Gas filtration devices and hydrogen fuel cell systems for hydrogen fuel cells

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of new energy technology and discloses a gas filtration device and a hydrogen fuel cell system for hydrogen fuel cells. The gas filtration device includes a housing, multiple first filter elements, and a sensor. The housing has a filter chamber, and a first inlet and a first outlet are arranged opposite to each other in a first direction. The first inlet communicates with the filter chamber, and the first outlet communicates with the filter chamber. The multiple first filter elements are arranged sequentially within the filter chamber and positioned between the first inlet and the first outlet in the first direction. The sensor is located within the filter chamber between the first filter elements and the first outlet, and can detect the concentration of harmful gases in the gas after filtration by the first filter elements. The gas filtration device of this invention can adjust the gas flow rate according to the concentration of harmful gases in the filtered gas, ensuring that harmful gases are filtered while ensuring that the gas flow rate meets the consumption requirements of the hydrogen fuel cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of new energy technology, and more specifically, to a gas filtration device and a hydrogen fuel cell system for hydrogen fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] An air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell system is a hydrogen fuel cell system that uses flowing air as the cooling medium. A key feature of this system is that the cathode of the bipolar plates is directly connected to the atmosphere. During operation, air is continuously supplied to the cathode, providing oxygen for the electrochemical reaction and cooling the cell. Air-cooled fuel cells are simple in structure and easy to use, making them widely applicable in various low-power electrical devices.

[0003] In related technologies, hydrogen fuel cell systems effectively filter and purify the air entering the cathode through filters. However, the filtration and purification process can affect the air intake of the hydrogen fuel cell system, thus reducing its operating efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, embodiments of this invention provide a gas filtration device and a hydrogen fuel cell system. The gas filtration device can adjust the gas flow rate according to the concentration of harmful gases in the filtered gas, ensuring that harmful gases are filtered while the gas flow rate meets the consumption requirements of the hydrogen fuel cell. The gas filtration device of this invention includes:

[0005] A housing having a filter chamber, the housing having a first inlet and a first outlet arranged opposite to each other in a first direction, the first inlet communicating with the filter chamber, and the first outlet communicating with the filter chamber;

[0006] Multiple first filter elements are arranged sequentially in the filter chamber and located between the first inlet and the first outlet in the first direction. The first filter elements are used to filter harmful gases in the gas. The multiple first filter elements are movable relative to the housing so that the spacing between two adjacent first filter elements is adjustable.

[0007] A sensor is disposed within the filter chamber and located between the first filter element and the first outlet. The sensor can detect the concentration of harmful gases in the gas filtered by the first filter element. The first filter element moves relative to the housing according to the concentration of harmful gases detected by the sensor to change the size of the gap.

[0008] In the gas filtration device of this invention, a sensor can detect the concentration of harmful gases in the gas filtered by the first filter element and control the movement of the first filter element relative to the housing to change the distance between two adjacent first filter elements, thereby changing the wind resistance generated by the first filter element on the airflow. In other words, the gas filtration device of this invention can adjust the gas flow rate according to the concentration of harmful gases in the filtered gas, ensuring that harmful gases are filtered while ensuring that the gas flow rate meets the consumption requirements of the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0009] Optionally, the gas filtration device further includes:

[0010] Multiple rotating shafts are rotatably disposed within the filter chamber, and the first filter element is disposed on the rotating shaft, with each rotating shaft corresponding to one of the first filter elements.

[0011] The motor is mounted on the housing and is connected to the rotating shaft via a transmission. The motor is also electrically connected to the sensor.

[0012] Optionally, the gas filtration device further includes:

[0013] Multiple synchronizing gears are provided, each synchronizing gear being mounted on the rotating shaft and corresponding one-to-one with the rotating shaft.

[0014] Multiple reversing gears are rotatably disposed within the filter chamber. Each reversing gear meshes with two adjacent synchronous gears to ensure that the two adjacent synchronous gears rotate in the same direction.

[0015] Optionally, on a projection plane orthogonal to the length direction of the first filter element, the projection of the first filter element is a parallelogram.

[0016] Optionally, the gas filtration device further includes:

[0017] The filter paper is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the housing and is located between the first inlet and the first filter element. The filter paper is used to filter solids in the gas.

[0018] Optionally, the filter paper includes a plurality of folds arranged in sequence, with an included angle between two adjacent folds, the included angle being greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0019] Optionally, the gas filtration device further includes:

[0020] The second filter element is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the housing and is located between the first outlet and the first filter element. The second filter element is used to filter harmful gases in the gas filtered by the first filter element.

[0021] Optionally, the dimension of the second filter element in the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the first filter element in the first direction.

[0022] Optionally, the sensor is located between the first outlet and the second filter element.

[0023] The hydrogen fuel cell system of the present invention includes:

[0024] Hydrogen fuel cell, the hydrogen fuel cell having a second inlet and a second outlet;

[0025] A gas filtration device, wherein the gas filtration device is the gas filtration device according to any one of claims 1-9, and the first outlet of the gas filtration device is connected to the second inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell;

[0026] A fan, wherein the fan is disposed at the first inlet, the first outlet and / or the second outlet. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the gas filtration device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the gas filtration device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a hydrogen fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Reference numerals: 100-Gas filtration device, 110-Housing shell, 111-Filter chamber, 112-First inlet, 113-First outlet, 120-First filter element, 130-Sensor, 140-Rotating shaft, 150-Synchronous gear, 160-Reversing gear, 170-Filter paper, 171-Folding part, 180-Second filter element, 200-Hydrogen fuel cell, 300-Fan. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0032] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes a gas filtration device 100 for a hydrogen fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1-3 As shown, the gas filtration device 100 of this embodiment includes a housing 110, a first filter element 120, and a sensor 130.

[0033] The housing 110 has a filter chamber 111. A first inlet 112 and a first outlet 113 are arranged opposite to each other in a first direction. The first inlet 112 communicates with the filter chamber 111, and the first outlet 113 communicates with the filter chamber 111. A plurality of first filter elements 120 are sequentially arranged within the filter chamber 111 and positioned between the first inlet 112 and the first outlet 113 in the first direction. The first filter elements 120 are used to filter harmful gases from the gas. The plurality of first filter elements 120 are movable relative to the housing 110 so that the spacing between adjacent first filter elements 120 is adjustable. A sensor 130 is disposed within the filter chamber 111 and positioned between the first filter elements 120 and the first outlet 113. The sensor 130 can detect the concentration of harmful gases in the gas filtered by the first filter elements 120. The first filter elements 120 move relative to the housing 110 according to the concentration of harmful gases detected by the sensor 130 to change the spacing between them.

[0034] In the gas filtration device 100 of this embodiment, the sensor 130 can detect the concentration of harmful gases in the gas filtered by the first filter element 120 and control the movement of the first filter element 120 relative to the housing 110 to change the distance between two adjacent first filter elements 120, thereby changing the wind resistance generated by the first filter element 120 on the airflow. In other words, the gas filtration device 100 of this embodiment can adjust the gas flow rate according to the concentration of harmful gases in the filtered gas, ensuring that harmful gases are filtered while ensuring that the gas flow rate meets the consumption requirements of the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0035] Some specific embodiments of the gas filtration device 100 of the present invention are described below. For ease of description, Figure 1 The left and right directions are the first directions.

[0036] The gas filtration device 100 of this embodiment includes a housing 110, a first filter element 120, and a sensor 130.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the housing 110 has a filter chamber 111. The housing 110 is provided with a first inlet 112 and a first outlet 113 arranged opposite to each other in a first direction. The first inlet 112 communicates with the filter chamber 111 and is located on the left side of the filter chamber 111, while the first outlet 113 communicates with the filter chamber 111 and is located on the right side of the filter chamber 111. Specifically, gas can enter the filter chamber 111 through the first inlet 112, and the filtered gas can be discharged from the gas filtration device 100 through the first outlet 113.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 2As shown, the first filter element 120 can filter harmful gases in the gas, thereby reducing the concentration of harmful gases in the gas. In this embodiment of the invention, multiple first filter elements 120 are provided, arranged sequentially within the filter chamber 111 and located between the first inlet 112 and the first outlet 113 in a first direction. That is, multiple first filter elements 120 operate simultaneously to filter the gas within the filter chamber 111. Specifically, the first filter element 120 can adsorb harmful gases (i.e., filter harmful gases) through the adsorption layer, and also plays a role in regulating pressure drop.

[0039] It should be noted that during the filtration process of the first filter element 120, a certain pressure drop occurs after the airflow passes through it. That is, the stronger the filtration capacity of the first filter element 120, the greater the pressure drop. In other words, the stronger the adsorption capacity of the first filter element 120, the greater the pressure drop. Excessive pressure drop may lead to insufficient oxygen supply to the hydrogen fuel cell, resulting in insufficient oxygen for the electrochemical reaction or excessively rapid temperature rise. This can be understood as follows: as the rotating shaft 140 rotates, the angle between the first filter element 120 and the airflow continuously changes, altering the pressure drop within the filter chamber 111. In other words, the angle of the first filter element 120 is adjusted in real time according to the concentration of harmful gases in the gas.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, multiple first filter elements 120 are movable relative to the housing 110, so that the spacing between two adjacent first filter elements 120 is adjustable. Specifically, by adjusting the spacing between two adjacent first filter elements 120, the air resistance of the first filter element 120 is changed, thereby avoiding insufficient air intake in the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the gas filtration device 100 also includes multiple rotating shafts 140 and a motor. The rotating shafts 140 are rotatably disposed within the filter chamber 111, and the first filter element 120 is disposed on the rotating shaft 140, with each rotating shaft 140 corresponding to a first filter element 120. The motor is disposed on the housing 110 and is connected to the rotating shafts 140 via a transmission connection. The motor is also electrically connected to the sensor 130. In this embodiment of the invention, a low-power motor is used, which can provide power to the rotating shafts 140.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the gas filtration device 100 also includes multiple synchronous gears 150 and multiple reversing gears 160. The synchronous gears 150 are mounted on the rotating shaft 140, and each synchronous gear 150 corresponds to one of the rotating shafts 140. The reversing gears 160 are rotatably mounted in the filter chamber 111, and each reversing gear 160 meshes with two adjacent synchronous gears 150 to ensure that the rotation directions of the two adjacent synchronous gears 150 are the same.

[0043] Specifically, to ensure that all rotating shafts 140 can rotate synchronously, a synchronous gear 150 is installed on each rotating shaft 140. The synchronous gear 150 is the main gear that drives the first filter element 120 to rotate. A reversing gear 160 is installed between every two synchronous gears 150. The reversing gear 160 meshes with the two synchronous gears 150 to ensure that the rotation direction of each synchronous gear 150 is consistent. That is, when the motor drives one rotating shaft 140 to rotate, the other rotating shafts 140 will maintain the same direction and angle of rotation under the action of the gear set.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, on the projection plane orthogonal to the length direction of the first filter element 120, the projection of the first filter element 120 is a parallelogram.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sensor 130 is disposed in the filter chamber 111 and located between the first filter element 120 and the first outlet 113. The sensor 130 can detect the concentration of harmful gases in the gas filtered by the first filter element 120. The first filter element 120 moves relative to the housing 110 according to the concentration of harmful gases detected by the sensor 130 to change the size of the gap.

[0046] Specifically, sensor 130 is located between the first filter element 120 and the first outlet 113. Sensor 130 can detect the concentration of harmful gases in the gas filtered by the first filter element 120. When the concentration of harmful gases is lower than the trigger concentration, it indicates that the gas filtration device 100 is in an "over-adsorption" state. Adjusting the distance between the two first filter elements 120 reduces the adsorption capacity of the first filter element 120 while reducing the wind resistance generated by the gas filtration device 100, thereby allowing more air to pass through the gas filtration device 100 per unit time to provide sufficient air for the hydrogen fuel cell. When the concentration of harmful gases is higher than the trigger concentration, it indicates that the gas filtration device 100 is in an "under-adsorption" state. Adjusting the distance between the two first filter elements 120 increases the adsorption capacity of the first filter element 120 while increasing the wind resistance generated by the gas filtration device 100, thereby allowing less air to pass through the gas filtration device 100 per unit time and improving the adsorption capacity of the gas filtration device 100.

[0047] In other words, the adaptive dynamic adjustment of the gas filter device 100 aims to maintain the balance between the adsorption capacity and pressure drop of the gas filter device 100, so that the concentration of harmful gases in the air entering the hydrogen fuel cell is always kept near the trigger concentration, and the gas filter device 100 will not over-adsorb and cause excessive pressure drop in environments with low concentration of harmful gases, thus ensuring that there is always a sufficient amount of flowing air to provide electrochemical reaction raw materials and heat dissipation function for the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the gas filtration device 100 also includes filter paper 170, which is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the housing 110 and located between the first inlet 112 and the first filter element 120. Filter paper 170 is used to filter solids in the gas. That is, filter paper 170 can physically filter solid particles in the air.

[0049] Optionally, the filter paper 170 includes a plurality of sequentially arranged folds 171, with adjacent folds 170 forming an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The filter paper 170 has a wavy shape, which can increase the adsorption area for solid particles.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the gas filtration device 100 also includes a second filter element 180, which is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the housing 110 and located between the first outlet 113 and the first filter element 120. The second filter element 180 can filter harmful gases in the gas filtered by the first filter element 120.

[0051] Optionally, the second filter element 180 has a smaller dimension in the first direction than the first filter element 120 in the first direction.

[0052] Specifically, the first filter element 120 adopts a split structure and is relatively thick, playing a major role in adsorbing harmful gases. The second filter element 180 adopts an integral structure and is relatively thin, playing a secondary role in adsorbing harmful gases.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, sensor 130 is located between the first outlet 113 and the second filter element 180.

[0054] The hydrogen fuel cell system of this invention includes a hydrogen fuel cell 200, a gas filtration device 100, and a blower 300. The hydrogen fuel cell 200 has a second inlet and a second outlet. The first outlet 113 of the gas filtration device 100 is connected to the second inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell 200. The blower 300 is disposed at the first inlet, the first outlet, and / or the second outlet.

[0055] The hydrogen fuel cell system of this invention helps the hydrogen fuel cell 200 filter the cathode gas according to the concentration of polluting gases in the environment, thereby enabling the hydrogen fuel cell 200 to operate for extended periods in polluted environments. Specifically, the gas filter device 100 in the hydrogen fuel cell system effectively adsorbs harmful gases in the air, thus protecting the hydrogen fuel cell 200. Simultaneously, the hydrogen fuel cell system also includes a self-adjusting mechanism on the gas filter device 100, which, based on the sensor 130, can adjust the air resistance of the gas filter device 100 in real time according to the concentration of harmful gases. When the concentration of harmful gases is low, the gas filter device 100 will not cause unnecessary loss of airflow.

[0056] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0057] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0058] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0059] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0060] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A gas filtration device for hydrogen fuel cells, characterized in that, include: A housing having a filter chamber, the housing having a first inlet and a first outlet arranged opposite to each other in a first direction, the first inlet communicating with the filter chamber, and the first outlet communicating with the filter chamber; Multiple first filter elements are arranged sequentially in the filter chamber and located between the first inlet and the first outlet in the first direction. The first filter elements are used to filter harmful gases in the gas. The multiple first filter elements are movable relative to the housing so that the spacing between two adjacent first filter elements is adjustable. On the projection plane orthogonal to the length direction of the first filter element, the projection of the first filter element is a parallelogram. A sensor is disposed within the filter chamber and located between the first filter element and the first outlet. The sensor can detect the concentration of harmful gases in the gas filtered by the first filter element. The first filter element moves relative to the housing according to the concentration of harmful gases detected by the sensor to change the size of the gap, thereby changing the wind resistance generated by the first filter element on the airflow. The gas filtration device adjusts the gas flow rate according to the concentration of harmful gases in the filtered gas to ensure that the harmful gases in the gas are filtered while ensuring that the gas flow rate meets the consumption of the hydrogen fuel cell. Multiple rotating shafts are rotatably disposed within the filter chamber, and the first filter element is disposed on the rotating shaft, with each rotating shaft corresponding to one of the first filter elements. The motor is mounted on the housing and is connected to the rotating shaft via a transmission connection. The motor is also electrically connected to the sensor. Multiple synchronizing gears are provided, each synchronizing gear being mounted on the rotating shaft and corresponding one-to-one with the rotating shaft. Multiple reversing gears are rotatably disposed within the filter chamber. Each reversing gear meshes with two adjacent synchronous gears to ensure that the two adjacent synchronous gears rotate in the same direction.

2. The gas filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The filter paper is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the housing and is located between the first inlet and the first filter element. The filter paper is used to filter solids in the gas.

3. The gas filtration device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter paper includes a plurality of folds arranged in sequence, with an angle between adjacent folds, the angle being greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

4. The gas filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second filter element is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the housing and is located between the first outlet and the first filter element. The second filter element is used to filter harmful gases in the gas filtered by the first filter element.

5. The gas filtration device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The dimension of the second filter element in the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the first filter element in the first direction.

6. The gas filtration device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sensor is located between the first outlet and the second filter element.

7. A hydrogen fuel cell system, characterized in that, include: Hydrogen fuel cell, the hydrogen fuel cell having a second inlet and a second outlet; A gas filtration device, wherein the gas filtration device is the gas filtration device according to any one of claims 1-6, and the first outlet of the gas filtration device is connected to the second inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell; A fan, wherein the fan is disposed at the first inlet, the first outlet and / or the second outlet.

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