. Finally, the double stack itself has certain assembly tolerance and processing error, and the volume of the split manifold for the double stack structure is also large, and the sealing of all sealing structures needs to be ensured at the same time, which brings great difficulty to the sealing of the split manifold. In summary, the existing technology does not have a split manifold applied to a high-power double stack structure, and therefore does not consider the above problems.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the following advantages:

[0027] 1. The present application separates the manifold which should be integrated by the structure form of independent reconnection of each cavity, redistributes each cavity, increases the water distribution cavity, and installs and detects the air tightness of the upper and lower double stack manifold structures independently, verifies the reliability, thereby improves the integration of the entire stack system, makes the structure of the entire device more compact, occupies smaller layout space, simplifies the assembly form of the double stack, thereby can effectively reduce the cost of use and production;

[0028] 2. The structure solves the problems of high processing cost, complex process, large flow of hydrogen channel, and steam separation under the demand of high integration of double stacks, guarantees the functions of hydrogen inlet and outlet channel, hydrogen and water separation, liquid storage and drainage, nitrogen exhaust, integrated ejector, and cooling liquid inlet and outlet channel, makes the pressure loss consistency of different inlet and outlet gases and cooling liquids in the stroke of the split manifold, keeps the flow distribution of different inlet and outlet gases and cooling liquids consistent, and enhances the sealing performance, anti-vibration ability, ability of easy switching of spare parts, and difficulty of double stack adaptation of the design scheme of the split manifold and water separation device;

[0029] 3. The hydrogen region and the cooling liquid region of the split manifold are arranged compactly, the cooling liquid cavity can perform heat preservation on the hydrogen cavity, and the risk of blockage of the channel due to freezing of separated water particles under cold conditions, causing poor operation or even shutdown of the stack, can be avoided;

[0030] 4. The two stacks are connected in parallel, the water separation region, the water storage region, the ejector interface, and the nitrogen exhaust function are increased, so that the high-power high-integration requirement of the fuel cell can be met, the overall structure is in the form of multiple components and multiple independent modules, non-rigid constraints are used for connection, and the modules can be independently disassembled and replaced, so that the cavity leakage problem caused by assembly tolerance, machining error, vibration during vehicle loading, and the like can be solved;

[0031] 5. The space utilization rate of the double stack is improved, the use volume of the water separation region can be increased, and the hydrogen flow path can be increased, the larger the volume of the water separation region, the more the water separation regions, and the longer the hydrogen flow path, the better the water separation efficiency, so that the water separation efficiency of the single stack manifold is superior;

[0032] 6. The invention integrates hydrogen circulation, water separation function, waterway (cooling liquid) circulation, water storage function, drainage function, nitrogen exhaust function, and a subsystem of reserved ejector interface and various sensors, and has a high effect on high integration of fuel cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is an assembly diagram of the split manifold and the water separation device;

[0034] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional modeling of the split manifold and the water separation device Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional modeling of the split manifold and the water separation device Figure 2 ;

[0036] Figure 4 It is a four-module combination diagram of the split manifold and the water separation device;

[0037] Figure 5 Assemble and disassemble diagram of split manifold and water distribution device combined with double stack;

[0038] Figure 6 Assemble and disassemble diagram of split manifold and water distribution device combined with double stack;

[0039] Figure 7 Exploded view of split manifold and water distribution device;

[0040] Figure 8 Inner cavity of split manifold and water distribution device Figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 9 Inner cavity of split manifold and water distribution device Figure 2 ;

[0042] Figure 10 Hydrogen water flow diagram of split manifold and water distribution device;

[0043] Figure 11 Hydrogen outflow diagram of split manifold and water distribution device;

[0044] In the figure: 1-upper stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module, 101-upper stack manifold hydrogen inlet, 102-upper stack manifold coolant outlet, 11-upper stack water distribution component, 111-upper stack hydrogen channel, 112-upper stack steam-water separation area, 12-upper stack coolant outlet channel, 13-nitrogen exhaust channel, 14-reserved ejector port, 15-upper stack water distribution component first cover plate, 16-upper stack water distribution component second cover plate, 2-upper stack hydrogen outlet and water inlet module, 201 -Upper stack manifold hydrogen outlet, 202-Upper stack manifold coolant inlet, 21-Upper stack coolant inlet channel, 22-Upper stack manifold body, 23-Upper stack manifold cover, 3-Lower stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module, 301-Lower stack manifold hydrogen inlet, 302-Lower stack manifold coolant outlet, 31-Lower stack water distribution component, 311-Lower stack steam-water separation area, 312-Water distribution component upper and lower stack hydrogen mixing area, 313-Lower stack water distribution component water storage area, 32-coolant inlet, 33-lower stack coolant distribution area, 34-drainage channel, 35-lower stack coolant outlet channel, 36-lower stack water distribution cover, 4-lower stack hydrogen outlet module, 401-lower stack manifold hydrogen outlet, 402-lower stack manifold coolant inlet, 41-coolant outlet, 42-lower stack coolant mixing area, 43-lower stack coolant inlet channel, 44-lower stack manifold body, 45-lower stack manifold cover, 5-first connecting device, 6-second connecting device, 7-third connecting device, 8-upper stack, 81-upper stack core, 82-upper stack shell, 9-lower stack, 91-lower stack core, 92-lower stack shell, a-upper stack hydrogen distribution channel, b-coolant enters the fluid area of ​​the dual stack, c-dual stack hydrogen enters the fluid area of ​​the manifold, d-coolant leaves the fluid area of ​​the dual stack, e-hydrogen distribution enters the fluid area of ​​the dual stack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The following embodiments are implemented based on the technical solution of the present invention, and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operating processes, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] A split manifold and water distribution component structure for upper and lower spliced ​​fuel cell stacks includes an upper stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module 1, an upper stack hydrogen outlet water inlet module 2, a lower stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module 3, and a lower stack hydrogen outlet water inlet module 4. The upper stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module 1 and the lower stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module 3 are connected by a first connecting device 5, the upper stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module 1 and the upper stack hydrogen outlet water inlet module 2 are connected by a second connecting device 6, and the upper stack hydrogen outlet water inlet module 2 and the lower stack hydrogen outlet water inlet module 4 are connected by a third connecting device 7. The first connecting device 5, the second connecting device 6, and the third connecting device 7 are respectively connected to the corresponding modules by a non-rigid constraint connection method of a hose and a clamp.

[0048] As shown in Figures 5-6 , the double stack is an up-down splicing stack, including parallel upper stack 8 and lower stack 9; the upper stack 8 includes upper stack core 81 and upper stack shell 82, and the lower stack 9 includes lower stack core 91 and lower stack shell 92, and the upper stack shell 82 and the lower stack shell 92 are provided with through holes for the core to communicate with each corresponding module. Correspondingly, as shown in Figure 2 , the upper stack hydrogen inlet module 1 is provided with an upper stack manifold hydrogen inlet 101 and an upper stack manifold coolant outlet 102; the upper stack hydrogen outlet module 2 is provided with an upper stack manifold hydrogen outlet 201 and an upper stack manifold coolant inlet 202; the lower stack hydrogen inlet module 3 is provided with a lower stack manifold hydrogen inlet 301 and a lower stack manifold coolant outlet 302; the lower stack hydrogen outlet module 4 is provided with a lower stack manifold hydrogen outlet 401 and a lower stack manifold coolant inlet 402.

[0049] Specifically, the upper stack hydrogen inlet module 1 includes an upper stack water distribution member 11, and the lower stack hydrogen inlet module 3 includes a lower stack water distribution member 31, the upper stack water distribution member 11 communicates with the lower stack water distribution member 31,

[0050] The hydrogen discharged by the double stack enters the upper stack water distribution member 11 and the lower stack water distribution member 31 through the upper stack hydrogen inlet module 1 and the lower stack hydrogen inlet module 3 respectively, mixes and performs steam-water separation, and is pushed to the upper stack hydrogen outlet module 2 and the lower stack hydrogen outlet module 4 by the ejector, and returns to the double stack;

[0051] The lower stack hydrogen inlet module 3 includes a coolant inlet 32 and a lower stack coolant distribution area 33, and the lower stack hydrogen outlet module 4 includes a coolant outlet 41 and a lower stack coolant mixing area 42;

[0052] The required coolant of the double stack enters from the coolant inlet 32, is distributed into the double stack at the lower stack coolant distribution area 33, is discharged again into the double stack, and is mixed at the lower stack coolant mixing area 42 and discharged by the coolant outlet 41.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] A split manifold and water distribution member structure for up-down splicing stack, as shown in Figure 8As shown, the upper stack water distribution member 11 is provided with an upper stack hydrogen passage 111 and an upper stack steam-water separation area 112, and the lower stack water distribution member 31 is provided with a lower stack steam-water separation area 311 and a water distribution member upper and lower stack hydrogen mixing area 312. The anode exhaust gas discharged from the double stack is introduced into the split manifold from the upper stack manifold hydrogen inlet 101 and the lower stack manifold hydrogen inlet 301. The gas from the upper stack manifold hydrogen inlet 101 is introduced into the water distribution member upper and lower stack hydrogen mixing area 312 through the first connecting device 5, the lower stack manifold hydrogen inlet 301 is introduced into the water distribution member upper and lower stack hydrogen mixing area 312, and the two hydrogen gases are mixed and then introduced into the lower stack steam-water separation area 311. The hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrogen outlet area by the ejector, and is distributed into two hydrogen gases. The hydrogen gas from the upper stack is introduced into the upper stack from the upper stack manifold hydrogen outlet 201, and the hydrogen gas from the lower stack is introduced into the hydrogen passage of the lower stack manifold from the third connecting device 7 and then introduced into the lower stack from the lower stack manifold hydrogen outlet 401.

[0055] During the process of the hydrogen gas pushed by the ejector into the hydrogen outlet area, a hydrogen adding device can be provided. The exhaust gas hydrogen is filtered and mixed with the newly introduced hydrogen gas. After passing through two 90° bends, the liquid water particles remaining in the filtered exhaust gas hydrogen are distributed, mixed and diluted with the newly introduced hydrogen gas, and then introduced into the double stack.

[0056] In the embodiment, the upper stack manifold cooling liquid outlet 102 communicates with the upper stack cooling liquid outlet passage 12, the upper stack manifold cooling liquid inlet 202 communicates with the upper stack cooling liquid inlet passage 21, the lower stack manifold cooling liquid outlet 302 communicates with the lower stack cooling liquid outlet passage 35, and the lower stack manifold cooling liquid inlet 402 communicates with the lower stack cooling liquid inlet passage 43. The cooling liquid required by the double stack is introduced from the cooling liquid inlet 32, is distributed in the lower stack cooling liquid distribution area 33, is introduced into the double stack from the upper stack manifold cooling liquid outlet 102 and the lower stack manifold cooling liquid outlet 302, is again discharged from the double stack, is introduced into the lower stack cooling liquid mixing area 42 from the upper stack manifold cooling liquid inlet 202 and the lower stack manifold cooling liquid inlet 402, is mixed, and is discharged from the cooling liquid outlet 41. The rest is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0057] The application can inject corresponding cooling liquid into the stack by the cooling liquid entering the water inlet cavity of the split manifold, which can meet the consistency of distribution and reduce the flow resistance, and the cooling liquid discharged from the upper and lower stacks can enter the water outlet cavity of the split manifold, which can combine the corresponding cooling liquid into one, which can meet the consistency of distribution and reduce the flow resistance, and reduce the use power of the water pump; the hydrogen gas which is not completely reacted in the stack during the power generation process enters the hydrogen inlet module of the split manifold, and the two hydrogen gas flows converge into the mixing area, and then pass through two water separation cavities for two-stage water vapor separation, the separated water is discharged from the liquid storage area, and the separated hydrogen gas is discharged from the hydrogen outlet cavity by the injector and the hydrogen inlet position, and the new hydrogen gas is mixed with the hydrogen gas by the hydrogen gas.

[0058] Example 3

[0059] A split manifold and water separation device structure for upper and lower spliced stacks, the lower stack water separation device 31 is further provided with a lower stack water separation device water storage area 313, the lower stack water separation device water storage area 313 is connected with a liquid discharge channel 34, the lower stack water separation device water storage area 313 is inverted trapezoidal, and the front surface is inclined within 0° to 35°. The upper stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module 1 is provided with a nitrogen discharge channel 13 and a reserved ejector port 14. The rest is the same as example 2.

[0060] The upper stack manifold hydrogen inlet 101 and the lower stack manifold hydrogen inlet 301 enter the mixing area through the hydrogen channel, a part of the liquid water will flow along the structure of the mixing area to the liquid storage area (the lower stack water separation device water storage area 313), and the mixed gas enters the vapor-liquid separation area and hits the area wall, and the 180° turn will collect a large amount of liquid water in the gas, which will flow into the liquid storage area along the structure, when the water in the liquid storage area reaches a certain height, the sensor will open the gate to discharge the liquid water, which can maintain the stability of the gas in the water separation device and ensure the consistency of the gas distribution.

[0061] Example 4

[0062] A split manifold and water separation device structure for high-performance upper and lower spliced stacks, which is arranged on the end face of the hydrogen and cooling liquid inlet and outlet of the fuel cell stack, adopts a split manifold structure, as shown in Figures 1-4 , which includes four modules: an upper stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module 1, an upper stack hydrogen outlet and water inlet module 2, a lower stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module 3, and a lower stack hydrogen outlet and water inlet module 4, the upper stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module 1 and the lower stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module 3 are further provided with a hydrogen water separation cavity, and the four modules are connected and sealed by the sealing elements between the bolts and the sealing grooves of the cover plates of each other, as shown in Figure 7As shown, the four modules are connected by a first connecting device 5, a second connecting device 6 and a third connecting device 7, and the first connecting device 5, the second connecting device 6 and the third connecting device 7 connect the four main bodies by a non-rigid constraint connection method of a hose and a clamp.

[0063] The main body of the split manifold is a cavity structure, and there is enough space on the back of the split manifold to arrange various sensors, drainage interfaces, etc.

[0064] Among them, the upper stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module 1 is provided with a water separation area, as well as a channel for the upper stack hydrogen to enter the lower stack, a channel and interface for the lower stack hydrogen to enter the water separation area, a channel and interface for the lower stack water channel to enter, and a hole leading to the inside of the fuel cell stack, plus a channel and interface for the water separation area to be transmitted to the upper stack hydrogen outlet and inlet module 2; an assembly position for the ejector is reserved.

[0065] The upper stack hydrogen outlet and water inlet module 2 is provided with a hydrogen distribution channel, a hydrogen receiving port, an upper stack water outlet channel and interface, and a lower stack hydrogen interface.

[0066] The lower stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module 3 includes a water separation area, nitrogen drainage holes and channels, a hydrogen mixing area, a drainage area, a drain outlet, a channel for hydrogen from the lower stack to enter the hydrogen mixing area, and a channel for hydrogen to enter the water separation area in the upper stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module 1. The lower stack water inlet channel and the water inlet main pipe include a distribution channel. The addition of nitrogen drainage holes in the water separation area addresses the problems of excessive pressure and excess nitrogen in the water separation area by discharging excess nitrogen, thereby improving the efficiency of hydrogen use during the stack power generation process.

[0067] The lower stack hydrogen outlet and water inlet module 4 includes a water outlet distribution channel and an upper stack water channel interface, a hydrogen inlet channel and interface, and a lower stack water inlet channel.

[0068] like Figures 9-11 As shown, the hydrogen path layout of the four combined modules is as follows: hydrogen from the two stacks enters a rationally distributed hydrogen channel, enters the mixing area and water separation area, and is then pushed by the ejector to the hydrogen outlet area for distribution to the two stacks. The coolant path layout of the four combined modules is as follows: the coolant required by the two stacks enters the inlet, is distributed to the two stacks in the coolant dispersion area, is discharged again, enters the coolant mixing area in the split manifold for mixing, and is discharged from the coolant outlet, forming a complete cycle to control the stack temperature.

[0069] The water separation structure of the hydrogen inlet of the split manifold is composed of the hydrogen inlet channel, the mixing area (the water separation area 312 of the lower stack), the two-stage water separation area 1 (the water separation area 311 of the lower stack), and the water separation area 2 (the water separation area 112 of the upper stack) and the cover plate.

[0070] When the hydrogen enters the mixing area, it carries high-density water particles. The water separation structure provides water flow channels for the upper and lower stacks to enter the water storage area. The two water separation areas can also provide water particles to converge into liquid water flow, which can flow along the channel wall to the water storage area, forming a complete water vapor separation state and avoiding the risk of liquid water flowing back into the stack.

[0071] The water separation area includes a water storage function, a drainage function, and a nitrogen discharge function. The water storage function is implemented in the water separation area of the lower stack, which includes a drainage interface. When the liquid storage reaches a certain level, the liquid will be discharged to control the separation of water in the water separation cavity to a certain extent. The structure of the water storage area adopts an inverted trapezoidal design concept, which controls the front inclination within 0° to 35°. In actual use, it meets the requirements of large-angle use on a vehicle slope.

[0072] The four-module integration mode combines the hydrogen circulation and water channel (cooling liquid) circulation subsystems together and installs them on the front end faces of the upper and lower stacks. The air channel is independently distributed, and the upper and lower stacks are independently installed and used with pipeline links. A dedicated hydrogen and water mixing area is provided. It has good water separation efficiency and consistent independent structure of the hydrogen channel and the water channel. The split manifold is composed of four modules, which can be independently installed for later maintenance and can be randomly matched.

[0073] The water separation area and the hydrogen mixing area contain a nitrogen discharge function and a drainage function design scheme, which ensures the water separation efficiency of the water and avoids the conflict of liquid water separation of the double stacks. At the same time, the sealing performance of the split manifold in the vehicle fuel cell system is considered, and the split manifold design method is adopted, i.e., the split manifolds of the double stacks are installed in the stack structure, and a non-rigid constraint connection is used between them, which solves the problem of separator sealing caused by assembly tolerance, machining error, and vibration during vehicle operation.

[0074] The water inlet and outlet distribution channels and the hydrogen inlet distribution channels in the water channel use a distribution stroke close method to solve the distribution deviation and reduce the flow resistance loss of hydrogen and cooling liquid.

[0075] In the present application, the circulating pump drives the cooling liquid into the cooling liquid inlet, makes a 90° turn, enters the distribution structure, and distributes the liquid to the water inlet position of the upper and lower stacks. The travel of the distribution structure into the double stack is consistent, and the channel for the upper stack is connected to the upper stack cooling liquid outlet channel by the first connecting device, thereby ensuring the consistency of the liquid flow distribution of the double stack. The double stack cooling liquid outlet enters the upper stack cooling liquid inlet of the split manifold and the lower stack manifold cooling liquid inlet, and the upper stack cooling liquid enters the upper stack cooling liquid inlet channel through the third connecting device to the lower stack cooling liquid channel, so the two cooling liquids enter the 90° turn through the same travel, mix after mixing, and return to the cooling liquid circulating pump through the cooling liquid outlet.

[0076] The present application ensures the consistency of the distribution of the double stack hydrogen by the design of the inlet manifold cavity and the internal structure of the separator body, thereby ensuring the performance of the fuel cell stack and the application of the split manifold. The cooperation of the four modules provides non-rigid constraint, reduces the assembly difficulty of the manifold, and allows different displacements between the four modules during vehicle vibration. The single body only needs to ensure the sealing of the sealing cavity in the body, which greatly enhances the guarantee of the sealing performance compared with the integrated manifold. The present application hollows out the material body and designs the cavity. The opposite side of the separator is designed as the cooling water channel of the fuel cell stack. The high temperature during the operation of the fuel cell increases the temperature of the cooling liquid, so even in cold environments, the split manifold can ensure normal work, so the split manifold has the function of low temperature start. The prior art has high consistency requirements for the double stack body, and the double stack cannot be replaced. The present application can make the double stack replaceable and interchangeable. The present application adopts a multi-channel design, has four independent modules, and has great convenience and spare parts replaceability for troubleshooting and maintenance.

[0077] The above description of the embodiments is for the convenience of those skilled in the art to understand and use the application. Those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications to these embodiments, and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without creative labor. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the above embodiments, and improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present application without departing from the scope of the present application should be within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A split manifold and water distribution structure for upper and lower splicing of battery stacks, characterized in that: It comprises an upper stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module (1), an upper stack hydrogen outlet and water inlet module (2), a lower stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module (3) and a lower stack hydrogen outlet and water inlet module (4); The upper stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module (1) includes an upper stack water distribution component (11), and the lower stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module (3) includes a lower stack water distribution component (31), and the upper stack water distribution component (11) is in communication with the lower stack water distribution component (31); The hydrogen discharged from the dual stacks enters the upper stack water separation component (11) and the lower stack water separation component (31) through the upper stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module (1) and the lower stack hydrogen inlet and outlet module (3), is mixed and subjected to steam-water separation, and is then pushed by the ejector to the upper stack hydrogen outlet water inlet module (2) and the lower stack hydrogen outlet water inlet module (4) and returned to the dual stacks; The lower stack hydrogen water inlet and outlet module (3) includes a coolant inlet (32) and a lower stack coolant dispersion area (33), and the lower stack hydrogen water outlet and inlet module (4) includes a coolant outlet (41) and a lower stack coolant mixing area (42); The coolant required for the dual stack enters from the coolant inlet (32), is distributed into the dual stack in the lower stack coolant dispersion area (33), and the coolant entering the dual stack is discharged again into the lower stack coolant mixing area (42) for mixing before being discharged from the coolant outlet (41); The upper stack water separation component (11) is provided with an upper stack hydrogen channel (111) and an upper stack steam-water separation area (112), and the lower stack water separation component (31) is provided with a lower stack steam-water separation area (311) and a water separation component upper and lower stack hydrogen mixing area (312). The hydrogen discharged from the dual stacks enters the water separation component upper and lower stack hydrogen mixing area (312), the lower stack steam-water separation area (311) and the upper stack steam-water separation area (112), and is pushed by the ejector to the upper stack hydrogen outlet water inlet module (2) and the lower stack hydrogen outlet water inlet module (4), and then returns to the dual stack.

2. The split manifold and water distribution component structure for upper and lower splicing of fuel cell stacks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower water distribution member (31) is further provided with a lower water distribution member water storage area (313), and the lower water distribution member water storage area (313) is connected to a drainage channel (34).

3. The split manifold and water distribution component structure for upper and lower splicing of fuel cell stacks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module (1) is provided with an upper stack manifold hydrogen inlet (101) and an upper stack manifold coolant outlet (102); the upper stack hydrogen outlet and water inlet module (2) is provided with an upper stack manifold hydrogen outlet (201) and an upper stack manifold coolant inlet (202); the lower stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module (3) is provided with a lower stack manifold hydrogen inlet (301) and a lower stack manifold coolant outlet (302); and the lower stack hydrogen outlet and water inlet module (4) is provided with a lower stack manifold hydrogen outlet (401) and a lower stack manifold coolant inlet (402).

4. The split manifold and water distribution component structure for upper and lower splicing of fuel cell stacks according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper stack manifold coolant outlet (102) is connected to the upper stack coolant outlet channel (12), the upper stack manifold coolant inlet (202) is connected to the upper stack coolant inlet channel (21), the lower stack manifold coolant outlet (302) is connected to the lower stack coolant outlet channel (35), and the lower stack manifold coolant inlet (402) is connected to the lower stack coolant inlet channel (43).

5. The split manifold and water distribution component structure for upper and lower splicing of fuel cell stacks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper stack hydrogen inlet and water outlet module (1) is provided with a nitrogen discharge channel (13) and a reserved ejector port (14).

6. The split manifold and water distribution component structure for upper and lower splicing of fuel cell stacks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper stack hydrogen water inlet and outlet module (1) and the lower stack hydrogen water inlet and outlet module (3) are connected via a first connecting device (5), the upper stack hydrogen water inlet and outlet module (1) and the upper stack hydrogen water outlet inlet module (2) are connected via a second connecting device (6), and the upper stack hydrogen water outlet inlet module (2) and the lower stack hydrogen water outlet inlet module (4) are connected via a third connecting device (7).

7. The split manifold and water distribution component structure for upper and lower splicing of fuel cell stacks according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first connecting device (5), the second connecting device (6) and the third connecting device (7) are connected to the corresponding modules respectively by a non-rigid constraint connection method of a hose and a clamp.

8. The split manifold and water distribution component structure for upper and lower splicing of fuel cell stacks according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The dual stack is a stack of upper and lower spliced ​​stacks, comprising an upper stack (8) and a lower stack (9) connected in parallel; the upper stack (8) comprises an upper stack core (81) and an upper stack shell (82), and the lower stack (9) comprises a lower stack core (91) and a lower stack shell (92); the upper stack shell (82) and the lower stack shell (92) are provided with through holes for connecting the cores with the corresponding modules.

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