Motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) having a drive arrangement (2) comprising a drive component (3), and a cooling circuit (10) for cooling the drive component (3), wherein a coolant circulating through the cooling circuit (10) is cooled by means of a coolant radiator (11). An increased efficiency of the motor vehicle (1) is achieved in that the coolant radiator (11) is cooled by means of evaporation of a liquid, wherein the liquid is introduced into an air path (12) leading to the coolant radiator (11), wherein the liquid is stored in a reservoir (14) to which no additional pressure is applied, and wherein, during operation, the liquid is at least partially extracted from a gas mass flow flowing through the motor vehicle (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle having a drive unit and a cooling circuit for cooling the drive components of the drive unit. Background Technology

[0002] The drive components used in motor vehicles require progressively increasing cooling. In motor vehicles that are at least partially electrically powered, the requirements for effective cooling increase. In battery-electric vehicles, for example, during battery charging, increased cooling capacity is needed to cool the battery, which serves as the drive component. The same increased cooling capacity is required when the motor vehicle includes a fuel cell as a drive component.

[0003] To provide these increased cooling capacities, motor vehicles typically include a cooling circuit through which coolant circulates during operation and cools the drive components. Typically, the coolant is also cooled by an airflow, particularly by air. For this purpose, the coolant flows through a coolant radiator, which is also through which air flows in a manner separate from the coolant fluid.

[0004] Liquids, particularly water, are typically generated during the operation of motor vehicles. These liquids are usually contained as droplets within a gaseous mass stream. The gaseous mass stream containing the droplets is typically discharged from the motor vehicle via an exhaust system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved or at least additional embodiment of the type of motor vehicle mentioned at the beginning, characterized in particular by an increase in efficiency.

[0006] This invention is based on the following general concept: In a motor vehicle, a coolant circulating through a cooling circuit is cooled during operation by means of a coolant radiator. The motor vehicle includes a cooling circuit for cooling drive components of a drive unit. This radiator is also circulated by air. Evaporative cooling is employed to increase the cooling capacity of the coolant radiator, as evaporative liquid is supplied to the coolant radiator and / or the upstream airflow. The required liquid is extracted at least partially from a gaseous mass flow already present in the motor vehicle, which contains droplets, and the liquid is collected in a reservoir. Neither the gaseous mass flow nor the reservoir is subjected to additional pressure. Specifically, the gaseous mass flow is not subject to overpressure, and the reservoir is pressureless. The use of evaporative cooling results in improved cooling efficiency of the drive components, thereby improving the efficiency of the motor vehicle. By extracting liquid from the existing gaseous mass flow, efficiency is improved in addition to more autonomous operation of the motor vehicle. The construction of the reservoir without additional pressure also allows for simplified collection and / or extraction of liquid from the gaseous mass flow and simplified use of the liquid for evaporative cooling. This also leads to improved efficiency of the motor vehicle.

[0007] According to the concept of the present invention, a motor vehicle includes a drive unit for driving the motor vehicle. For driving the motor vehicle, the drive unit includes drive components. Furthermore, the motor vehicle includes an exhaust system through which, during operation, a mass flow of gas containing droplets flows, and particularly through, the exhaust system for discharge. The exhaust system includes a device configured such that the mass flow of gas downstream of the device is not subjected to additional pressure, particularly not overpressure. Hereinafter, this device is also referred to as a pressure reducing device. Furthermore, the motor vehicle includes a cooling circuit through which coolant circulates during operation. The drive components are included in the cooling circuit and are cooled by the coolant during operation. The coolant flows through a coolant radiator. Additionally, a gas flow path, hereinafter generally referred to as air, flows separately from the coolant fluid through the coolant radiator to cool the coolant. This flow path is also referred to as an air path. Furthermore, the motor vehicle includes a device for introducing liquid into the air path during operation so that the liquid evaporates on the coolant radiator. This device is also referred to as an evaporative cooling device. The evaporation of the liquid results in increased cooling of the coolant in the coolant radiator. Furthermore, motor vehicles include, in particular, unpressurized reservoirs where no additional pressure is applied. The flow path leads from the pressure-reducing device or downstream of the pressure-reducing device to the inlet of the reservoir. This ensures that the fluid flowing to the reservoir is not subjected to additional pressure, and is particularly free from overpressure. This flow path is also referred to below as the liquid path. Furthermore, the liquid path leading to the inlet of the reservoir allows the liquid contained in the gas mass flow to enter the reservoir's volume. The flow path for supplying liquid to the evaporative cooling device leads from the volume to the evaporative cooling device. This flow path is also referred to below as the supply path. Therefore, the storage space is not subjected to additional pressure, and is particularly free from overpressure.

[0008] To supply liquid stored in the storage space to the evaporative cooling unit, a supply device (e.g., a pump) can be arranged in the supply path to supply liquid from the storage space to the evaporative cooling unit during operation. When the storage space is vertically above the evaporative cooling unit, gravity can be used alternatively or additionally to supply the liquid.

[0009] Advantageously, the liquid is water.

[0010] Here, "no additional pressure is applied" means that no pressure is generated in addition to the general pressure. In particular, no external pressure is generated as a result. In particular, the pressure generated by its own weight and / or the pressure caused by flow are not subject to this limitation.

[0011] For simplicity, the phrase "not subject to additional pressure" will also be expressed as "pressureless," "zero overpressure," "not subject to overpressure," and "no overpressure" in the following text. However, it should be understood that each of these terms includes the absence of additional pressure.

[0012] Obviously, the drive unit may also include two or more drive components. Here, at least one of the drive components is included in a cooling circuit to cool the drive component.

[0013] The drive unit can usually be configured as needed.

[0014] Preferably, the drive device is at least partially electrically driven. For this purpose, the drive device may include a rechargeable battery as a drive component.

[0015] Advantageously, the drive unit includes a fuel cell as a drive component. Preferably, the fuel cell is included in a cooling circuit to cool the fuel cell.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the emission system discharges the fuel cell exhaust gas as a gaseous mass stream. Because the fuel cell exhaust gas contains water droplets as a liquid due to operation, the liquid generated during fuel cell operation can be used for evaporative cooling. This results in improved efficiency and more autonomous operation of the vehicle.

[0017] Pressure reducing devices can also be configured as needed.

[0018] Advantageously, the pressure reducing device is a turbine arranged in the exhaust system. The turbine is specifically designed as an exhaust gas turbine, driven by the exhaust gas from the fuel cell. Preferably, the exhaust gas turbine drives a compressor in the cathode gas supply system, which supplies cathode gas to the fuel cell.

[0019] Liquid stored in the reservoir can be extracted upstream of the reservoir and supplied to the reservoir space. For this purpose, a liquid extraction device, such as a liquid separator, can be arranged in the discharge system, with the liquid path leading from the extraction device to the inlet of the reservoir. Similarly, it is conceivable that the liquid path leads from the turbine to the inlet of the reservoir. Because liquid is generated in the turbine during operation, it can be easily and efficiently collected in an unpressurized reservoir.

[0020] Similarly, liquids originating from other parts of the emission system can be supplied to the reservoir space. For example, liquids from the anode system of a fuel cell can therefore also be supplied to the reservoir.

[0021] Similarly, a liquid reservoir can be used to extract liquid from a gas mass stream.

[0022] Therefore, the reservoir is preferably designed as a centrifugal separator for separating the liquid from the gas mass stream. Specifically, the reservoir is designed as a vortex separator or a cyclone separator. The liquid path guides at least a portion of the gas mass stream into the reservoir via an inlet. The supply and inlet cause the gas mass stream to flow through the reservoir in a vortex manner. Thus, droplets contained in the gas mass stream fall off the walls of the reservoir and flow into the storage space. In this case, the reservoir advantageously also includes an outlet for discharging the gas mass stream from the reservoir when a separate water separator is not present; this outlet is also referred to hereinafter as a gas outlet. The gas outlet is advantageously arranged vertically above the inlet.

[0023] Preferably, the gas outlet is arranged vertically at the top, particularly laterally at the top of the reservoir. This results in improved extraction of liquid from the gas mass flow.

[0024] In the reservoir, at least one obstacle is arranged in the gas mass flow, which also enables improved efficiency in extracting liquid from the gas mass flow. Therefore, inertial forces and surface wetting are increased due to at least one obstacle. This results in improved liquid extraction from the gas mass flow. Therefore, the reservoir can be designed as a stake separator.

[0025] Advantageously, the inlet of the reservoir is arranged vertically at the top of the reservoir. Therefore, the liquid can flow more easily into the storage space.

[0026] Preferably, the supply path leads from an extraction point that is vertically downward in the storage space to the evaporative cooling device. Here, the extraction point may correspond to the outlet of the reservoir, which is also referred to below as the liquid outlet. Similarly, the extraction point may be formed in an immersion pipe arranged in the storage space.

[0027] The inlet leads to a storage space, which also enables the extraction of liquid from the gas mass stream. This means that the liquid path guides at least a portion of the gas mass stream into the storage space via the inlet. Therefore, the gas mass stream flows through the liquid already stored in the storage space. Here, the gas mass stream flows through the liquid already stored in the form of bubbles. In this process, the gas mass stream transfers droplets contained within the gas mass stream onto the already stored liquid. The reservoir includes a gas outlet through which the gas mass stream subsequently flows out of the reservoir again. Here, the gas outlet is arranged vertically above the inlet.

[0028] It is conceivable to include a liquid reservoir in the discharge system, allowing the entire gas mass stream to flow through it. Therefore, more liquid can be extracted from the gas mass stream.

[0029] When a portion of the gas mass flow is supplied to the reservoir, i.e., when a portion of the gas mass flow is branched, it is preferable that a portion of the gas mass flow flowing through the reservoir subsequently returns to the discharge system. This means that the gas outlet fluid is connected to the discharge system downstream of the branch point.

[0030] Preferably, the storage space (particularly the entire reservoir) is arranged vertically below the branch point. Therefore, liquid extracted and / or generated upstream of the reservoir can flow more easily into the reservoir due to gravity. Furthermore, this also simplifies the flow of a portion of the gas mass flow into the reservoir. In addition, this prevents liquid from flowing from the reservoir to the branch point and thus into the discharge system, or at least reduces the risk of such flow and thus prevents or at least minimizes damage to the discharge system.

[0031] Embodiments of reservoirs including overflow pipes are considered preferred. The overflow pipe prevents the filling level of the reservoir from exceeding its upper limit. Therefore, the overflow pipe is fluidly connected to the upper limit of the storage space arranged vertically at the top. Specifically, the overflow pipe enters the storage space at the upper limit. Furthermore, the overflow pipe is led out of the storage space, preferably out of the reservoir, so that liquid can flow out of the reservoir via the overflow pipe when the upper limit is exceeded. This, in particular, prevents liquid from flowing from the reservoir into the drainage system. The overflow pipe also prevents or at least reduces damage to the reservoir that may occur if the liquid stored in the reservoir freezes.

[0032] Advantageously, the overflow pipe is led out of the reservoir and downstream of the reservoir and / or branch point to the discharge system. Thus, the liquid flowing out of the reservoir reaches the discharge system via the overflow pipe.

[0033] Advantageously, the upper limit is arranged vertically below the inlet. This, in particular, prevents liquid stored in the reservoir from clogging the inlet and / or flowing through the inlet to the discharge system.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the overflow pipe is fluidly connected to a Venturi nozzle, which draws liquid out of the reservoir via the overflow pipe.

[0035] When the Venturi nozzle is driven by a gas mass flow, it is preferred. This results in a simple and efficient discharge of liquid present beyond the upper limit of the reservoir.

[0036] Advantageously, the water discharged via the overflow pipe is returned to the gas mass stream. For this purpose, the Venturi nozzle can be included in and / or become part of the discharge system. Similarly, the Venturi nozzle can be integrated into the reservoir.

[0037] Preferably, the reservoir has a shape that tapers downwards in the vertical direction at the lower part defining the storage space. This means that the reservoir tapers at least at the lower part, causing the cross-section of the storage space to decrease downwards. In particular, it is conceivable that the reservoir as a whole tapers downwards in the vertical direction. Therefore, if applicable, frozen liquid in the reservoir can expand more easily towards the top. Thus, damage to the reservoir caused by freezing can be avoided or at least reduced.

[0038] To avoid damage caused by freezing or frozen liquid, it is alternatively or additionally conceivable to form the reservoir at least partially with elasticity. Similarly, for example, an overflow pipe can be used to maintain free space in the reservoir into which frozen liquid can expand. It is also conceivable to monitor the reservoir's fill level and, when it exceeds a preset fill level, drain the liquid from the reservoir, for example, through a drain pipe.

[0039] It is also conceivable that when the liquid in the reservoir is about to freeze, the liquid may be drained from the reservoir and / or pumped out, for example, by a supply device. It is also conceivable that the liquid may be drained from the reservoir when the temperature drops below a certain ambient temperature and / or when the vehicle is not in use (i.e., turned off).

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid path is defined by a conduit, such as a pipe. Here, the pipe actually leads to the inlet. In particular, the pipe extends between the branch point and the inlet. The conduit can also guide all fluid in the exhaust system downstream of the pressure reducing device. Preferably, the conduit extends vertically downward to the inlet. Therefore, any liquid generated in the conduit and / or extracted upstream of the conduit can more easily flow into the reservoir by gravity.

[0041] Embodiments in which the conduit is configured to promote condensation within the conduit are preferred. Preferably, the conduit includes at least one structure that expands the heat transfer surface. In particular, this structure is attached to the inside and / or outside of the conduit. Specifically, the structure is a ribbed structure. In this way, even when the conduit is made of plastic, condensation of the liquid within the conduit is particularly effective.

[0042] Advantageously, a filter for filtering the liquid is arranged in the supply path, particularly in the liquid receiver. The filter is specifically configured to retain suspended solids, preventing them from reaching the evaporative cooling unit. This avoids potential damage.

[0043] It should be understood that the reservoir may also include two or more inlets, wherein the associated liquid paths all lead to the respective inlets.

[0044] The liquid reservoir may include a liquid storage tank and a lid to seal the liquid storage tank. Here, at least one connection, i.e., at least one of an inlet and / or an outlet, may be formed on the lid.

[0045] In practice, motor vehicles include valve devices that can optionally, and particularly variably, open and block flow along the corresponding liquid path and / or supply path.

[0046] It should be understood that other applications in motor vehicles, such as cleaning systems, can also be supplied with liquids stored in reservoirs.

[0047] It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the features mentioned above and explained below can be used not only in the various combinations described, but also in other combinations or individually. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical parts.

[0049] The following are schematically illustrated:

[0050] Figure 1 This is a highly simplified schematic diagram based on the circuit diagram of a motor vehicle with a liquid reservoir.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a highly simplified schematic diagram in the form of a circuit diagram of a motor vehicle in another exemplary embodiment.

[0052] Figure 3 This is an isometric side view of the reservoir.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the reservoir in another exemplary embodiment.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the reservoir in another exemplary embodiment.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the reservoir in another exemplary embodiment.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the reservoir in another exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0057] For example in Figure 1 and Figure 2A highly simplified motor vehicle 1, shown in a circuit diagram, includes a drive unit 2 for driving the motor vehicle 1. The drive unit 2 includes a drive component 3 for driving the motor vehicle 1. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the drive component 3 is a fuel cell 4. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 includes an emission system 5 through which a gaseous mass stream containing droplets flows during operation. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the emission system 5 discharges exhaust gas formed during operation of the fuel cell 4 as a gaseous mass stream containing water droplets. The emission system 5 includes a device 6 configured such that the total mass stream downstream of the device 6 is not subjected to additional pressure, i.e., in particular, is not affected by any overpressure. Hereinafter, the device 6 is also referred to as a pressure reducing device 6. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the pressure reducing device 6 is an exhaust gas turbine 7 driven by the gaseous mass stream. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the exhaust gas turbine 7 drives a compressor 8. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the compressor 8 is arranged in a cathode gas supply system 9, which supplies cathode gas to the fuel cell 4. In this process, the compressor 8 compresses the cathode gas to supply it to the fuel cell 4. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 includes a cooling circuit 10 through which coolant circulates during operation. Here, the drive component 3, i.e., the fuel cell 4 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, is included in the cooling circuit 10 for cooling. Figure 1 and 2 The coolant radiator 11 described herein is used to cool the coolant in the cooling circuit. For this purpose, the coolant radiator 11 is included in the cooling circuit 10 such that coolant flows through the coolant radiator 11 during operation. In addition, the flow path 12 of gas (especially air), also referred to below as air path 12, passes separately from the coolant fluid through the coolant radiator 11 in order to cool the coolant. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The apparatus 13 described herein introduces liquid into the air path 12 during operation, causing the liquid to evaporate on the coolant radiator 11. Therefore, the coolant in the coolant radiator 11 is cooled more effectively. Apparatus 13 is also referred to hereinafter as an evaporative cooling apparatus 13. The liquid supplied to the evaporative cooling apparatus 13 is at least partially extracted from the gas mass stream. Therefore, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the liquid is water. For storing liquid 26, particularly water 27 (see...), Figures 4 to 7The motor vehicle 1 includes a reservoir 14. The reservoir 14 is not subjected to additional pressure; in particular, the reservoir 14 is unpressurized. This specifically means that there is essentially no overpressure in the reservoir 14. Therefore, the liquid supplied to the reservoir 14 is extracted from the gas mass flow through the discharge system 5 at or downstream of the pressure reducing device 6. For this purpose, a flow path 16 extends from or downstream of the pressure reducing device 6 to the inlet 15 of the reservoir 14, such that the liquid contained in the total mass flow flows into a space 17 defined in the reservoir 14, hereinafter also referred to as the storage space 17 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figures 4 to 7 In the following text, flow path 16 is also referred to as liquid path 16. Flow path 16, also referred to as supply path 18, extends from storage space 17 to evaporative cooling device 13 in order to supply liquid 26 stored in reservoir 14 to evaporative cooling device 13. Here, liquid 26 is supplied to evaporative cooling device 13 via supply device 19 (e.g., pump 20). Supply device 19 is arranged in supply path 18.

[0058] Here, "no additional pressure applied" means that no specific pressure is generated in addition to the general pressure. General pressure includes, in particular, pressure caused by its own weight and / or pressure caused by pure flow. For simplicity, the terms "no pressure," "zero overpressure," "no overpressure," and "no overpressure" also apply below to "no additional pressure applied." It is clear here that "no additional pressure applied" also applies in each case.

[0059] from Figure 1 It is clear that liquid path 16 can branch off from branch point 21 of discharge system 5 and lead to inlet 15. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, branch point 21 is arranged on a liquid extraction device 22 for extracting liquid from a gas mass stream. Therefore, the liquid extracted from the gas mass stream flows into the storage space 17 of the reservoir 14 via liquid path 16 in the liquid extraction device 22. The liquid extraction device 22 is, for example, configured as a low-pressure separator 23.

[0060] exist Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reservoir 14 is included in the discharge system 5. Therefore, the entire gas mass flow passes through the reservoir 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the entire gas mass flow thus flows downstream of the pressure reducing device 6.

[0061] Figures 3 to 7 Different exemplary embodiments of the reservoir 14 are shown.

[0062] In addition, from Figures 3 to 7 It is evident that, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the inlet 15 is arranged at the top of the reservoir 14 with respect to the vertical direction 28.

[0063] exist Figure 3 , 4 In the exemplary embodiments shown in 6 and 7, the reservoir 14 is configured as a centrifugal separator 24 for separating liquid from the gas mass stream. Alternatively or additionally, the reservoir 14 may be configured as a pile separator (not shown). The reservoir 14 may, for example... Figure 2 The exemplary embodiment shown is used in a motor vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the liquid path 16 guides the entire gas mass flow through the inlet 15 into the reservoir 14. The inlet 15 and the supplier of the gas mass flow entering the reservoir 14 cause the gas mass flow to vortex through the reservoir (not shown). Furthermore, the reservoir 14 includes an outlet 25 for discharging the gas mass flow from the reservoir 14, which is also referred to hereinafter as a gas outlet 25. Therefore, liquid is generated in the reservoir 14. In particular, the interior of the reservoir is wetted by the liquid. Furthermore, from... Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is evident that the gas outlet 25 is positioned above the inlet 15 in the vertical direction 28.

[0064] Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of the reservoir 14 shown is used, for example, according to Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of the motor vehicle 1 shown, liquid previously extracted from the gas mass stream flows into the storage space 17 via inlet 15. Therefore, Figure 5 The reservoir 14 shown does not have a gas outlet 25. In this figure, the reservoir 14 with storage space 17 is arranged about 28 below the branch point 21, so that liquid flows into storage space 17 under the action of gravity.

[0065] If only Figures 5 to 7 As shown, supply path 18 leads from extraction point 29 on storage space 17 to evaporative cooling device 13. Extraction point 29 is arranged to be lower relative to inlet 15 with respect to the vertical direction 28. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In an exemplary embodiment, extraction point 29 is outlet 30 of reservoir 14, also referred to hereinafter as liquid outlet 30. From Figure 7 It is clear that extraction point 29 can also be arranged on the emergence pipe 31 in storage space 17.

[0066] from Figures 4 to 7As can be clearly seen, the reservoir 14 may include an overflow pipe 32. The overflow pipe 32 is fluidly connected to the upper limit 33 of the storage space 17 in the vertical direction 28 and exits from the reservoir 14. Therefore, the overflow pipe 32 leads to the storage space 17 at the upper limit 33. Thus, liquid 26 flows out of the reservoir via the overflow pipe 32 when it exceeds the upper limit 33. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the upper limit 33 is arranged below the inlet 15 in the vertical direction 28. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the overflow pipe 32 is connected to the discharge system 5, such that liquid 26 flowing out of the reservoir 14 via the overflow pipe 32 returns to the discharge system 5 downstream of the pressure reducing device 6 and downstream of the reservoir 14.

[0067] from Figure 6 As can be clearly seen in this exemplary embodiment, the overflow pipe 32 is arranged along the vertical direction 28 below the inlet 15.

[0068] exist Figure 4 and 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the overflow pipe 32 is fluidly connected to the Venturi nozzle 34. The Venturi nozzle 34 is driven by a gas mass flow, causing it to draw liquid 26 through the overflow pipe 32. Therefore, the liquid 26 reaches the discharge system 5 downstream of the reservoir 14. Furthermore, when the liquid in the reservoir 14 rises above the upper limit 33, the liquid is effectively discharged from the reservoir 14.

[0069] Specifically, the overflow pipe 32 prevents the liquid 26 collected in the reservoir 14 from flowing to the discharge system 5 via the inlet 15. Furthermore, the remaining volume remains empty in the reservoir 14. Therefore, where applicable, the liquid 26 frozen in the reservoir 14 can expand into the empty space. This prevents any potential damage.

[0070] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is evident that, if necessary, liquid 26 can be discharged from reservoir 14 via drain pipe 35. Drain valve 36 can optionally open or close the flow of liquid 26 from reservoir 14 via drain pipe 35. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the discharge pipe branches off from the supply path 18 downstream of the supply device 19. Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the discharge pipe 35 is connected to the reservoir 14 and the supply path 18, respectively. Similarly, the liquid 26 stored in the reservoir 14 can be supplied from the reservoir 14 via the supply device 29, and in particular, it can be completely discharged via the evaporative cooling device 13.

[0071] from Figure 7As can be clearly seen, the reservoir 14 tapers downwards at least from its lower portion in the vertical direction 28. Therefore, the cross-section of the storage space 17 tapers downwards in the vertical direction 28. This allows for simplified and, particularly, non-destructive expansion of the stored and frozen liquid 26 within the storage space 17.

[0072] from Figures 3 to 7 As can be clearly seen in the figures, the liquid path 16 is defined by the conduit 37. It is also evident from these figures that the conduit 37 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment is inclined downwards toward the inlet 15 about the vertical direction 28. Therefore, liquid guided or generated in the conduit 37 can flow into the storage space 17 by gravity. Furthermore, backflow of liquid 26 from the inlet 15 due to gravity can be avoided or at least reduced.

[0073] exist Figure 7 It can be clearly seen that a filter 38 for filtering liquid 26 can be arranged in the supply path 18. Figure 7 In the exemplary embodiment shown, filter 38 is arranged in storage space 17 and on flow pipe 31. The filter is configured to specifically filter out suspended matter from liquid 26.

[0074] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment of the illustrated motor vehicle 1, a filter 39 for filtering cathode gas, hereinafter also referred to as an air filter 39, is arranged upstream of the compressor 8 in the cathode gas supply system 9. Downstream of the air filter 39 and downstream of the compressor 8, a cooler 40 for cooling the cathode gas, hereinafter also referred to as an air cooler 40, is also arranged in the cathode gas supply system 9. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a fine separator 41 for separating liquid from the gas mass stream is arranged upstream of the pressure reducing device 6 in the discharge system 5. Additionally, a pre-separator 42 for separating liquid from the gas mass stream is arranged upstream of the fine separator 41 in the discharge system 5. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 includes a humidification device 43, which is included in the discharge system 5 between the fine separator 41 and the pre-separator 42 and downstream of the air cooler 40 in the cathode gas supply system 9. Using the humidification device 43, the cathode gas is humidified by the liquid from the gas mass stream downstream of the air cooler 40.

[0075] Using the motor vehicle 1 according to the present invention, especially using the reservoir 14, the cooling efficiency of the drive components is improved, and the motor vehicle 1 is also able to operate more autonomously.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle (1), - It has a drive unit (2), which includes a drive component (3) for driving a motor vehicle (1). - It has an exhaust system (5) through which a mass flow of gas containing droplets flows during operation. -in, The emission system (5) includes a pressure reducing device (6) configured such that no additional pressure is applied to the gas mass flow downstream of the pressure reducing device (6). - It has a cooling circuit (10) through which coolant circulates during operation, and the drive component (3) is included in the cooling circuit (10) to cool the drive component (3). - It has a coolant radiator (11) through which coolant flows during operation, and an air path (12) passes through the coolant radiator (11) separately from the coolant fluid in order to cool the coolant. - Evaporative cooling device (13) is provided, which introduces liquid into the air path (12) during operation, causing the liquid to evaporate on or upstream of the coolant radiator (11). -A reservoir (14) that is not subjected to additional pressure. -The liquid path (16) leads from the pressure reducing device (6) or downstream of the pressure reducing device (6) to the inlet (15) of the reservoir (14), so that the liquid contained in the gas mass flow flows into the storage space (17) of the reservoir (14). -The reservoir (14) is included in the discharge system (5) downstream of the pressure reducing device (6) such that all gas mass flow passes through the reservoir (14). - It has a supply path (18) that leads from the storage space (17) to the evaporative cooling device (13).

2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: - The drive unit (2) includes a fuel cell (4) as a drive component (3). - The emission system (5) discharges the exhaust gas from the fuel cell (4) as a gas mass stream. - The fuel cell (4) is included in the cooling circuit (10).

3. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A turbine (7) is arranged in the emission system (5) as a pressure reducing device (6).

4. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: - The reservoir (14) is configured as a pile separator and / or centrifugal separator (24) for separating liquid from gas mass flow. - The liquid path (16) guides at least a portion of the gas mass flow into the reservoir via the inlet (15). - The inlet (15) is arranged such that the gas mass flow vortexes through the reservoir (14). - The reservoir (14) includes a gas outlet (25) which is arranged above the inlet (15) in a vertical direction (28) such that a mass flow of gas exits the reservoir (14) through the gas outlet (25).

5. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: -The inlet (15) is arranged vertically (28) on top of the reservoir (14), - The supply path (18) leads from the extraction point (29) on the storage space (17) to the evaporative cooling device (13), the extraction point (29) being lower relative to the inlet (15) in the vertical direction (28).

6. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The liquid path (16) leads from the branch point (21) of the discharge system (5) to the inlet (15).

7. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reservoir (14) includes an overflow pipe (32) which is fluidly connected to the upper limit (33) of the storage space (17) in the vertical direction (28) and leads out of the reservoir (14) such that liquid flows out of the reservoir (14) via the overflow pipe (32) when it exceeds the upper limit (33).

8. The motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that: The overflow pipe (32) is fluidly connected to a venturi nozzle (34), which is driven by a gas mass flow and draws liquid via the overflow pipe (32) during operation.

9. The motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper limit (33) is arranged below the entrance (15) with respect to the vertical direction (28).

10. The motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: The storage space (17) is arranged below the branch point (21) in the vertical direction (28).

11. The motor vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that: The reservoir (14) is arranged below the branch point (21) in the vertical direction (28).

12. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reservoir (14) defines the storage space (17) in a vertical direction (28), at least one lower portion of which gradually tapers downward about the vertical direction (28), such that the cross-section of the storage space (17) decreases downward.

13. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: - The conduit (37) defines the liquid path (16). - The conduit (37) is inclined downward toward the inlet (15) about the vertical direction (28).

14. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In the supply path (18), a filter (38) for filtering liquid is arranged.

15. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, characterized in that: A filter (38) for filtering liquids is arranged in the reservoir (14).

16. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The storage space (17) of the reservoir (14) is 2 liters to 20 liters.

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