Gas-liquid separation structure of DMFC

Abstract

The application provides a gas-liquid separator structure of a DMFC, which can meet the gas-liquid separation effect of the system in any direction and meet the separation requirement, and comprises a gas-liquid separator body, top openings and bottom openings arranged on two sides of the gas-liquid separator body respectively, a gas outlet connecting pipe arranged on the gas-liquid separator body, a tail gas discharge port arranged on the gas outlet connecting pipe, an inlet connecting pipe arranged on the gas-liquid separator body and corresponding to the gas outlet connecting pipe, a gas-liquid inlet arranged on the inlet connecting pipe, corresponding first and second gas-liquid separation baffles arranged in the gas-liquid separator body, a liquid blocking ring arranged on the first gas-liquid separation baffle, a conical flow guide surface arranged on the second gas-liquid separation baffle, the liquid blocking ring and the conical flow guide surface arranged reversely, and flow guide holes arranged on the first and second gas-liquid separation baffles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of direct methanol fuel cells, and in particular to a gas-liquid separation structure for a DMFC. Background Technology

[0002] The working principle of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is as follows: Figure 1 Its anode and cathode catalysts are Pt-Ru / C (or Pt-Ru black) and Pt-C, respectively. Its electrode reactions are as follows:

[0003] Anode: CH3OH + H2O → CO2 + 6H+ + 6e-

[0004] Cathode: 1.5O₂ + 6e⁻ + 6H⁺ → 3H₂O

[0005] The overall reaction of the battery is CH3OH + 1.5O2 → 2H2O + CO2

[0006] In the DMFC reaction process, a low-concentration methanol solution participates in the anode cycle. Consuming 1 mol of methanol requires 1 mol of water, simultaneously generating 1 mol of CO2, 6 mol of protons, and 6 mol of electrons. While the anode consumes 1 mol of methanol, the corresponding cathode consumes 3 / 2 mol of oxygen, generating 3 mol of H2O. Protons pass through the exchange membrane as H3O+, which explains the relatively high water content at the cathode. During the DMFC system's chemical reaction, approximately 40% of the energy is converted into electrical energy, and the remaining 60% is converted into heat energy. Most of the heat generated is carried away by water vapor at the cathode. To maintain system temperature stability and water balance, the DMFC system typically requires heat dissipation at the cathode. This heat dissipation condenses the water vapor into water, which is then separated into liquid and gas using a gas-liquid separation structure. After separation, the water is recovered, and the gas is released into the atmosphere. Simultaneously, the CO2 generated at the anode also needs to be released into the atmosphere. DMFC systems generally have low power generation capacity; some are used for stationary unattended installations, while the majority are used as portable power sources. When a DMFC system is used as a portable power source, it is carried on the person and its orientation changes. This is why the gas-liquid separation effect of the system must meet the separation requirements in any direction.

[0007] The gas-liquid separation technology for DMFC is not yet mature. Gas-liquid separators used in DMFC fall into two categories: one is for fixed working environments, requiring only gas-liquid separation efficiency when placed upright; this type of separator can meet the requirements through gravity separation combined with baffle separation. The other type is for portable power supplies, such as power banks. The development of this type of gas-liquid separator is in its early stages and needs to achieve gas-liquid separation in any direction; development of this type of separator is relatively limited.

[0008] The gas-liquid separation structure of the DMFC system needs to meet the separation efficiency requirements. When used in portable power supplies, the orientation of the system is constantly changing, and the existing gas-liquid separation structure of the DMFC system cannot meet the requirements of the system's orientation. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a gas-liquid separator structure for a DMFC that can ensure the gas-liquid separation effect of the system meets the separation requirements in any direction.

[0010] The technical solution is as follows: a gas-liquid separation structure for a DMFC, characterized in that: it includes a gas-liquid separator body, with a top opening and a bottom opening respectively on both sides of the gas-liquid separator body; an outlet pipe is provided on the gas-liquid separator body, with a tail gas outlet on the outlet pipe; an inlet pipe is provided on the gas-liquid separator body corresponding to the outlet pipe, with a gas-liquid inlet on the inlet pipe; a first gas-liquid separation baffle and a second gas-liquid separation baffle are provided inside the gas-liquid separator body; a liquid-blocking ring is provided on the first gas-liquid separation baffle; a conical guide surface is provided on the second gas-liquid separation baffle; the liquid-blocking ring and the conical guide surface are arranged in opposite directions; and guide holes are provided on the first gas-liquid separation baffle and the second gas-liquid separation baffle.

[0011] A further feature is that the gas-liquid separator body includes an outer cylinder, and a top baffle and a bottom baffle are provided on both sides of the outer cylinder. The top baffle and the bottom baffle together with the outer cylinder form the gas-liquid separator body. The top opening is located between the top baffle and the outer cylinder, and the bottom opening is located between the bottom baffle and the outer cylinder. The guide hole of the first gas-liquid separator baffle is staggered from the guide hole of the second gas-liquid separator baffle.

[0012] The present invention adopts the above-described structure. The liquid separator body has a top opening and a bottom opening on both sides, and the gas-liquid separator body is provided with an outlet pipe with a tail outlet. The gas-liquid separator body is provided with an inlet pipe corresponding to the outlet pipe, and the inlet pipe is provided with a gas-liquid inlet. The gas-liquid separator body is provided with a first gas-liquid separation baffle and a second gas-liquid separation baffle. The first gas-liquid separation baffle is provided with a liquid-blocking ring, and the second gas-liquid separation baffle is provided with a conical guide surface. The liquid-blocking ring and the conical guide surface are arranged in opposite directions. The first gas-liquid separation baffle and the second gas-liquid separation baffle are provided with guide holes. According to the principle of gravity separation, the liquid always flows out through the lower opening, thereby ensuring that the gas-liquid separation effect of the system meets the separation requirements in any direction, making the gas-liquid separation efficiency stable and reliable in the long term. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the gas-liquid separation structure of the DMFC of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 for Figure 1 AA section view;

[0015] Figure 3 for Figure 1 BB cross-sectional view;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gas-liquid separation structure of a DMFC when it is in the correct orientation.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gas-liquid separation structure of a DMFC when it is horizontally oscillating.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the gas-liquid separation structure of a DMFC when inverted. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] See Figure 1 A gas-liquid separation structure for a DMFC includes a gas-liquid separator body 1. The gas-liquid separator body 1 has top openings 2-1 and 2-2 and bottom openings 3-1 and 3-2 on both sides. An outlet pipe 4 is provided on the gas-liquid separator body 1, with a tail outlet 5. An inlet pipe 6 is provided on the gas-liquid separator body 1 corresponding to the outlet pipe 4, with a gas-liquid inlet 7. A first gas-liquid separation baffle 8 and a second gas-liquid separation baffle 9 are provided inside the gas-liquid separator body 1. A liquid-blocking ring 10 is provided on the first gas-liquid separation baffle 8, and a conical guide surface 11 is provided on the second gas-liquid separation baffle 9. The liquid-blocking ring 10 and the conical guide surface 11 are arranged in opposite directions. Guide holes 12 are provided on the first gas-liquid separation baffle 8 and the second gas-liquid separation baffle 9. Based on the principle of gravity separation, the liquid always flows out through the lower opening, thus ensuring that the gas-liquid separation effect of the system meets the separation requirements in any direction, making the gas-liquid separation efficiency stable and reliable over a long period.

[0021] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3The gas-liquid separator body 1 includes an outer cylinder 1-1. A top baffle 1-2 and a bottom baffle 1-3 are provided on both sides of the outer cylinder 1-1. The top baffle 1-2 and the bottom baffle 1-3 together with the outer cylinder 1-1 form the gas-liquid separator body 1. Top openings 2-1 and 2-2 are provided between the top baffle 1-2 and the outer cylinder 1-1, and bottom openings 3-1 and 3-2 are provided between the bottom baffle 1-3 and the outer cylinder 1-1. The guide holes 12 of the first gas-liquid separation baffle 8 and the guide holes 12 of the second gas-liquid separation baffle 9 are staggered. The gas-liquid separator is cylindrical in shape. There is a gas-liquid inlet pipe at the bottom of the cylinder and a gas outlet pipe at the top. There are 4 openings at the top and bottom of the cylinder for the flow of gas and liquid. The cylinder is composed of separation baffles and airflow channels. This structure is designed with two separation baffles and a liquid baffle ring. The openings in the two separation baffles are staggered, which is conducive to gas-liquid separation. The liquid baffle ring is used to block the liquid from being discharged from the tail outlet. A conical guide is also designed at the gas-liquid inlet to guide the gas-liquid mixture to the wall surface and promote liquid separation.

[0022] Working principle:

[0023] See Figure 4 When the system is placed upright, the gas-liquid mixture enters from the bottom. The liquid is guided by the cone-shaped nozzle and sprayed onto the cylindrical wall. After initial separation, the gas flows to the lower-pressure outlet at the top, where the separation baffle 2 and the liquid-blocking ring further promote gas-liquid separation. The separated liquid flows down the wall under gravity and exits from the four openings at the bottom. Simultaneously, CO2 generated at the anode can enter through the top opening and exit from the tailpipe along with the separated gas.

[0024] See Figure 5 When the system is placed horizontally, the gas-liquid mixture enters from one end and is guided by a cone-shaped body to spray the fluid onto the cylindrical wall. After initial separation, the gas flows to the lower-pressure outlet at the other end, where the separation baffle 2 and the liquid-blocking ring further promote gas-liquid separation. The separated liquid flows along the wall to the lower position and then exits from the lower outlet. Simultaneously, CO2 generated at the anode can enter through the higher opening and exit from the tailpipe along with the separated gas. Because the entire separation structure is cylindrical and basically centrally symmetrical, as long as its central axis is horizontal, its gas-liquid separation principle is consistent, and its separation efficiency is also basically consistent.

[0025] See Figure 6 When the system is inverted, the gas-liquid mixture enters from the top, and the liquid is guided by the cone-shaped nozzle to be sprayed onto the cylindrical wall. After initial separation, the gas flows to the outlet at the other end where the pressure is lower. The separation baffle 2 and the liquid-retaining ring further promote gas-liquid separation; the liquid-retaining ring is crucial at this stage. The separated liquid flows along the wall to the bottom and exits from the bottom outlet. Simultaneously, CO2 generated at the anode can enter through the opening at the top, and after separation, it is discharged together from the tailpipe.

[0026] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive. The figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention. The actual structure is not limited to this. Those skilled in the art, inspired by this description, may design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separation structure for a DMFC, characterized in that: It includes a gas-liquid separator body, with a top opening and a bottom opening on both sides of the gas-liquid separator body. The gas-liquid separator body is provided with an outlet pipe and a tail gas outlet. The gas-liquid separator body is provided with an inlet pipe corresponding to the outlet pipe and a gas-liquid inlet. The gas-liquid separator body is provided with a first gas-liquid separation baffle and a second gas-liquid separation baffle. The first gas-liquid separation baffle is provided with a liquid-blocking ring, and the second gas-liquid separation baffle is provided with a conical guide surface. The liquid-blocking ring and the conical guide surface are arranged in opposite directions. The first gas-liquid separation baffle and the second gas-liquid separation baffle are provided with guide holes.

2. The gas-liquid separation structure of a DMFC according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separator body includes an outer cylinder, with a top baffle and a bottom baffle provided on both sides of the outer cylinder. The top baffle and the bottom baffle together with the outer cylinder form the gas-liquid separator body. The top opening is located between the top baffle and the outer cylinder, and the bottom opening is located between the bottom baffle and the outer cylinder.

3. The gas-liquid separation structure of a DMFC according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide holes on the first gas-liquid separation baffle are staggered from the guide holes on the second gas-liquid separation baffle.

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