Fuel cell system

Abstract

A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell assembly having at least one fuel cell and an air inlet, a supply line connected to the air inlet, a central air filter device connected to an input of the supply line, directly or via a distributor block, and a compressor arranged to draw ambient air through the central air filter device and to deliver the air through the supply line to the air inlet of the fuel cell assembly. Furthermore, a non-central air filter system is provided which is arranged to filter the air delivered from the compressor to the air inlet downstream of the central filter device. The non-central air filter system comprises at least one non-central air filter device arranged in the supply line between the compressor and the air inlet of the fuel cell assembly, in the distributor block, or in the central air filter device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fuel cell system, and more particularly to a fuel cell system for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cells are increasingly being used, especially in vehicles, as energy converters to directly convert the chemical energy stored in fuels (such as hydrogen) along with oxygen into electrical energy. A fuel cell typically has an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and cathode. Fuel oxidation occurs at the anode, and oxygen reduction occurs at the cathode.

[0003] Typically, ambient air is supplied to the cathode to provide oxygen by a compressor located in the supply line that draws air from the environment and supplies it to the air inlet of the fuel cell. To prevent the introduction of particulate matter or unwanted chemicals onto the cathode, an air filter is typically used, located upstream of the compressor. Foreign matter may be reintroduced into the filtered air due to the compressor or other components located downstream of the air filter. In cases where multiple fuel cell systems are connected in parallel to a central air filter, it is further possible that air is drawn from one fuel cell system into another, bypassing the central air filter as intended.

[0004] US 6,780,534 A discloses an inlet air filter for a fuel cell system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, a fuel cell system is proposed.

[0006] Advantageous configurations and extensions are derived from the specification and from the description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a fuel cell system includes a fuel cell assembly, a supply line, a central air filter, a compressor disposed in the supply line, and a non-central air filter. The fuel cell assembly has at least one fuel cell and an air inlet, the supply line is connected to the air inlet, the central air filter is connected to the input end of the supply line, the compressor is configured to draw in ambient air through the central air filter and deliver it to the air inlet of the fuel cell assembly through the supply line, and the non-central air filter is disposed in the supply line between the compressor and the air inlet of the fuel cell assembly.

[0008] The idea behind this aspect of the invention is to install a non-central air filter in the corresponding supply line, particularly downstream of the compressor, in addition to a central filter device. This achieves the advantage that foreign substances introduced into the air by the compressor itself are at least partially separated by the non-central air filter device. Therefore, it resists damage or contamination to the cathode of the fuel cell assembly, which can be, for example, a stack of multiple fuel cells.

[0009] Another advantage is that if multiple fuel cell units are attached to the central air filter in parallel with each other, for example, directly or via a distributor block, then each unit has a non-central filter device in the supply line connected to the air inlet of the respective fuel cell unit. Thus, the air supplied to the respective fuel cell unit is filtered at least once in a defined manner in each case, even when air is drawn in from beside the central air filter or against the established flow direction.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the fuel cell system may have a cooler arranged in the supply line between the compressor and the air inlet of the fuel cell assembly for cooling the air supplied by the compressor, wherein a non-central air filter device is arranged between the compressor and the cooler or between the cooler and the air inlet of the fuel cell assembly. In the latter case, the advantage is achieved that the air has already been cooled by the cooler, advantageously reducing wear on the non-central filter device.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the fuel cell system may have a humidifier arranged in the supply line between the compressor and the air inlet of the fuel cell assembly for humidifying the air supplied by the compressor, wherein a non-central air filter device is arranged between the compressor and the humidifier or between the humidifier and the air inlet of the fuel cell assembly.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the fuel cell system may include a cooler and a humidifier, wherein the humidifier is arranged between the cooler and the air inlet of the fuel cell assembly, and a non-central air filter device is arranged between the cooler and the humidifier. This arrangement provides the advantage that the air has been cooled by the cooler, yet still retains relatively low humidity. This achieves particularly efficient air filtration and further reduces filter wear.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention, a fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell modules, a central air filter device, and a plurality of supply lines. Each of the plurality of fuel cell modules has at least one fuel cell and an air inlet. The plurality of supply lines are respectively connected to the central air filter device and to the air inlet of each of the fuel cell modules. A compressor is arranged in each supply line for drawing in ambient air through the central air filter device and delivering it to the air inlet of the corresponding fuel cell module through the corresponding supply line. The fuel cell system further includes a non-central filter system configured to filter the air delivered from the corresponding compressor to the corresponding air inlet downstream of the central filter device.

[0014] The idea behind this aspect of the invention is to provide a non-centralized filter system in a fuel cell system having at least two fuel cell assemblies attached parallel to each other, for example directly or via a distributor block, to a central air filter unit. This non-centralized filter system is configured to filter air drawn in from a respective compressor through a flow path that passes beside or against the central air filter unit. The non-centralized filter system may have, for example, one or more filter units arranged downstream of the filter units of the central air filter unit.

[0015] The advantage of a non-central air filter system is that the air supplied to the corresponding fuel cell assembly is filtered at least once in a defined manner under each condition, even when air is drawn in through the central air filter from beside it or against the set flow direction.

[0016] According to some embodiments, a central air filter unit can be configured to have an input end, a central filter unit connected to the input end, and multiple output ends, wherein each supply line is connected to one output end of the central air filter unit, and the non-central filter system has one or more filter units arranged in a flow path between the output ends of the central air filter unit. For example, the filter unit of the central air filter unit and the filter units (one or more) of the non-central air filter system can be housed in a common housing. This advantageously results in a compact construction.

[0017] According to some implementations, at least one filter unit from the central filter unit and the non-central filter system can be integrated into a kartusche. Therefore, the central filter unit and one or more filter units from the non-central filter system can be combined into a single filter unit. For example, the kartusche can have a first section and a second section, the first section being connected to the input of the central filter unit, and the second section being connected to the output of the central filter unit. The first section can be configured to filter air drawn in through the input of the central filter unit, and the second section can be configured to filter air drawn in through one of the outputs of the central filter unit.

[0018] Alternatively, a non-centralized filter system may be configured to have multiple filter units, each with a separate cartridge, which is located at the output of the central filter unit.

[0019] According to some embodiments, a central air filter device may be configured to have an input end, an output end, and a central filter unit connected to the input end and the output end. The fuel cell system may further include a distributor block having an input end and multiple output ends, the input end being connected to the output end of the central air filter device. Each supply line is connected to one output end of the distributor block. A non-central filter system may have one or more filter units arranged in a flow path between the output ends of the distributor block.

[0020] According to some implementations, the non-centralized filter system may be configured to have filter units arranged in the internal space of the distributor block, which are connected to all outputs of the distributor block, or one filter unit may be arranged in each output of the distributor block.

[0021] According to some embodiments, a filter unit of a non-central air filter system can be arranged in each supply line between the compressor and the air inlet of the corresponding fuel cell assembly. This provides the advantage that foreign substances introduced by the compressor can also be separated efficiently. Optionally, the fuel cell system may have a cooler arranged in the corresponding supply line between the compressor and the air inlet of the corresponding fuel cell assembly for cooling the air supplied by the compressor, wherein the non-central air filter device is arranged between the compressor and the cooler or between the cooler and the air inlet of the fuel cell assembly. Alternatively, the fuel cell system may have a humidifier arranged in the corresponding supply line between the compressor and the corresponding air inlet of the fuel cell assembly for humidifying the air supplied by the compressor, wherein the non-central air filter device is arranged between the compressor and the humidifier or between the humidifier and the air inlet of the fuel cell assembly. For example, the humidifier may be arranged between the cooler and the air inlet of the fuel cell assembly, wherein the non-central air filter device is arranged between the cooler and the humidifier. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 A schematic view showing the hydraulic circuit diagram of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a central air filter device in a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a central air filter device in a fuel cell system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a central air filter assembly and distributor block of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a central air filter assembly and distributor block of a fuel cell system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally identical parts, unless otherwise stated to the contrary.

[0024] Here, "filtration" can generally be understood as the separation of solid particles and / or liquid particles, and optionally as the separation of molecular components, which may exist in a solid, liquid or gaseous state.

[0025] Figure 1A fuel cell system 100 is shown in a purely schematic manner, the fuel cell system having a first fuel cell assembly 1A, a second fuel cell assembly 1B, a central air filter device 3, an optional distributor block 8, and a non-central air filter system 5.

[0026] like Figure 1 As schematically shown, the first and second fuel cell modules 1A and 1B can be constructed identically. Therefore, in the following text, fuel cell module 1 will be described only in general terms unless otherwise specified. Figure 1 As schematically shown, the fuel cell assembly 1 has at least one fuel cell 10, an air inlet 11, an air outlet 12, a fuel inlet 13, and a fuel outlet 14. Preferably, the fuel cell assembly 1 has a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells 10, which may be connected in series, for example. The air inlet 11 and the air outlet 12 are respectively connected to the cathode side of the fuel cell 10. The fuel inlet 13 and the fuel outlet 14 are respectively connected to the cathode side of the fuel cell 10.

[0027] exist Figure 1 The central air filter device 3, shown only symbolically as a box, has an input end 31, an output end 32, and a filter unit 30, which is, for example, a filter cartridge. The filter unit 30 is connected to the input end 31 and the output end 32 by fluid conduction and is configured to filter the air flowing from the input end 31 to the output end 32.

[0028] Optional Distributor Block 8 in Figure 1 The central part is also only symbolically shown as a box, and has an input terminal 81 and multiple output terminals 82, the input terminal being connected to the output terminal 32 of the central filter device 3. Figure 1 The diagram exemplarily shows a distributor block 8 with two output terminals 82.

[0029] like Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the air inlet 11 of the first fuel cell assembly 1A can be connected to the output terminal 82 of the distributor block 8 via the first supply line 2A. Similarly, the air inlet 11 of the second fuel cell assembly 1B can be connected to another output terminal 82 of the distributor block 8 via the first supply line 2B. Therefore, the air inlets 11 of the fuel cell assemblies 1 are respectively connected to the central air filter device 3 via the distributor block 8 through the supply lines 2. Alternatively, it can be considered that the central air filter device 3 has multiple output terminals 32, wherein each supply line 2A, 2B is connected to one output terminal 32 of the central air filter device 3, such as in Figure 2 and Figure 3As schematically shown and will be explained in detail below, the central air filter unit 3 is generally connected to the inlet 21 of the supply line 2.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, each of the following detour lines 9A and 9B can be attached to the air outlet 12 of the corresponding fuel cell assembly 1A and 1B, and the detour lines are connected to the environment.

[0031] like Figure 1 As can be seen, the hydraulic components in the supply lines 2A, 2B and the take-off lines 9A, 9B of each fuel cell assembly in fuel cell assemblies 1A, 1B can be arranged in the same manner. Therefore, for clarity, only the layout of the supply lines 2 and the take-off lines 9 will be described below.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, a compressor 4 is arranged in the supply line 2. The compressor 4 can be driven, for example, by an electric motor 41, and is provided for drawing in ambient air through the input end 21 of the supply line 2 and delivering it to the output end 22 of the supply line 2, which is connected to the air inlet 11 of the fuel cell assembly 1.

[0033] like Figure 1 Furthermore, as shown, a cooler 6 can be arranged in the supply line 2 between the compressor 4 and the air inlet 11 of the fuel cell assembly 1 or the outlet 22 of the supply line 2 for cooling the air supplied by the compressor 4. The cooler 6 can be implemented, for example, as a heat exchanger, by means of which heat can be drawn away from the air flowing in the supply line 2.

[0034] Alternatively or attached to the cooler 6, a humidifier 7 may be arranged between the compressor 4 and the air inlet 11 of the fuel cell assembly 1 or the outlet 22 of the supply line 2 to humidify the air supplied by the compressor 4 in the supply line 2. Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the humidifier 7 may be arranged, in particular, between the cooler 6 and the outlet 22 of the supply line 2.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, a first shut-off valve 25 may optionally be provided in the supply line 2, positioned between the compressor 4 and the outlet 22 of the supply line 2. The shut-off valve 25 is preferably positioned directly upstream of the outlet 22 of the supply line 2, for example, between the humidifier 7 and the outlet 22. Figure 1 As shown in the example.

[0036] like Figure 1As further exemplified, an optional second shut-off valve 95 may be provided in the departure line 9. An optional bypass line 91 connects the supply line 2 to the departure line 9, wherein the bypass line 91 is attached between the compressor 4 and the first shut-off valve 25, and thus is attached upstream of the first shut-off valve 25 to the supply line 2 and downstream of the second shut-off valve 95 to the departure line 9. Therefore, the second shut-off valve 95 is arranged between the air outlet 12 of the fuel cell assembly 1 and the inlet of the bypass line 91. Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, a bypass line 91 can be attached to the supply line 2 between the cooler 6 and the humidifier 7. A bypass valve 92 is provided in the bypass line 91.

[0037] Optionally, a flow regulating valve 93 may be installed in the exit line 9 to change the air mass flow rate in the exit line 9. The flow regulating valve 93 may be arranged in the exit line 9 downstream of the inlet of the bypass line 91, if necessary. Figure 1 As exemplarily shown in the diagram. Alternatively, a silencer 93 may be provided in the exit line 9, preferably positioned directly upstream of the exit line 99 where it merges into the environment, as shown in the diagram. Figure 1 As shown in the example.

[0038] like Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the non-centralized filter system 5 may have at least one non-centralized air filter device 50. Figure 1 In the exemplary system 100, a non-central air filter device 50 is arranged downstream of the compressor 4 or between the compressor 4 and the air inlet 11 of the corresponding fuel cell assembly 1A, 1B in the first and second supply lines 2A, 2B. For example, the non-central air filter device 50 may be arranged between the cooler 6 and the humidifier 7, particularly upstream of an optional bypass line 91, such as in Figure 1 As exemplarily shown in the figure. In principle, it is also possible to arrange the non-central air filter device 50 between the compressor 4 and the cooler 6 or between the humidifier 7 and the air inlet 11 of the corresponding fuel cell assembly 1A, 1B.

[0039] The off-center air filter unit 50 offers the advantage that, because it is located downstream of the compressor 4, it can filter particles and / or substances entering the airflow through the compressor 4. If the off-center air filter unit 50 is located further downstream, for example... Figure 1 Located behind the cooler 6, it can also remove or filter foreign substances brought into the airflow through other components.

[0040] Another advantage of the non-centralized air filter system 5 is that it is designed to filter the air supplied from the corresponding compressor 4 to the corresponding air inlet 1 downstream of the central filter unit 3. If in Figure 1 In the exemplary fuel cell system 100 shown, if only the first fuel cell assembly 1A is operating and the second fuel cell assembly 1B is not operating, then the compressor 4 arranged in the first supply line 2A supplies air to the air inlet 11 of the first fuel cell assembly 1. The compressor 4 arranged in the second supply line 2B is turned off. If necessary, the lock-up valves 25 and 95 in the second supply line 2B and the second take-off line 9B can be closed, and the bypass valve 92 and the possibly present regulating valve 93 in the second take-off line 9B can be open. Therefore, it is possible that the compressor 4 arranged in the first supply line 2A draws air from the environment through the second take-off line 9B, such that it... Figure 1 As symbolically shown by the dashed line L, the incoming airflow L flows through the distributor block 8 and does not pass through the central air filter device 3. However, nevertheless, the incoming airflow L is filtered by the non-central air filter device 50 before reaching the cathode side of the fuel cell 10 of the first fuel cell assembly 1A via the air inlet 11.

[0041] Figure 1 The fuel cell system 100 shown in the example only includes first and second fuel cell modules 1A and 1B. In principle, the system 100 can also be implemented with only one fuel cell module 1. It is also possible to consider providing more than two fuel cell modules 1.

[0042] If the fuel cell system 100 has more than one fuel cell assembly 1, such as first and second fuel cell assemblies 1A and 1B, then... Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the central air filter device 3 may have an input terminal 31, an output terminal 32, and a central filter unit 30 connected to the input terminal 31 and the output terminal 32. The fuel cell system 100 further includes a distributor block 8 having an input terminal 81 and multiple output terminals 82. The input terminal is connected to the output terminal 32 of the central air filter device 3, and each supply line 2A, 2B is connected to one output terminal 82 of the distributor block 8. This configuration is... Figure 1 As exemplarily shown in [the text]. Figure 1 Furthermore, it is shown that in each supply line 2A, 2B, a filter unit 50 or filter device 50 of a non-central air filter system 5 is arranged between the compressor 4 and the air inlet 11 of the corresponding fuel cell assembly 1A, 1B.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the non-centralized filter system 5 may have filter units 50 arranged in the internal space 80 of the distributor block 8, which are connected to all outputs 82 of the distributor block 8, as in Figure 4 As illustrated schematically. For example, a filter cartridge 55 can be housed within the internal space 80 of the distributor block 8, and is fluidly connected to the output end 82 of the distributor block 8, and preferably also to the input end 81. The filter cartridge 55 can be designed to filter air that enters the internal space 80 at one of the output ends 82 and exits the internal space again at the other output end. Thus, the filter unit 50 is arranged in the flow path between the output ends 82 of the distributor block 8 and is configured to filter air delivered from the respective compressor 4 to the respective air inlet 11 downstream of the central filter assembly 3.

[0044] Replacing Distributor Block 8 in Figure 4 The configuration shown in the diagram can also be configured such that a separate filter unit 50A, 50B is arranged in each output terminal 82 of the distributor block 8, as shown in the diagram. Figure 5 As shown schematically. Filter units 50A and 50B can be, for example, individual cylinders 55.

[0045] Therefore, generally speaking, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the non-centralized filter system 5 may have one or more filter units 50, 50A, 50B, which are arranged in the flow path between the outputs 82 of the distributor block 8.

[0046] As already explained, it is also possible to omit the distributor block 8. In this case, the central air filter unit 3 has an input terminal 31, a central filter unit 30 connected to the input terminal 31, and a plurality of output terminals 32, wherein each supply line 2A, 2B is connected to one output terminal 32 of the central air filter unit 3, as it is in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As illustrated schematically. In this case, the non-centralized filter system 5 may also have a non-centralized filter unit 50, wherein a filter unit 50 of the non-centralized air filter system 5 is arranged in each supply line 2A, 2B between the compressor 4 and the air inlet 11 of the corresponding fuel cell assembly 1A, 1B, as shown in... Figure 1 As illustrated schematically. Instead of or additional to this location, the non-central filter system 5 may have one or more filter units 50A, 50B, which are arranged in the flow path between the outputs 32 of the central air filter unit 3, as shown in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As illustrated and purely illustratively.

[0047] exist Figure 2 As exemplarily shown, the central filter unit 30 of the central filter device 3 and the filter units 50A, 50B of the non-central filter system 5 can be integrated in a common cylinder 350. For example, the cylinder 350 may include the central filter unit 30 and, for each output 32, a non-central filter unit 50A, 50B, the central filter unit being connected to the input 31 and the non-central filter unit being connected to the corresponding output 32. Thus, the non-central filter units 50A, 50B are arranged in the flow path between the outputs 32 of the central air filter device 3.

[0048] Replacement for central filter unit 3 Figure 2 The construction shown also allows for the consideration of a non-centralized filter system 5 having multiple filter units 50A, 50B, each filter unit having an individual cartridge 55, which is arranged in the output 32 of the central filter unit 3, as it is in Figure 3 As illustrated and schematically in the example. In this case, the non-central filter units 50A and 50B are also arranged in the flow path between the outputs 32 of the central air filter unit 3.

[0049] Although the invention has been exemplarily described above with reference to embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto and can be modified in various ways. In particular, combinations of the above embodiments are also conceivable.

Claims

1. A fuel cell system (100), the fuel cell system comprising: Multiple fuel cell modules (1A, 1B), each having at least one fuel cell (10) and an air inlet (11). Central air filter unit (3); Multiple supply lines (2A, 2B) are respectively connected to the central air filter device (3) and to the air inlet (11) of each fuel cell assembly (1A, 1B), wherein, A compressor (4) is arranged in each supply line (2A, 2B), the compressor being configured to draw in ambient air through the central air filter device (3) and deliver the ambient air through the corresponding supply line (2A, 2B) to the air inlet (11) of the corresponding fuel cell assembly (1A, 1B). A non-centralized filter system (5) is provided for filtering air delivered from the corresponding compressor (4) to the corresponding air inlet (11) downstream of the central air filter unit (3).

2. The fuel cell system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The central air filter device (3) has an input end, a central filter unit (30) connected to the input end, and multiple output ends, wherein each supply line (2A, 2B) is connected to one output end of the central air filter device (3), wherein the non-central filter system (5) has one or more filter units arranged in the flow path between the output ends of the central air filter device (3).

3. The fuel cell system (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The central filter unit (30) and at least one filter unit of the non-central filter system (5) are integrated in a cartridge (350), or the non-central filter system (5) has multiple filter units, each filter unit having a separate cartridge (55) arranged in the output of the central air filter device (3).

4. The fuel cell system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The central air filter device (3) has an input end, an output end, and a central filter unit (30) connected to the input end and the output end. The fuel cell system (100) further has a distributor block (8) having an input end connected to the output end of the central air filter device (3) and having multiple output ends. Each supply line (2A, 2B) is connected to one output end of the distributor block (8). The non-central filter system (5) has one or more filter units arranged in a flow path between the output ends of the distributor block (8).

5. The fuel cell system (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The non-centralized filter system (5) has filter units arranged in the internal space (80) of the distributor block (8), the filter units being connected to all outputs of the distributor block (8), or wherein a filter unit is arranged in each output of the distributor block (8).

6. The fuel cell system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, In each supply line (2A, 2B), a filter unit of the non-central filter system (5) is arranged between the compressor (4) and the air inlet (11) of the corresponding fuel cell assembly.

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