A fuel cell water washing system

Abstract

The application relates to the field of fuel cell technology and discloses a fuel cell water washing system, wherein a water washing cooling device is provided with a water washing air inlet, a water washing air outlet, a water supplement inlet and a water outlet; a fuel cell stack is provided with an anode air inlet, a cathode water outlet and an internal cooling pipeline; the cathode water outlet is communicated with the internal cooling pipeline; the internal cooling pipeline is provided with a circulating water inlet and a circulating water outlet; a first water tank is provided with a first water inlet, a first water outlet and a first overflow port; a second water tank is provided with a second water inlet and a second water outlet; a hydrogen output port of a reforming hydrogen production module is connected with the water washing air inlet; the water washing air outlet is connected with the anode air inlet; the circulating water outlet is connected with the first water inlet through a first water pump; the first water outlet is connected with the circulating water inlet; the first overflow port is connected with the second water inlet; and the second water outlet is connected with the water supplement inlet through a second water pump. The application carries out water washing on hydrogen produced by reforming hydrogen production, and external water sources are not needed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a fuel cell water washing system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, mainstream cryogenic fuel cells are mainly used in the automotive sector (commercial and passenger vehicles). The liquid water produced during operation is directly discharged without being utilized. The hydrogen source for on-board fuel cells is mostly a hydrogen storage tank. In the industrial sector, hydrogen can be obtained by reforming hydrogen-containing substances such as methane and methanol. However, because the gases produced by the reforming reaction contain not only hydrogen but also carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and small amounts of organic byproducts and impurities, the purity of hydrogen produced by hydrogen-containing substance reforming technology (reforming hydrogen from methane, methanol, etc.) is far less than 99%. In contrast, hydrogen power generation applications, especially on-board fuel cells, use hydrogen with a purity of over 99%. To improve hydrogen purity, the common practice is to use palladium membrane purification and PSA pressure swing adsorption technologies at the downstream end. However, these technologies require relatively high reaction pressures.

[0003] In large-scale chemical engineering, water washing devices (such as water washing towers) are used to remove organic byproducts from gases. While water washing cannot significantly increase the purity of hydrogen produced by hydrogen reforming, it can remove impurities and organic byproducts, facilitating its use in fuel cell power generation. However, currently, hydrogen-rich fuel cells on the market do not utilize this water washing technology. Furthermore, during the water washing process, as soluble organic byproducts dissolve in the water, the solubility gradually increases until it reaches saturation, at which point further removal becomes impossible. This necessitates water replacement, replacing the dissolved water with fresh, non-dissolved water; otherwise, the water washing device will fail. Currently, the chemical industry often relies on external water sources for periodic water replacement, requiring the introduction of an external water supply. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fuel cell water washing system that washes hydrogen produced by reforming to remove organic byproducts and impurities without the need for an external water source.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a fuel cell water washing system, including a reforming hydrogen production module, a water washing and cooling device, a fuel cell stack, a first water pump, a first water tank, a second water tank, and a second water pump. The water washing and cooling device is provided with a water washing inlet, a water washing outlet, a water inlet, and a drain outlet. The fuel cell stack is provided with an anode inlet, a cathode outlet, and an internal cooling pipeline. The cathode outlet is connected to the internal cooling pipeline. The internal cooling pipeline is provided with a circulating water inlet and a circulating water outlet. The first water tank is provided with a first water inlet, a first water outlet, and a first overflow outlet. The second water tank is provided with a second water inlet and a second water outlet.

[0006] The hydrogen output port of the reforming hydrogen production module is connected to the water washing inlet, the water washing outlet is connected to the anode inlet, the circulating water outlet is connected to the input end of the first water pump, the output end of the first water pump is connected to the first water inlet, the first water outlet is connected to the circulating water inlet, the first overflow port is connected to the second water inlet, the second water outlet is connected to the input end of the second water pump, and the output end of the second water pump is connected to the water replenishment port.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting pipe between the output end of the second water pump and the water inlet is provided with a one-way valve.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a third water pump. The output end of the first water pump is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger, and the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the first inlet. The water washing and cooling device is further provided with a water washing inlet and a water washing outlet. The water washing outlet is connected to the input end of the third water pump, the output end of the third water pump is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and the outlet of the second heat exchanger is connected to the water washing inlet.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a radiator, a fourth water pump, and a fifth water pump. The output end of the radiator is connected to the input end of the fourth water pump and the input end of the fifth water pump, respectively. The output end of the fourth water pump is connected to the cooling water inlet of the first heat exchanger. The output end of the fifth water pump is connected to the cooling water inlet of the second heat exchanger. The cooling water outlet of the first heat exchanger and the cooling water outlet of the second heat exchanger are connected to the input end of the radiator, respectively.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drain outlet is connected to a water-air separator.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pressure sensor is provided at the bottom of the second water tank, and the pressure sensor is electrically connected to the second water pump.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a carbon monoxide remover, wherein the water washing outlet is connected to the input end of the carbon monoxide remover, and the output end of the carbon monoxide remover is connected to the anode inlet.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second water tank is provided with a second overflow port.

[0014] This invention discloses a fuel cell water washing system. Compared with existing technologies, its advantages are as follows: This invention uses a water washing and cooling device to wash and cool the hydrogen produced by the reforming hydrogen production module, thereby removing organic by-products and impurities from the hydrogen, reducing the impact of impurities and organic by-products on the fuel cell stack, and extending the working life of the fuel cell. The water generated during the power generation of the fuel cell stack is transported to the water washing and cooling device to replenish the device, preventing the water from becoming saturated and causing the water washing to fail. There is no need to introduce an external water source, and the water in the water washing and cooling device can be drained through the drain outlet, avoiding excessive water in the device. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fuel cell water washing system provided by the present invention;

[0016] In the diagram, 1. Reforming hydrogen production module; 2. Water washing and cooling device; 21. Water washing inlet; 22. Water washing outlet; 23. Water inlet; 24. Drain outlet; 241. Water-gas separator; 25. Water washing inlet; 26. Water washing outlet; 27. Second heat exchanger; 271. Fifth water pump; 28. Third water pump; 3. Fuel cell stack; 31. Anode inlet; 32. Circulation inlet; 33. Circulation outlet; 4. First water pump; 41. First heat exchanger; 411. Fourth water pump; 5. First water tank; 51. First inlet; 52. First outlet; 53. First overflow outlet; 6. Second water tank; 61. Second inlet; 62. Second outlet; 63. Second overflow outlet; 64. Pressure sensor; 7. Second water pump; 71. Check valve; 8. Radiator; 9. Carbon monoxide remover. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0018] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., used to indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are 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. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel cell water washing system, including a reforming hydrogen production module 1, a water washing and cooling device 2, a fuel cell stack 3, a first water pump 4, a first water tank 5, a second water tank 6, and a second water pump 7. The water washing and cooling device 2 is provided with a water washing air inlet 21, a water washing air outlet 22, a water replenishment inlet 23, and a drain outlet 24. The fuel cell stack 3 is provided with an anode air inlet 31, a cathode water outlet, and an internal cooling pipeline. The cathode water outlet is connected to the internal cooling pipeline. The internal cooling pipeline is provided with a circulating water inlet 32 ​​and a circulating water outlet 33. The first water tank 5 is provided with a first water inlet 51, a first water outlet 52, and a first overflow outlet 53. The second water tank 6 is provided with a second water inlet 61 and a second water outlet 62.

[0020] The hydrogen output port of the reforming hydrogen production module 1 is connected to the water washing inlet 21, the water washing outlet 22 is connected to the anode inlet 31, the circulating water outlet 33 is connected to the input end of the first water pump 4, the output end of the first water pump 4 is connected to the first water inlet 51, the first water outlet 52 is connected to the circulating water inlet 32, the first overflow outlet 53 is connected to the second water inlet 61, the second water outlet 62 is connected to the input end of the second water pump 7, and the output end of the second water pump 7 is connected to the water replenishment outlet 23.

[0021] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: The gas (containing organic byproducts and impurities) output from the hydrogen output port of the reforming hydrogen production module 1 enters the water washing and cooling device 2 through the water washing inlet 21. The gas is cooled down, and the organic byproducts are absorbed by the water washing. Then, the gas after water washing and cooling is output from the water washing outlet 22 of the water washing and cooling device 2 to the anode inlet 31 of the fuel cell stack 3 to power the fuel cell stack 3 for reaction and power generation. Water is generated when the fuel cell generates electricity. The water is transported from the cathode outlet to the internal cooling pipes, and then the internal cooling pipes... Water in the pipeline is transported to the first water pump 4 through the circulation outlet 33, and then to the first water tank 5. The water in the first water tank 5 is transported to the circulation inlet 32 ​​through the first outlet 52, so that the water in the internal cooling pipeline is kept circulating. The liquid level in the first water tank 5 will gradually rise. When the liquid level in the first water tank 5 reaches the height of the first overflow outlet 53, the water in the first water tank 5 will overflow into the second water tank 6 through the first overflow outlet 53. The water in the second water tank 6 is transported to the second water pump 7 through the second outlet 62, and then to the water replenishment outlet 23 of the water washing and cooling device 2.

[0022] In this embodiment, the hydrogen produced by the reforming hydrogen production module 1 is washed and cooled by the water washing and cooling device 2 to remove organic by-products and impurities from the hydrogen, thereby reducing the impact of impurities and organic by-products on the fuel cell stack 3 and extending the working life of the fuel cell. The water generated by the fuel cell stack 3 during power generation is transported to the water washing and cooling device 2 to replenish the water washing and cooling device 2, so as to prevent the solubility of soluble substances in the water in the water washing and cooling device 2 from reaching saturation and causing the water washing to fail. There is no need to introduce an external water source, nor is it necessary to manually change the water in the water washing and cooling device 2 periodically. The water containing impurities in the water washing and cooling device 2 can be drained through the drain outlet 24 to avoid excessive water in the water washing and cooling device 2. This effectively combines water washing technology, reforming hydrogen production technology and fuel cell technology.

[0023] For example, the connecting pipe between the output end of the second water pump 7 and the water inlet 23 is equipped with a one-way valve 71. The flow direction of the one-way valve 71 is from the output end of the second water pump 7 to the water inlet 23, so that when the water washing and cooling device 2 is working, no liquid or gas will flow back into the second water tank 6 (because the water pressure of the water washing and cooling device 2 is greater than the water pressure of the second water tank 6).

[0024] For example, the system also includes a first heat exchanger 41, a second heat exchanger 27, and a third water pump 28. The output end of the first water pump 48 is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger 41, and the outlet of the first heat exchanger 41 is connected to the first inlet 51. Water in the internal cooling pipes flows out from the circulation outlet 33, passes through the first water pump 4 and the first heat exchanger 41 in sequence, and is then transported to the first water tank 5. The water in the first water tank 5 returns to the internal cooling pipes through the first outlet 52 and the circulation inlet 32. That is, the first heat exchanger 41 cools the water flowing out of the internal cooling pipes to ensure the fuel cell's temperature is maintained. The internal cooling effect of the fuel cell stack 3; the water washing and cooling device 2 is also provided with a water washing inlet 25 and a water washing outlet 26. The water washing outlet 26 is connected to the input end of the third water pump 28, the output end of the third water pump 28 is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 27, and the outlet of the second heat exchanger 27 is connected to the water washing inlet 25. The water in the water washing and cooling device 2 flows through the water washing outlet 26 to the second water pump 7 and the second heat exchanger 27 in sequence, and finally returns to the water washing and cooling device 2 through the water washing inlet 25, thereby achieving cooling and cooling of the water in the water washing and cooling device 2 and ensuring the cooling effect of the water washing and cooling device 2.

[0025] For example, the system also includes a radiator 8, a fourth water pump 411, and a fifth water pump 271. The output end of the radiator 8 is connected to the input ends of the fourth water pump 411 and the fifth water pump 271, respectively. The output end of the fourth water pump 411 is connected to the cooling water inlet of the first heat exchanger 41, and the output end of the fifth water pump 271 is connected to the cooling water inlet of the second heat exchanger 27. The cooling water outlets of the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 27 are connected to the input end of the radiator 8, respectively. The first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 27 contain... Cooling water is delivered to radiator 8, and after being cooled, it returns to the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 27 to ensure the heat exchange (cooling) effect of the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 27. By controlling the flow rates of the first water pump 4, the fourth water pump 411 and the fifth water pump 271, the temperature of the fuel cell stack 3 and the water washing and cooling device 2 are controlled at the target temperature value. The heat generated by the fuel cell stack 3 and the heat generated by the water washing and cooling device 2 are discharged from the system by radiator 8 through the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 27.

[0026] For example, the drain outlet 24 is connected to a water-gas separator 241. The water washing and cooling device 2 drains water through the drain outlet 24. The water containing impurities is discharged through the water-gas separator 241 to separate the water and gas.

[0027] For example, a pressure sensor 64 is provided at the bottom of the second water tank 6. The pressure sensor 64 is electrically connected to the second water pump 7. The pressure sensor 64 controls the opening and closing of the second water pump 7. When the water pressure detected by the pressure sensor 64 is greater than the set value (i.e. the liquid level is higher than the set liquid level), the second water pump 7 is controlled to open and pump the water in the second water tank 6 to the water washing and cooling device 2.

[0028] The gas cooled by the water washing and cooling device 2 may still contain a small amount of carbon monoxide. Therefore, for example, this system also includes a carbon monoxide remover 9. The water washing outlet 22 is connected to the input end of the carbon monoxide remover 9, and the output end of the carbon monoxide remover 9 is connected to the anode inlet 31. The gas cooled by the water washing and cooling device 2 is transported to the carbon monoxide remover 9 through the water washing outlet 22. The carbon monoxide remover 9 removes the carbon monoxide in the gas and then transports it to the anode inlet 31 of the fuel cell stack 3. In addition, a cooling device and a water-gas separation device can be set between the carbon monoxide remover 9 and the anode inlet 31 to achieve cooling and water-gas separation of the gas after water washing.

[0029] For example, the second water tank 6 is provided with a second overflow port 63. When the second water pump 7 does not replenish water in time (i.e., the second water pump 7 fails to pump the water in the second water tank 6 to the water washing and cooling device 2 in time), the excess water can also flow out from the second overflow port 63 without causing drainage blockage.

[0030] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell water washing system, characterized in that: The system includes a reforming hydrogen production module, a water washing and cooling device, a fuel cell stack, a first water pump, a first water tank, a second water tank, and a second water pump. The water washing and cooling device is equipped with a water washing inlet, a water washing outlet, a water inlet, and a drain outlet. The fuel cell stack is equipped with an anode inlet, a cathode outlet, and an internal cooling pipeline. The cathode outlet is connected to the internal cooling pipeline. The internal cooling pipeline is equipped with a circulating water inlet and a circulating water outlet. The first water tank is equipped with a first water inlet, a first water outlet, and a first overflow outlet. The second water tank is equipped with a second water inlet and a second water outlet. The hydrogen output port of the reforming hydrogen production module is connected to the water washing inlet, the water washing outlet is connected to the anode inlet, the circulating water outlet is connected to the input end of the first water pump, the output end of the first water pump is connected to the first water inlet, the first water outlet is connected to the circulating water inlet, the first overflow port is connected to the second water inlet, the second water outlet is connected to the input end of the second water pump, and the output end of the second water pump is connected to the water replenishment port.

2. The fuel cell water washing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting pipe between the output end of the second water pump and the water inlet is equipped with a one-way valve.

3. The fuel cell water washing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a third water pump. The output end of the first water pump is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger, and the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the first inlet. The water washing and cooling device is also provided with a water washing inlet and a water washing outlet. The water washing outlet is connected to the input end of the third water pump, the output end of the third water pump is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and the outlet of the second heat exchanger is connected to the water washing inlet.

4. The fuel cell water washing system according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a radiator, a fourth water pump, and a fifth water pump. The output end of the radiator is connected to the input end of the fourth water pump and the input end of the fifth water pump, respectively. The output end of the fourth water pump is connected to the cooling water inlet of the first heat exchanger. The output end of the fifth water pump is connected to the cooling water inlet of the second heat exchanger. The cooling water outlet of the first heat exchanger and the cooling water outlet of the second heat exchanger are respectively connected to the input end of the radiator.

5. The fuel cell water washing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drain outlet is connected to a water-air separator.

6. The fuel cell water washing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure sensor is installed at the bottom of the second water tank, and the pressure sensor is electrically connected to the second water pump.

7. The fuel cell water washing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a carbon monoxide remover, wherein the water washing outlet is connected to the input end of the carbon monoxide remover, and the output end of the carbon monoxide remover is connected to the anode inlet.

8. The fuel cell water washing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second water tank is equipped with a second overflow port.

Images