Coaxial fuel cell cathode flow path duct

Abstract

Aspects of a conduit system for use with a fuel cell and methods of use thereof are disclosed. According to aspects of the disclosure, a conduit system (10) for cooling a fuel cell (12) via a coolant fluid includes a housing (100), a cooling chamber (112), an inlet port (120) configured to receive coolant into the system, a discharge port (130) configured to discharge coolant from the system, and a means for moving coolant into, through, and out of the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to apparatus and methods for cooling fuel cell stacks, and more specifically to novel designs for moving air to cool fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional electrochemical fuel cells convert fuel and oxidant into electrical energy and reaction products. A common type of electrochemical fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which comprises a polymeric ion (proton) transfer membrane between anode and cathode flow paths or gas diffusion structures. Fuel (e.g., hydrogen) and oxidant (e.g., oxygen from the air) pass through various sides of the MEA to generate electrical energy and water as a reaction product. Stacks comprising multiple such fuel cells can be formed, with separate anode and cathode fluid flow paths arranged. These stacks are typically in block form, comprising multiple individual fuel cell plates held together by end plates at either end of the stack. Such fuel cells can be used to power a variety of technologies, such as materials handling equipment (MHE) and stationary power applications, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

[0003] It is important that the polymeric ion transfer membrane remain hydrated for efficient operation. Controlling the stack temperature is also crucial. Therefore, coolant may be supplied to the stack for cooling and / or hydration. It may be necessary to use purge gases periodically or periodically to purify the flow path or gas diffusion structure of the fuel cell to remove coolant, contaminants, or reaction byproducts. Purge gases, which may include fuel (e.g., hydrogen), may flow through the anode flow path to purify the fuel cell.

[0004] Systems utilizing such fuel cells and fuel cell stacks can be cooled and hydrated in a variety of different ways. Existing systems for cooling and hydrating fuel cell stacks have drawbacks. In some prior art, gases (e.g., air) can be introduced into the system to cool and / or hydrate the fuel cell stack. The gas can be introduced at one end of the system and discharged from the other. This arrangement is not always preferred or suitable for MHE applications, where the fuel cell stack system unit must be installed in a very densely packed cell box. Discharging gas through many densely packed components results in a significant pressure drop, leading to lower efficiency and poor system performance. Furthermore, in many existing MHE applications, the system unit is typically inaccessible on all sides because existing cell boxes usually only require a single accessible side for installation and removal operations. Modifying existing MHE vehicles to allow gas discharge from a second side would require vehicle recertification, incurring significant costs for the customer. Therefore, an improved system for cooling and / or hydrating fuel cell stacks used in MHEs is needed.

[0005] The amount of gas used to cool and / or hydrate fuel cells can vary across applications. In some cases, it is difficult to control how much gas is directed to the fuel cell stack. Therefore, improved control of the gas distribution used for cooling and / or hydrating fuel cell stacks is required.

[0006] The proposed solutions described throughout this application involve redirecting the exhaust or intake gas of the fuel cell unit (depending on the configuration) by 180 degrees so that all gas entering and leaving the system passes through a single face. The solutions may also, or alternatively, involve providing a control mechanism for regulating how much gas is used to cool and / or hydrate the fuel cell stack. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The above-mentioned needs are met in all aspects of the coolant distribution system, fuel cell power system, and method of use disclosed in this application. According to an aspect of this disclosure, a conduit system for cooling a fuel cell via a coolant fluid includes: a housing; a cooling chamber; an inlet port configured to receive coolant into the system; an outlet port configured to discharge coolant from the system; and means for moving coolant into, through, and out of the system.

[0008] Optionally, the housing may have an outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface.

[0009] Optionally, the inner surface may define an internal volume. The cooling chamber may be defined by the inner surface and within the internal volume.

[0010] Optionally, the housing may include a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface along a first direction. An inlet port and an outlet port may be located on the first surface.

[0011] Optionally, the housing may include an inlet channel and an outlet channel, which are in fluid communication with and to the cooling chamber, wherein the inlet channel is in fluid communication with an inlet port and the outlet channel is in fluid communication with an outlet port.

[0012] Optionally, the system may include multiple inlet ports. Each of the multiple inlet ports may be arranged radially around the outlet port.

[0013] Optionally, the housing may include a component that extends into the cooling chamber and is configured to guide coolant into a predetermined area of ​​the cooling chamber.

[0014] Optionally, the housing may include means for increasing turbulence of air flowing through one or more of the inlet passage, outlet passage, and cooling chamber.

[0015] Optionally, the housing may define a protrusion extending therefrom, the protrusion defining one or both of an inlet port and an outlet port, the protrusion being configured to guide coolant along a predetermined flow path.

[0016] Optionally, the system may further include a bypass chamber separate from the cooling chamber, the bypass chamber being in fluid communication with an outlet port. The system may also include a control device configured to direct coolant to one or more components of the system. The control device may have a first configuration, wherein the control device is configured to direct all coolant to the cooling chamber and none to the bypass chamber. The control device may have a second configuration, wherein the control device is configured to direct all coolant to the bypass chamber and none to the cooling chamber. The control device may have a third configuration, wherein a first portion of the coolant is directed to the cooling chamber and a second portion of the coolant is directed to the bypass chamber. In some aspects, the control device may be a valve. Optionally, the valve may be a solenoid valve. Optionally, the valve may be a rotary valve. Optionally, the control device may be a louver.

[0017] Alternatively, the coolant in the system may include air.

[0018] Optionally, the system can be configured to cool a fuel cell housed within a cooling chamber.

[0019] In some respects, an exhaust port may be at least partially surrounded by one or more inlet ports.

[0020] The system can be configured to receive coolant through an inlet port along one or more inlet axes, each of the one or more inlet axes being parallel to each other.

[0021] In some respects, the system can be configured to discharge coolant through a discharge port along one or more outlet axes, each of the one or more outlet axes being parallel to each other.

[0022] Optionally, the system can be configured to receive coolant through an inlet port along an inlet axis, and the system can be configured to discharge coolant through a outlet port along an outlet axis, the inlet axis and the outlet axis being spaced apart from each other along a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0023] Optionally, the inlet axis and the outlet axis can be parallel to each other.

[0024] Optionally, the system may have multiple inlet axes arranged radially around the outlet axis.

[0025] In some respects, the inlet port and the outlet port may be on the same side of the housing. Alternatively, the inlet port and the outlet port may be on the first side of the housing.

[0026] In some respects, devices for moving coolant may include turbines.

[0027] Optionally, the device for moving the coolant may include a pump.

[0028] In some respects, the inlet port can be located on a different surface of the housing than the outlet port.

[0029] In some aspects, the coolant can be introduced into the system through the inlet port at a flow rate of up to 10 cubic meters per second. Alternatively, the coolant can move at a flow rate of up to 5 cubic meters per second. Alternatively, the coolant can move at a flow rate of up to 3 cubic meters per second.

[0030] In some respects, the flow rate of the coolant entering the system at the inlet port can differ from the flow rate of the coolant moving into the cooling chamber. Optionally, the flow rate of the coolant entering the system at the inlet port can... greater than being moved to cold The flow rate of the coolant in the chamber.

[0031] In some respects, the flow rate of the coolant being moved into the cooling chamber can be controlled by a control device.

[0032] In some aspects, the system may include one or more sensors. These sensors may be configured to detect parameters of the system. In some aspects, the sensors may be configured to detect the temperature of the fuel cell and / or fuel cell stack, the temperature of the coolant entering the system, the temperature of the coolant after it flows out of the cooling chamber, the pressure of the coolant, the flow rate of the coolant, the composition of the coolant, the rate at which the coolant is discharged from the outlet port, or another parameter of the coolant or fuel cell stack.

[0033] Optionally, in some aspects, the system housing may include a curved surface disposed on an inner surface. The curved surface may extend into the cooling chamber. The curved surface may have a predetermined shape. In some aspects, the curved surface may be configured to receive coolant and apply a Coanda effect to the coolant, such that the coolant is guided through the cooling chamber according to a predetermined distribution pattern. The predetermined distribution pattern may be a function of the fuel cell stack within the cooling chamber. In some aspects, the predetermined distribution pattern may depend on the size or shape of the fuel cell stack, the distance between the fuel cell stack and the curved surface, the number of fuel cells within the fuel cell stack, the number of fuel cell stacks in the system, the relative arrangement of each fuel cell stack, the material of the curved surface, the texture of the curved surface in contact with the coolant, the rate at which the coolant flows through the system, the composition of the coolant, the temperature of the fuel cell stack, the desired temperature of the fuel cell stack, the desired application of the system, any combination of the above parameters, and / or any other suitable parameter capable of influencing coolant distribution requirements.

[0034] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack having one or more fuel cells therein; and a conduit system for cooling the fuel cells via a coolant fluid.

[0035] The catheter system can be any one or more of the catheter systems described above, or it can be a combination of the embodiments described herein. The catheter system may exclude the optional aspects described herein, or it may include one or more optional aspects described herein.

[0036] In some respects, the fuel cell system can be configured to provide power to machine handling equipment (MHE) components. Optionally, the MHE component can be a forklift.

[0037] In some respects, fuel cell systems can be configured to provide power to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Optionally, the UAV can be an unmanned aircraft.

[0038] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a control system for guiding coolant through a conduit system is disclosed according to any aspect described throughout this application. The conduit system can be any one or more of the conduit systems described above, or it can be a combination of the embodiments described herein. The conduit system may exclude the optional aspects described herein, or it may include one or more optional aspects described herein.

[0039] The control system may include a processor, a power supply, and sensors. The control system is configured to send operating signals to the catheter system to activate it.

[0040] In some aspects, the control system can be configured to communicate with multiple sensors. The sensors can be set... In or on a catheter system.

[0041] Optionally, the control system can be configured to operate based on a program. The program can provide operating instructions to the control system, which can use these instructions to operate the conduit system and / or the fuel cell system. Optionally, the control system can be operated by a user. The user can send one or more signals to the control system and / or the conduit system to operate the system. Optionally, the control system can be configured to operate autonomously in response to parameters sensed by one or more sensors.

[0042] A fuel cell system includes: a housing; a chamber within the housing; a fuel cell stack within the chamber and having a first side for receiving coolant fluid and a second side opposite to and spaced apart from the first side for the coolant fluid to exit from the stack; an inlet port configured to receive coolant fluid into the chamber; an outlet port configured to discharge coolant fluid from the chamber; means for moving coolant into, through, and out of the chamber; and means for guiding coolant fluid to the first side of the fuel cell stack, wherein the housing includes a curved surface located within the chamber, and the curved surface is configured to change the direction of flow of at least a portion of the coolant fluid toward the first side of the fuel cell stack. Attached Figure Description

[0043] This application can be further understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Exemplary aspects of the subject matter are shown in the drawings for illustrative purposes; however, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited to the specific methods, apparatus, and systems disclosed. In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 An isometric perspective view of a system according to aspects of this disclosure is illustrated;

[0045] Figure 2 The diagram shows Figure 1 An isometric cross-sectional view of the system;

[0046] Figure 3 The diagram shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 A top-view cross-sectional view of the system;

[0047] Figure 4 The diagram shows Figures 1-3 Another isometric perspective view of the system;

[0048] Figure 5 The illustration shows a schematic representation of a system according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0049] Figure 6 An isometric perspective view of a system according to another aspect of this disclosure is illustrated;

[0050] Figure 7 The diagram shows Figure 6 A side perspective cross-sectional view of the system;

[0051] Figure 8 An isometric perspective view of a system according to another aspect of this disclosure is illustrated;

[0052] Figure 9 The diagram shows Figure 8 A side perspective cross-sectional view of the system;

[0053] Figure 10AThe illustration shows a frontal perspective view of an aspect of this disclosure;

[0054] Figure 10B The illustration shows a frontal perspective view of another aspect of this disclosure;

[0055] Figure 10C The illustration shows a frontal perspective view of another aspect of this disclosure;

[0056] Figure 10D The illustration shows a frontal perspective view of another aspect of this disclosure;

[0057] Figure 11 The illustration shows a top cross-sectional view of another aspect of this disclosure, illustrating a curved structure for applying the Coanda effect;

[0058] Figure 12 The diagram illustrates a flowchart depicting the process of operating an system according to aspects of this disclosure; and

[0059] Figure 13 A graphical representation of coolant flow in a system according to aspects of this disclosure is depicted.

[0060] Aspects of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The objective of this invention is to reduce the size of fuel cell systems while increasing their implementability in various applications where exhausting gas from the rear of the unit is not a viable option. Furthermore, this invention implies that only one side must be unobstructed. This, in turn, means that for larger applications, several units can be arranged back-to-back or side-by-side.

[0062] Another objective of this invention is to allow for accurate and precise control of the cooling and / or hydrating gases entering the system to be supplied to the fuel cell stack. Inaccurate gas quantities can lead to overheating or undercooling of the fuel cell stack.

[0063] Aspects of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. Certain terms used in the following description are for convenience only and not for limitation.

[0064] Certain terms used in this specification are for convenience only and not for limitation. The terms “proximal” and “distal” generally refer to the position or direction toward or away from the individual using the hybrid system, respectively. The terms “axial,” “vertical,” “lateral,” “left,” “right,” “above,” and “below” indicate the directions referenced in the accompanying drawings. The term “substantially” is intended to mean to a considerable extent or to a large degree, but not necessarily all of the specified terms. Terms include those listed above, their derivatives, and similarly indicated terms.

[0065] As used herein, the term "a plurality of" means more than one. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references, and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value. Thus, for example, a reference to "material" is a reference to at least one of such materials and their equivalents known to those skilled in the art, and so on.

[0066] The transitional terms “comprising,” “consisting essentially of,” and “consisting” are intended to express their generally accepted meaning in patent terminology; that is, (i) “comprising,” synonymous with “including,” “comprising,” or “characterized in,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unreferenced elements or method steps; (ii) “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or component not specified in the claim; and (iii) “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of the claim to the specified materials or steps and those materials or steps that do not substantially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Embodiments described according to the phrase “comprising” (or its equivalents) also provide those independently described according to “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” as embodiments.

[0067] refer to Figure 1-4 The document depicts system 10. Throughout this application, the system may be referred to as a “unit” or a “device,” and it will be understood that these terms are used interchangeably. System 10 includes a housing 100 having an outer surface 102 and an inner surface 104 opposite to the outer surface 102. Housing 100 may be shaped to substantially resemble a rectangular prism, cube, trapezoidal prism, parallelepiped, or other polyhedron. In some cases, housing 100 may be sized and shaped such that it can be placed adjacent to another housing 100 or placed on top of another housing 100 (i.e., stacked).

[0068] The inner surface 104 defines an internal volume 108. The system 10 includes one or more fuel cells 12. It will be understood that, according to known techniques, the fuel cells 12 can be arranged together to form a fuel cell stack 14. The fuel cell stack 14 is secured to the housing 100. The fuel cell stack 14 can be removably secured such that the fuel cell stack 14 can be disconnected and removed from the system 10, and optionally, another fuel cell stack 14 can be introduced into and connected to the housing 100.

[0069] System 10 may include multiple fuel cell stacks 14 within an internal volume 108. Fuel cell stacks 14 may include the same number, type, and arrangement of fuel cells 12, or alternatively, the number, type, and / or arrangement of fuel cells among the fuel cell stacks 14 may differ. System 10 may include 1, 2, 3, ... 10 or other suitable number of fuel cell stacks 14, and this disclosure is not limited to a specific number of fuel cell stacks 14.

[0070] The internal volume 108 of the housing 100 further defines a cooling chamber 112. A fuel cell stack 14 (or multiple fuel cell stacks 14) is at least partially disposed within the cooling chamber 112. The cooling chamber 112 is configured to receive a coolant to cool the fuel cells 12 within one or more fuel cell stacks 14. In an exemplary aspect of this disclosure, the coolant is a gas (e.g., ambient air); however, it will be understood that the fuel cell 12 may instead be cooled with a liquid. The cooling chamber 112 is sized such that coolant can flow in, through, and out as it passes through and contacts the fuel cell stack 14.

[0071] Housing 100 defines an inlet port 120 through which coolant (e.g., air) can be introduced into the system, particularly into the cooling chamber 112. An inlet passage 124 extends within the housing (e.g., within internal volume 108, between the inlet port 120 and the cooling chamber 112). The inlet passage 124 is in fluid communication with both the inlet port 120 and the cooling chamber 112. The inlet passage 124 is configured to receive coolant at the inlet port 120 and allow coolant to move through the inlet passage 124 into the cooling chamber 112.

[0072] The housing 100 also defines a discharge port 130 through which coolant is discharged. A discharge passage 134 extends within the housing (e.g., within the internal volume 108, between the cooling chamber 112 and the discharge port 130). The discharge passage 134 is in fluid communication with both the cooling chamber 112 and the discharge port 130. The discharge passage 134 is configured to receive coolant from the cooling chamber 112 and to allow coolant to move through the discharge passage 134 to the discharge port 130, through which the coolant is discharged from the system 10.

[0073] The housing 100 defines a first face 116 on its outer surface 102. For the purposes of this disclosure, the “face” of the housing 100 can be any geometric surface of the shape of the system described above. In some embodiments, an inlet port 120 may be defined on the first face 116. Optionally, an outlet port 130 may be defined on the first face 116. In some embodiments, both the inlet port 120 and the outlet port 130 may be defined on the same first face 116.

[0074] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the depicted embodiment has an inlet port 120 and an outlet port 130 on the same surface (i.e., on the first surface 116). It will be understood that the inlet port 120 and the outlet port 130 need not be on the same surface of the housing 100.

[0075] The housing defines a second surface 118 spaced apart from the first surface 116 along a first direction D1. For the purposes of this disclosure, the first direction D1 includes a direction from the first surface 116 to the second surface 118 and an opposite direction from the second surface 118 to the first surface 116. The second surface 118 may be a different geometric surface of the housing shape as described above. A cooling chamber 112 may be disposed within an internal volume 108 between the first surface 116 and the second surface 118. It will be understood that the housing 100 includes other surfaces constituting the geometry of the housing 100 as described above.

[0076] Coolant (e.g., air) may enter through inlet port 120 at first face 116 and move into inlet channel 124. For example, coolant may move from inlet port 120 toward cooling chamber 112 along a first direction D1. Coolant may be discharged from cooling chamber 112 into outlet channel 134 and move toward and through outlet port 130. In some embodiments, coolant may move along outlet channel 134 along the first direction D1. Optionally, coolant may move along outlet channel 134 parallel to the movement of coolant along inlet channel 124. Alternatively, inlet channel 124 and outlet channel 134 may be arranged such that the flow of coolant along one of inlet and outlet channels 124, 134 is not parallel to the flow of coolant along the other of inlet and outlet channels 124, 134.

[0077] In some aspects, system 10 may include a plurality of inlet ports 120, a plurality of outlet ports 130, or both inlet ports and outlet ports 120 and 130. Each inlet port 120 may lead to and be in fluid communication with a separate inlet channel 124, so system 10 may include a plurality of inlet channels 124 such that, for example, the number of inlet channels 124 corresponds to the number of inlet ports 120. Each outlet port 130 may lead to and be in fluid communication with a separate outlet channel 134, so system 10 may include a plurality of outlet channels 134 such that, for example, the number of outlet channels 134 corresponds to the number of outlet ports 130. Any suitable number of inlet ports 120 and their corresponding inlet channels 124 may be used, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or another suitable number. Similarly, any suitable number of outlet ports 130 and their corresponding outlet channels 134 may be used, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or another suitable number.

[0078] refer to Figures 1-4 In an exemplary embodiment, system 10 may include a plurality of inlet ports 120 (and corresponding inlet channels 124) and a single outlet port 130 (and corresponding outlet channel 134). It will be understood that different numbers of inlet ports 120 and outlet ports 130 (and their corresponding channels 124, 134) may be utilized, and the embodiments depicted in the figures are not intended to be limiting. In some particular embodiments, system 10 may include two inlet ports 120. All inlet ports 120 and outlet ports 130 may be disposed on a first surface 116. As shown, outlet port 130 may be arranged on the first surface 116 such that inlet ports 120 surround outlet port 130. Outlet port 130 may be disposed between the two inlet ports 120.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, system 10 may include four inlet ports 120 and a single outlet port 130. A suitable arrangement in such embodiments may include, for example, the outlet port 130 being surrounded by the four inlet ports 120.

[0080] The arrangement of the inlet port 120 and the outlet port 130 on the same side of the housing 100, as depicted in the figure, allows the housing 100 to be covered or otherwise blocked on all sides except one side open to coolant (e.g., the first side 116) for inlet and outlet. This permits the system 10 to be arranged in a dense, close-packed arrangement, where other components can surround the system 10. In embodiments where multiple systems 10 can be arranged together, this arrangement also allows for the stacking of the systems 10.

[0081] The system also includes means for moving coolant into, through, and out of the system. In some aspects, this means may include an impeller or fan 138. The impeller 138 may be disposed on the housing 100. In some aspects, the impeller 138 may be disposed on the outer surface 102 of the housing 100. In some aspects, the impeller 138 may be disposed on the inner surface 104 of the housing 100. The impeller 138 may be disposed within an internal volume 108 and may be connected to the housing 100.

[0082] refer to Figures 1-4 In the embodiments depicted, impeller 138 may be positioned adjacent to or within discharge passage 134. Optionally, impeller 138 may be positioned adjacent to discharge port 130. Impeller 138 may be arranged such that, as it rotates, coolant moves through discharge passage 134 toward discharge port 130.

[0083] In this embodiment, the impeller 138 (or an alternative or additional device for moving the coolant) may be located downstream of the cooling chamber 112. In some embodiments, multiple devices for moving the coolant (e.g., multiple impellers or fans 138) may be included in the system 10. The impeller 138 may be arranged throughout the system 10, for example, such that one or more impellers 138 are upstream of the cooling chamber 112, one or more impellers 138 are downstream of the cooling chamber 112, one or more impellers 138 are within the cooling chamber 112, or a combination of any of the above, wherein one or more impellers 138 may be arranged upstream, downstream, or within the cooling chamber 112.

[0084] It should be understood that the impeller 138 or another device for moving the coolant may be located within or adjacent to the inlet channel 124. Optionally, the device may be located adjacent to the inlet port 120.

[0085] It should also be understood that the apparatus for moving the coolant will be supplied with sufficient power (e.g., via a power source) to allow the desired amount of coolant to be moved through system 10. In some respects, the desired amount of coolant moved through system 10 (expressed as flow rate) may be up to 3 cubic meters per second, up to 5 cubic meters per second, up to 10 cubic meters per second, or other suitable flow rates. The size, placement, number, power requirements, and other parameters of the apparatus for moving the coolant will depend on the specific application of system 10 and the desired amount and flow rate of coolant to be moved.

[0086] Figures 6-11Alternative embodiments are depicted. It will be understood that the different embodiments shown are not limiting, and each embodiment may include one or more overlapping elements. The same elements are referenced and labeled with the same reference numerals, and unless otherwise described, the description of each element may be similarly applied to any disclosed embodiment.

[0087] In operation, a device for moving the coolant (e.g., impeller 138) is activated to move the coolant (e.g., air) into the system 10 through one or more inlet ports 120. The coolant is then moved through one or more inlet channels 124 and into the cooling chamber 112. The coolant in the cooling chamber 112 passes through and / or contacts one or more fuel cell stacks 14. The interaction between the coolant and the fuel cell stack 14 results in heat exchange, for example, heat radiated from the fuel cell stack 12 is transferred from the fuel cell stack 14 to the coolant flow passing through the cooling chamber 112, thereby cooling the fuel cell stack and the fuel cell 12 therein.

[0088] It will be understood that alternative arrangements, contrary to those described above, may exist in which the coolant fluid is hotter than the fuel cell stack 14 (or hotter than another component in the system 10), and the heat energy of the coolant passing through the system 10 can be drawn onto the fuel cell stack 14 (or another component), thereby heating the stack 14 (or other component). Such an arrangement may be advantageous if it is desirable to raise or maintain a specific setpoint temperature of the fuel cell 12 or the fuel cell stack 14.

[0089] Coolant moves from cooling chamber 112 into discharge passage 134. The coolant moves through discharge passage 134 toward discharge port 130 and through discharge port 130. As depicted, discharge port 130 may be located on the same first surface 116 as inlet port 120 (or multiple inlet ports 120). Thus, coolant enters and exits system 10 at the same surface of housing 100 (e.g., at first surface 116).

[0090] In some respects, minimizing the recirculation of coolant fluid may be advantageous. That is, it may be beneficial to reduce the amount of coolant leaving the system 10 through the discharge port 130 and prevent it from re-entering the system 10 through the inlet port 120 on the same first face 116.

[0091] In some embodiments, this effect is modulated by discharging the coolant at a rate sufficient to propel the coolant beyond a threshold distance TD (see [link]). Figure 5(Illustrative representation in the diagram). At or beyond the threshold distance TD, the discharged coolant disperses into the environment and mixes with ambient gases. Once the coolant is discharged to or beyond the threshold distance TD, a small, acceptable amount or percentage of the discharged coolant will be drawn in by the inlet port 120. It will be understood that the exact threshold distance TD can be calculated based on the amount or percentage of recirculated coolant considered acceptable according to the intended use of the system 10. The discharge of coolant through the discharge port 130 can be controlled by the size and construction of the impeller 138, the electrical capacity of the impeller 138, the rotational speed of the impeller 138, the size of the discharge port 130, the size and / or number of inlet ports 120, the corresponding distance between the discharge port 130 and the inlet port 120, the expected temperature of the coolant, the composition of the coolant, or other factors.

[0092] In some aspects, to further limit recirculation, housing 100 may include one or more structures for guiding coolant to inlet port 120 and / or guiding coolant out of outlet port 130. Structures may include fins, baffles, flanges, overhangs, grilles, or other protrusions extending from housing 100 to result in less mixing (compared to no structure) of coolant discharged from system 10 with coolant brought into system 10. One or more structures may be disposed on a first surface 116 or another surface of housing 100. Structures may be positioned adjacent to inlet port 120, outlet port 130, or both, and / or disposed within inlet port 120, outlet port 130, or both.

[0093] In some exemplary aspects, the operation of system 10 may advantageously benefit from increased heating of one or more of its components. In this case, recirculation of the discharged coolant (which absorbs heat after passing through cooling chamber 112) may be preferred. In this aspect, system 10 may include a shut-off mechanism (not shown) (e.g., a door) that prevents coolant removed from discharge port 130 from moving to or beyond the aforementioned threshold distance. Thus, a larger percentage of the discharged coolant is returned to system 10 through inlet port 120 (relative to the percentage recirculated without the shut-off mechanism). It will be understood that the shut-off mechanism may be a separate component of system 10 (e.g., part of housing 100), or alternatively, the shut-off mechanism may be a different component (e.g., another system 10) placed near discharge port 130 to function as described above.

[0094] As coolant is moved into and through cooling chamber 112, certain portions of the fuel cell stack 14 may not be adequately cooled. In some cases, the coolant flow may be unevenly distributed across fuel cell stack 14, which can lead to inconsistent energy use, fuel cell damage, efficiency loss, or other problems. In some embodiments, one or more physical components may be present in or adjacent to cooling chamber 112 to ensure uniform coolant flow. Figure 7 As shown in the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, a ridge 180 may be provided on the housing 100 to help guide the flow of coolant within the cooling chamber 112. It will be understood that other components or components may be used to guide the coolant flow to a desired area (referred to as a “dead” zone) within the cooling chamber 112 that is intended to receive uneven cooling.

[0095] Alternatively, in addition to or instead of the aforementioned components, housing 100 may include a curved surface 190 configured to provide coolant with a cobalt flow as coolant moves into and through cooling chamber 112. The Coanda effect, when the structure is sufficiently robust, will cause the coolant flow to follow a flat or curved surface. Such an arrangement will help to make the coolant flow uniform, thereby ensuring that the coolant is evenly distributed as it contacts and moves through the fuel cell stack 14. Figure 11 An exemplary embodiment illustrating an exemplary curved surface 190 is depicted. The curved surface 190 may be disposed on the inner surface 104 of the housing 100 and may protrude into the cooling chamber 112. In such an embodiment, as the coolant flow moves through the inlet channel 124 into the cooling chamber 112, the coolant flow contacts the curved surface 190 and follows a curve. The curved surface 190 helps to guide the coolant flow to a desired area within the cooling chamber 112, for example, to the fuel cell stack 14. This arrangement may be advantageous in situations where the fuel cell stack 14 does not receive a uniform coolant flow. By guiding the coolant flow via the curved surface 190 according to the Coanda effect, the fuel cell stack 14 can be uniformly and adequately exposed to the coolant flow.

[0096] The curved surface 190 may have a predetermined shape. This shape can be bent according to a mathematical function. It will be understood that the predetermined shape may depend on one or more parameters of the system, such as any parameters described throughout this application.

[0097] The curved surface 190 may be configured to receive coolant and apply a Coanda effect to the coolant, such that the coolant is directed throughout the cooling chamber 112 according to a predetermined distribution pattern. The predetermined distribution pattern may be a function of the fuel cell stack within the cooling chamber. In some aspects, the predetermined distribution pattern may depend on the size or shape of the fuel cell stack, the distance between the fuel cell stack and the curved surface, the number of fuel cells within the fuel cell stack, the number of fuel cell stacks in the system, the relative arrangement of each fuel cell stack, the material of the curved surface, the texture of the curved surface in contact with the coolant, the rate at which the coolant flows through the system, the composition of the coolant, the temperature of the fuel cell stack, the desired temperature of the fuel cell stack, the desired application of the system, any combination of the above parameters, and / or any other suitable parameter that may affect the coolant distribution requirements.

[0098] In some respects, the amount and / or flow rate of coolant through system 10 can be adjusted based on specific needs. While the amount of coolant entering and moving through system 10 can be controlled by controlling fan parameters (e.g., fan speed), it may be advantageous to adjust how much coolant is moved into cooling chamber 112 without changing fan parameters. This can increase fan life and reduce the difficulty of calculating desired parameters and tuning the fan to those parameters. In some respects, covering or otherwise suppressing discharge port 130 results in a greater pressure drop. Blocking discharge port 130 may negatively affect the forced ejection of coolant from system 10 and may prevent the necessary amount of discharged fluid from reaching the aforementioned distance threshold. Therefore, in some aspects of this disclosure, blocking discharge port 130, suppressing the movement of coolant from discharge port 130 to a predetermined threshold distance TD, or reducing the discharge rate of coolant leaving system 10 by reducing the speed of impeller 138 may be unfavorable. One way to maintain proper discharge of coolant so that coolant is discharged to the threshold distance TD is to maintain the size and shape of impeller 138 and its operating parameters. In this way, it is preferable to be able to adjust how much coolant enters the cooling chamber 112 without adjusting the operating parameters of the impeller 138.

[0099] In some exemplary aspects described throughout this application, system 10 may include one or more control devices 164 for controlling how much coolant entering inlet port 120 is permitted to move into cooling chamber 112. In some non-limiting aspects, control device 164 may optionally be a valve. As a further alternative, the valve may be a gate valve, globe valve, plug valve, ball valve, butterfly valve, or another suitable valve type. The valve may optionally be a solenoid valve configured to be controlled by a controller. In some aspects, control device 164 may optionally be a louver.

[0100] The control device 164 may be configured to divide the coolant entering the system 10 into two or more pathways. In some aspects, the first pathway may lead to the cooling chamber 112 (e.g., via the inlet passage 124). The second pathway may lead to a different chamber separate from the cooling chamber 112. In some aspects, the internal volume 108 of the housing 100 may define a bypass chamber 160 separate from the cooling chamber 112. The bypass chamber 160 may be in fluid communication with the discharge passage 134. In some aspects, the bypass chamber 160 may be within the discharge passage 134. In some aspects, the bypass chamber 160 may include a portion or all of the discharge passage 134. In some aspects, the bypass chamber 160 and the discharge passage 134 may be of the same volume.

[0101] The control device 164 can be configured to selectively direct coolant entering the system 10 to either the cooling chamber 112 or the bypass chamber 160. The control device 164 can be configured to have: a first position (or first configuration) in which all coolant entering the system 10 is directed to the cooling chamber 112; a second position (or second configuration) in which all coolant entering the system 10 is directed to the bypass chamber 160; or a third position (or third configuration) between the first and second positions. It will be understood that there can be an unlimited number of third positions between the first and second positions, in which a portion of the coolant entering the system 10 is directed to the cooling chamber 112 while another portion is directed to the bypass chamber 160.

[0102] Control devices 164 may be disposed within or adjacent to access channels 124. In some aspects where system 10 includes a plurality of access channels 124, system 10 may include a plurality of control devices 164, for example, control devices 164 within each of the plurality of access channels 124. Optionally, each access channel 124 may include a plurality of control devices 164. Further optionally, system 10 may have one or more access channels 124 without any control devices 164 and one or more access channels 124 with one or more control devices 164.

[0103] Alternatively, the control device 164 may be adjacent to an intermediate bypass channel that extends between the inlet channel 124 and the bypass chamber 160.

[0104] In some respects, the control device 164 can be manually adjusted by the user, for example, by moving the control device 164 to any of the first position, the second position, or an infinite number of possible third positions. Alternatively, the control device 164 can be adjusted by a controller. Adjustment can be based on the desired amount of coolant to enter the cooling chamber 112 and the desired flow path of the coolant. In some respects, the amount and / or flow rate of the coolant entering the system 10 can be adjusted such that up to about 90% of the coolant entering the system 10 is directed to the cooling chamber 112; up to about 80% is directed to the cooling chamber 112; up to about 70% is directed to the cooling chamber 112; up to about 60% is directed to the cooling chamber 112; up to about 50% is directed to the cooling chamber 112; up to about 40% is directed to the cooling chamber 112; up to about 30% is directed to the cooling chamber 112; up to about 20% is directed to the cooling chamber 112; up to about 10% is directed to the cooling chamber 112; or up to another suitable percentage. It will be understood that the desired distribution and / or flow rate of the coolant will depend on the intended use of the system 10, the fuel cell stack 14, the type and parameters of the coolant, and / or any other parameters of the system 10, the fuel cell components within the fuel cell 12, and the properties of the coolant.

[0105] In some respects, this distribution of coolant can help to properly dilute the hydrogen within the fuel cell stack 14. Too much coolant may dilute the hydrogen to an unfavorable degree, potentially reducing the efficiency of the system 10.

[0106] Coolant diverted to bypass chamber 160 by one or more control devices 164 is removed from system 10 through one or more discharge ports 130.

[0107] In some aspects of this disclosure, system 10 may also include a control system for controlling the operation of system 10. In some non-limiting embodiments, system 10 may include one or more sensors (not shown) for determining the flow rate of coolant, the temperature of coolant, the temperature of fuel cell stack 14, the concentration of hydrogen within fuel cell 12, current, or another parameter typically monitored in a fuel cell system. System 10 may include a controller having a processor, memory, and input / output capabilities, configured to control components within the system, such as impeller 138, fuel cell stack 14, and / or control unit 164. The controller may be configured to interact with external devices to display operating parameters of system 10 and / or receive commands input from a user. The controller may operate based on, for example, one or more programs stored in memory, which provide instructions for the operation of system 10 and / or desired operating parameters throughout one or more components described herein.

[0108] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the inlet port 120 and / or outlet port 130 may be located on a surface of housing 100 different from the first surface 116. Such an arrangement can be used in applications where system 10 is positioned such that at least one other surface of housing 100 is sufficiently open to the surrounding environment to allow coolant inflow and / or outflow. Such an arrangement may be advantageous in reducing the prevalence of coolant recirculation because the outlet port 130 may be on a different surface and / or angled to the inlet port 120. In such exemplary arrangements, the placement of the outlet port 130 and inlet port 120 may be such that: all outlet ports 130 are on a surface of housing 100 different from all inlet ports 120; some outlet ports 130 are on a surface of housing 100 identical to some or all inlet ports 120, while some outlet ports 130 are on a surface of housing 100 different from inlet ports 120; or some inlet ports 120 are on a surface of housing 100 identical to some or all outlet ports 130, while some inlet ports 120 are on a surface of housing 100 different from outlet ports 130. As explained above, such an arrangement is not always suitable for applications where system 10 is placed in a densely populated area where only one side (e.g., the first side 116) is fully open to the environment.

[0109] In some exemplary aspects, the housing 100 of system 10 may be removable, such that coolant inflow occurs adjacent to the first surface 116, while coolant outflow from the cooling chamber 112 occurs adjacent to the second surface 118. It will be understood that housing 100 is shaped and sized such that inflow port 120 and / or outflow port 130 are angled in desired directions to facilitate coolant inflow and outflow, respectively.

[0110] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating an alternative system 20, wherein the same numbers refer to the same elements. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the details concerning system 10 described throughout this application also apply to system 20. It will be understood that different reference numerals are used to help distinguish exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit one or the other, and references to one or the other may include both.

[0111] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9In the depicted embodiment, system 20 includes an inlet port 120 surrounded by a plurality of outlet ports 130, which are radially arranged around the inlet port 120. In operation of system 20, impeller 138 receives coolant through inlet port 120 and enters inlet channel 124. Cooling chamber 112 may be adjacent to or within inlet channel 124. Coolant enters cooling chamber 112 and contacts fuel cell stack 14 and flows around fuel cell stack 14. The coolant is then diverted into one or more outlet channels 134 in fluid communication with cooling chamber 112. The coolant is diverted through one or more outlet channels 134 and exits from outlet port 130. It will be understood that system 20 may include any suitable number of inlet ports 120 and corresponding inlet channels 124, and any suitable number of outlet ports 130 and corresponding outlet channels 134.

[0112] The system described throughout this application can have various arrangements of inlet and outlet ports 120, 130. (Reference) Figures 10A-10D Several exemplary arrangements are depicted. It will be understood that other arrangements and modifications to the illustrated arrangements can be utilized. Figures 10A-10D In this context, the port type is indicated by "A" or "B" and can be either an inlet port 120 or an outlet port 130. This should be explained in several ways. Figures 10A-10D Where reference "A" refers to inlet port 120 (or port 120) and reference "B" refers to outlet port 130 (or port 130). In alternative embodiments, it should be explained that... Figures 10A-10D Reference "A" refers to discharge port 130 (or port 130), and reference "B" refers to inlet port 120 (or port 120). The shapes and dimensions of the ports depicted are not intended to be limiting, and it will be understood that different shapes and relative positions may be used.

[0113] Figure 13 The representation depicts the air flowing into, through, and out of system 10. It will be understood that airflow parameters may vary based on changes to one or more components described herein (e.g., but not limited to the placement and / or number of inlet ports, the placement and / or number of outlet ports, the shape of the housing, additional components on the housing (e.g., doors), control device 164 and its operation, the temperature and / or composition of the coolant, and / or another component of the system described herein).

[0114] This application also discloses methods for operating system 10. Figure 12The illustrated process 200 depicts an exemplary method of operation. System 10 may be activated in step 204. Activation may be performed via any known method (e.g., pressing a button, toggling a switch, or sending an electronic command to a connected controller). In some aspects, system 10 may be configured to automatically turn on in response to a stimulus (e.g., one or more sensors within system 10 reading one or more parameters of fuel cell 12). The activation step may include activating impeller 138 or other means for moving coolant through system 10.

[0115] In step 208, impeller 138 directs coolant into system 10 by allowing coolant to enter one or more inlet ports 120 and move it into one or more inlet channels 124. Coolant may be drawn into inlet port 120 from the environment surrounding it. Coolant may move towards cooling chamber 112 through inlet channel 124. Optionally, some or all of the coolant may be directed to bypass channels and / or bypass chamber 160.

[0116] In step 212, coolant is moved into and through cooling chamber 112. The coolant contacts, passes through, and / or surrounds one or more fuel cell stacks 14. The coolant absorbs heat from the fuel cell stacks 14, thereby cooling the fuel cell stacks 14. The coolant can circulate through cooling chamber 112.

[0117] In step 216, coolant is moved from cooling chamber 112 to discharge channel 134. As explained above, discharge channel 134 may be adjacent to, overlap with, or be identical to bypass chamber 160. Coolant is moved into discharge channel 134 and toward discharge port 130.

[0118] In step 220, coolant is discharged from discharge port 130 into the environment. The coolant may be discharged at a predetermined rate such that at least a portion of the coolant is moved to at least a threshold distance TD in order to minimize coolant recirculation.

[0119] Optionally, process 200 may further include one or more steps of introducing one or more components of the fuel cell into system 10.

[0120] Optionally, process 200 may also include the step of controlling control device 164, which is configured to direct all coolant to cooling chamber 112 and bypass chamber 160, not direct coolant, or direct a portion of coolant to cooling chamber 112 and bypass chamber 160.

[0121] Optionally, process 200 may also include the step of connecting system 10 to appliance to supply power from system 10 to appliance.

[0122] Throughout this specification, terms should be understood in their ordinary sense as would be understood by one of skill in the art. However, to avoid misunderstanding, the meanings of certain terms will be specifically defined or clarified.

[0123] While this disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made to the above embodiments without departing from its broad inventive concept. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.

[0124] The features of this disclosure described above in the context of individual embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features of this disclosure described in the context of individual embodiments may also be provided individually or in any sub-combination. Finally, while embodiments may be described as part of a series of steps or a more general structure, each said step may also be considered an independent embodiment that may be combined with other steps.

[0125] Unless otherwise indicated herein, references to ranges of values ​​herein are intended only as shorthand for each individual value falling within that range, and each individual value is incorporated into this specification as if it were individually referenced herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or there is a clear contradiction in the context.

Claims

1. A duct system for cooling a fuel cell via a coolant fluid, the system comprising: a housing; a cooling chamber within the housing; a fuel cell stack within the cooling chamber having a first face for receiving a coolant fluid and a second face spaced apart from the first face for coolant exit; at least one entry port configured to receive the coolant into the system; an exit port configured to exit the coolant from the system; and a fan for moving the coolant into, through, and out of the chamber; a bypass chamber separate from the cooling chamber, the bypass chamber in fluid communication with the exit port; one or more louvers and valves configured to direct the coolant to one or more components of the system; and wherein the one or more louvers and valves have a first configuration in which the one or more louvers and valves are configured to direct all of the coolant to the cooling chamber and none of the coolant to the bypass chamber, a second configuration in which the one or more louvers and valves are configured to direct all of the coolant to the bypass chamber and none of the coolant to the cooling chamber, and a third configuration in which a first portion of the coolant is directed to the cooling chamber and a second portion of the coolant is directed to the bypass chamber, wherein one or more entry ports and the exit port are on the first face, and wherein each of the one or more entry ports is disposed radially about the exit port. the housing includes an entry channel and an exit channel in fluid communication with the cooling chamber and with each other, wherein the entry channel is in fluid communication with the entry port and the exit channel is in fluid communication with the exit port.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, the housing includes a curved surface on the housing that extends into the cooling chamber and is configured to direct at least a portion of the coolant fluid flowing toward the first face of the fuel cell stack.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, the housing defines a protrusion extending therefrom, the protrusion defining one or both of the entry port and the exit port, the protrusion configured to direct the coolant along a predetermined flow path.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein, the housing includes a curved surface disposed on an inner surface and extending into the cooling chamber, the curved surface having a predetermined shape.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, the curved surface is configured to receive the coolant and impart a Coanda effect on the coolant such that the coolant is directed according to a predetermined distribution pattern throughout the cooling chamber.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein, ​

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