Gas mixing and cooling device for fuel cell

Abstract

The application provides a gas mixing and cooling device for a fuel cell. The device comprises a gas mixing and air cooling assembly and a gas pump. The gas mixing and air cooling assembly is internally provided with a mixing and air cooling cavity. A high-temperature gas inlet elbow is arranged at the upper end of the gas mixing and air cooling assembly. The high-temperature gas inlet elbow is connected with the tail exhaust interface of a high-temperature fuel cell system. One side of the gas mixing and air cooling assembly is provided with a gas mixing and air cooling assembly interface which is communicated with the gas pump. A dispersion cover is arranged at the other side of the gas mixing and air cooling assembly. The dispersion cover is in the form of a ring-shaped horn structure. The technical scheme of the application solves the problems of the prior art, such as large power consumption, complex structure, large occupied space, large resistance drop and back pressure, and low integration degree of the high-temperature fuel cell cooling system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more particularly to a mixed-gas cooling device for fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] High-temperature fuel cell systems generate high exhaust temperatures. To maintain the exhaust temperature of the fuel cell system near room temperature, a cooling device is required. Currently, commonly used cooling and heat exchange devices are divided into two types: water cooling and air cooling. Water cooling systems require additional water pump assemblies and radiator assemblies, resulting in a complex system structure and high power consumption. Air cooling systems use air as the heat dissipation medium, which has lower heat dissipation efficiency, requires a large fan airflow, and has a large radiator assembly front area, resulting in a larger overall system size and space occupation, and lower integration. In addition, both water cooling and air cooling systems have significant resistance drops and back pressures. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems of high-temperature fuel cell cooling systems, such as high power consumption, complex structure, large space occupation, significant drag drop and back pressure, and low integration, this invention provides a gas-mixing cooling device for fuel cells. This invention primarily utilizes a mixed-flow air-cooling chamber and a dispersion cover to allow high-temperature gas to enter a high-temperature inlet bend and form a certain intake vortex within the mixed-flow air-cooling chamber. This allows for thorough mixing and air-cooling of excess ambient gas, followed by dispersion and discharge into the ambient atmosphere. This achieves gas-mixing cooling of the high-temperature exhaust gas, improves the integration of the cooling device, reduces energy consumption and cost, and the large radius of the high-temperature inlet bend reduces its structural drag drop, thereby improving the device's intake efficiency.

[0004] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows:

[0005] A mixed-gas cooling device for fuel cells includes: a mixed-gas air-cooling component and an air pump;

[0006] The mixed-gas air-cooling component has a mixed-flow air-cooling chamber inside. A high-temperature air inlet bend is provided at the upper end of the mixed-gas air-cooling component. The high-temperature air inlet bend is connected to the tail exhaust interface of the high-temperature fuel cell system. A mixed-gas air-cooling component interface is provided on one side of the mixed-gas air-cooling component. The mixed-gas air-cooling component interface is connected to the air pump. A dispersion cover is provided on the other side of the mixed-gas air-cooling component. The dispersion cover has an annular horn-shaped structure.

[0007] It also includes: an air pump housing and a brushless motor drive board. The air pump is placed in the air pump housing. A through hole is opened on the upper part of one side of the air pump housing. The interface of the mixed air-cooling component is connected to the air pump through the through hole. The brushless motor drive board is installed on the lower part of one side of the air pump housing.

[0008] Furthermore, an air pump inlet is provided on the other side of the air pump housing, a silencer is provided on the outside of the air pump inlet, and sound-absorbing cotton is provided on the inner wall of the air pump housing.

[0009] Furthermore, the air-cooled mixed-gas assembly is fixedly mounted on a bracket, which is placed on the ground.

[0010] Furthermore, heat dissipation fins are provided at the interface between the high-temperature air intake bend and the mixed-flow air-cooling cavity, at the lower part of the mixed-flow air-cooling cavity, and on the outer side of the mixed-air air-cooling assembly.

[0011] Furthermore, the air-cooled component is made of a high-temperature resistant and organic working fluid corrosion resistant material.

[0012] Furthermore, the heat dissipation fins at the lower part of the mixed-flow air-cooling cavity are connected to the heat dissipation fins on the outer side of the mixed-flow air-cooling assembly.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0014] 1. The present invention provides a gas mixing and cooling device for fuel cells. By setting up a mixing air-cooling chamber and a dispersion cover, high-temperature gas enters the high-temperature intake bend and forms a certain intake vortex in the mixing air-cooling chamber. It fully mixes with excess ambient gas and performs air cooling heat dissipation, and then blows it out into the ambient atmosphere. This achieves air cooling of high-temperature exhaust gas. As the pump current increases, the amount of ambient air intake increases, the gas mixing and cooling effect becomes better, and the temperature of the discharged mixed gas becomes lower. Moreover, the overall cooling device has high integration, is easy to use, has low energy consumption and cost, and the gas mixing structure has low resistance, which is conducive to improving the intake efficiency of the system and matching and debugging with the system.

[0015] 2. The mixed-gas cooling device for fuel cells provided by the present invention provides more favorable air cooling heat dissipation by setting heat dissipation fins in the mixed-flow air-cooling cavity and on the outside of the mixed-gas air-cooling component, as well as heat dissipation fins at the interface between the high-temperature intake bend and the mixed-flow air-cooling cavity. By setting a silencer and sound-absorbing cotton that match the air pump, the noise during air intake is reduced so that the noise meets the system index requirements.

[0016] In summary, the technical solution of this invention, by setting up a mixed-flow air-cooling chamber and a dispersion cover, allows high-temperature gas to enter the high-temperature intake bend and form a certain intake vortex within the mixed-flow air-cooling chamber. This allows for thorough mixing and air-cooling with excess ambient gas, followed by dissipation through the dispersion cover into the ambient atmosphere. This achieves mixed-flow air-cooling of high-temperature exhaust gas, reduces energy consumption costs, and improves the integration of the cooling device and the intake efficiency of the system. Therefore, the technical solution of this invention solves the problems of high power consumption, complex structure, large space occupation, large resistance drop and back pressure, and low integration in the cooling systems of existing high-temperature fuel cells.

[0017] Based on the above reasons, this invention can be widely applied in fields such as fuel cells. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the gas mixing and cooling device described in this invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of the gas mixing and cooling device described in this invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exhaust gas flow path after the gas mixing and cooling device described in this invention is connected to a high-temperature fuel cell system.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Air pump; 2. Brushless motor drive board; 3. Mixed-air cooling assembly; 4. Muffler; 5. Air pump housing; 6. Mixed-flow air cooling chamber; 7. Dispersion cover; 8. High-temperature fuel cell system; 9. High-temperature air inlet bend; 10. Heat sink fins. Detailed Implementation

[0023] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0026] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0028] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the present invention provides a mixed-gas cooling device for fuel cells, comprising: an air pump 1, a brushless motor drive board 2, a mixed-gas air-cooling assembly 3, a muffler 4, and an air pump housing 5;

[0032] The bottom of the mixed air-cooled component 3 is fixed on the bracket, which is fixed to the ground. The interior of the mixed air-cooled component 3 is a mixed flow air-cooled chamber 6. A dispersion cover 7 is provided on one side of the mixed air-cooled component 3. High temperature air inlet bends 9 are respectively provided on both sides of the upper end of the mixed air-cooled component 3. The high temperature air inlet bends 9 are connected to the tail exhaust interface of the high temperature fuel cell system 8.

[0033] The other side of the air-mixed cooling component 3 is provided with an air-mixed cooling component interface. The air pump 1 is placed in the air pump housing 5. A through hole is opened on the upper part of one side of the air pump housing 5. The air-mixed cooling component interface is connected to the air pump 1 through the through hole.

[0034] The brushless motor drive board 2 is installed on the lower side of the air pump housing 5 and is used in conjunction with the air pump 1. The brushless motor drive board 2 controls the fan speed of the air pump 1 through a PWM signal, which increases as the duty cycle increases, thereby adjusting the air intake of the air pump 1.

[0035] The air pump 1 air inlet is provided on the other side of the air pump housing 5, and the silencer 4 is provided outside the air inlet. The model of the silencer 4 can be selected according to the noise level in actual use.

[0036] Furthermore, the inner wall of the air pump housing 5 is provided with sound-absorbing cotton to absorb noise and reduce noise levels.

[0037] Furthermore, the air-cooled mixed-gas component 3 is made of a high-temperature resistant and organic working fluid corrosion resistant material.

[0038] Furthermore, heat dissipation fins 10 are provided at the interface between the high-temperature air intake bend 9 and the mixed-flow air-cooling cavity 6, at the lower part of the mixed-flow air-cooling cavity 6, and on the outer side of the mixed-flow air-cooling assembly 3. The heat dissipation fins 10 in the mixed-flow air-cooling cavity 6 are connected to the heat dissipation fins 10 on the outer side of the mixed-flow air-cooling assembly 3, and the heat dissipation fins 10 are used for air cooling.

[0039] Furthermore, the high-temperature air intake bend 9 has a large radius, which helps to reduce the resistance drop and makes it easier for the high-temperature gas to enter the mixed-flow air cooling cavity 6.

[0040] Furthermore, the dispersion cover 7 has an annular funnel-shaped mesh structure, and the center of the dispersion cover 7 is closed to guide the mixed gas. Under the action of the air pump 1, the mixed gas gradually expands and is guided according to the funnel structure, reducing the flow rate and increasing the pressure, and is blown out into the atmosphere.

[0041] When the fuel cell gas mixing and cooling device is working, the air pump 1 is started, and the current of the air pump 1 is gradually increased to increase the intake volume of ambient gas, resulting in a better cooling effect. The gas entering the mixed air cooling chamber 6 from the high-temperature intake bend 9 will form an intake vortex, which will fully mix with the excess ambient gas. After full mixing and air cooling, the mixed gas, under the action of the air pressure of the air pump 1, will be discharged into the atmosphere through the gradual expansion and deceleration of the dispersion cover 7, thereby cooling the high-temperature exhaust gas. The larger the intake volume of ambient gas, the lower the temperature of the discharged mixed gas. When the air pump 1 is running, as the intake volume of ambient gas increases, the noise at the air pump inlet will also increase. The silencer 4 is selected according to the system noise index requirements, and the current value of the air pump 1 is reasonably set to reduce the intake noise and meet the usage requirements.

[0042] like Figure 3As shown, the mixed-gas cooling device for fuel cells provided by the present invention is connected to the high-temperature fuel cell system 8. The air pump 1 is started, and the current is gradually increased to 3A. The silencer 4 is matched with the air pump 1. The noise of the air pump 1 assembly is measured to be 64dB, which meets the noise index requirement of 70dB of the high-temperature fuel cell system 8. Excess ambient air is introduced, and the ambient temperature is 27°C. After mixed-gas cooling, the temperature of the discharged mixed gas is 39°C, which meets the requirements of the high-temperature fuel cell system 8 for the exhaust gas temperature index.

[0043] The present invention provides a fuel cell mixed gas cooling device with high integration, convenient use, low energy consumption and cost, low noise, and low resistance drop of the mixed gas structure, which is conducive to improving the system's intake efficiency and matching degree. It has no impact on the cathode gas pump control in the high temperature fuel cell system and is easy to debug.

[0044] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mixed-gas cooling device for fuel cells, characterized in that, include: The system includes a mixed-gas air-cooling assembly and an air pump. The mixed-gas air-cooling assembly has an internal mixed-flow air-cooling chamber. A high-temperature air inlet bend is located at the upper end of the assembly, connecting to the exhaust port of a high-temperature fuel cell system. A mixed-gas air-cooling assembly interface is located on one side of the assembly, communicating with the air pump. A dispersion cover with an annular flared structure is located on the other side of the assembly. The center of the dispersion cover is closed, serving to guide the mixed gas. Under the pressure of the air pump, the mixed gas gradually expands and flows according to the flared structure, reducing the flow velocity and increasing the pressure, before being dispersed and discharged into the atmosphere.

2. The fuel cell mixed-gas cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The air pump housing and brushless motor drive board are provided. The air pump is placed in the air pump housing. A through hole is opened on the upper part of one side of the air pump housing. The interface of the air-cooled mixed air component is connected to the air pump through the through hole. The brushless motor drive board is installed on the lower part of one side of the air pump housing.

3. The fuel cell mixed-gas cooling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air pump inlet is located on the other side of the air pump housing. A silencer is located outside the air pump inlet, and sound-absorbing cotton is located on the inner wall of the air pump housing.

4. The fuel cell mixed-gas cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air-cooled mixed-gas assembly is fixedly mounted on a bracket, which is placed on the ground.

5. The fuel cell mixed-gas cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Heat dissipation fins are provided at the interface between the high-temperature air intake bend and the mixed-flow air-cooling cavity, at the lower part of the mixed-flow air-cooling cavity, and on the outer side of the mixed-air air-cooling assembly.

6. The fuel cell mixed-gas cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air-cooled component is made of a high-temperature resistant and organic working fluid corrosion resistant material.

7. The fuel cell mixed-gas cooling device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat dissipation fins at the lower part of the mixed-flow air-cooling cavity are connected to the heat dissipation fins on the outer side of the mixed-flow air-cooling assembly.

Images