A fuel cell cathode end water gas separator

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of fuel cell, and especially relates to a water-gas separator for cathode end of fuel cell; comprising a separator shell, a vortex generator, an air inlet channel and an air outlet channel, the inner cavity of the separator shell is a cylindrical hollow structure; the air inlet channel and the air outlet channel are arranged on a separator upper cover, the separator upper cover is fixed above the separator shell; the air inlet channel is composed of an air inlet channel inlet arranged on the outer direction of the separator shell, an air inlet channel outlet arranged on the inner direction of the separator shell and a vertical channel between the air inlet channel inlet and the air inlet channel outlet; the air inlet channel outlet position corresponds to the back space of the vortex column of the vortex generator, vortex blade groups are arranged around the outer side of the lower end of the vortex column; a return cavity is further arranged in the separator shell, so that liquid water existing in the exhaust of the fuel cell can be separated, and the effect of preventing the dynamic balance problem of the expander is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and more particularly to a water-gas separator at the cathode of a fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] The working principle of a hydrogen fuel cell is that hydrogen gas is decomposed into electrons and hydrogen ions (protons) by a catalyst (platinum) at the positive electrode of the fuel cell. The protons then travel through a proton exchange membrane to the negative electrode and react with oxygen to produce water and heat.

[0003] If the water vapor generated during fuel cell operation cannot be effectively separated and discharged from the system, liquid water may enter the exhaust. This entry of liquid water can be caused by condensation, cooling, or improper system design. When the expander operates at high speed, its rotating components (such as the shaft and impeller) generate centrifugal force. When liquid water droplets from the exhaust vapor enter the expander, they adhere to the surfaces of the rotating components, creating an uneven mass distribution. This leads to an unbalanced mass distribution in the expander, causing vibration and dynamic balance problems. An unbalanced mass distribution increases the expander's vibration and may even cause mechanical failure and damage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fuel cell cathode water-gas separator and process to address the deficiencies in the existing technology, thereby achieving the effect of separating liquid water present in the fuel cell tailpipe and preventing dynamic balance problems in the expander.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A fuel cell cathode water-gas separator includes a separator housing, a vortex generator, an inlet channel, and an outlet channel. The separator housing has a cylindrical hollow structure. The inlet channel and the outlet channel are located on a separator cover, which is fixed above the separator housing. The inlet channel consists of an inlet channel opening outward from the separator housing, an outlet channel opening inward from the separator housing, and a vertical channel between them. The outlet channel corresponds to the back space of the vortex column of the vortex generator. A vortex blade assembly is arranged around the lower outer side of the vortex column. A return cavity is also provided inside the separator housing, located below the vortex generator. The return cavity has a gradually narrowing conical boundary, and its upper opening corresponds to the position of the return channel inside the vortex column. A liquid outlet channel is also provided below the separator housing, and its opening position is adapted to the lower opening position of the return cavity.

[0007] Furthermore, the vortex blade assembly consists of several blades, and the vortex blade assembly is connected to the regulator assembly and controller within the vortex generator. The regulator assembly and controller contain several regulators, each corresponding to one of the blades. A first induction coil is provided at the inlet of the air intake channel, and several sensors are arranged around the first induction coil. The first induction coil is signal-connected to the regulator assembly and controller. A second induction group is provided on the outer side of the vortex generator within the separator housing. The second induction group includes a second induction coil and a rectangular induction array, and several sensors are arranged around the second induction coil and the rectangular induction array. The second induction group is signal-connected to the regulator assembly and controller.

[0008] Furthermore, the adjuster group and controller sense changes in gas flow rate based on the first induction coil and the second induction group and adjust the angle of the blades accordingly.

[0009] Furthermore, the change in angle is determined by calculating using the following formula:

[0010] Δθ=(Qg-Qg_ref)*K;

[0011] in:

[0012] Δθ is the unit of change in blade angle: radians;

[0013] Qg is the current gas flow rate unit: m^3 / s;

[0014] Qg_ref is the reference gas flow rate unit: m^3 / s;

[0015] K is an adjustment factor;

[0016] Calculate the new blade angle:

[0017] θ_new = θ_ref + Δθ;

[0018] in:

[0019] θ_new is the new unit of blade angle: radians;

[0020] θ_ref is the reference blade angle.

[0021] Furthermore, the reference gas flow rate Qg_ref is preset in the early stages of design or operation as a baseline value or reference point for the system; the adjustment coefficient K is adjusted according to system requirements and design.

[0022] Furthermore, a third induction coil is provided at the air outlet channel, and several sensors are arranged around the third induction coil. The third induction coil is signal-connected to the regulator group and the controller.

[0023] Furthermore, an external air outlet connector is also provided outside the air outlet channel.

[0024] Furthermore, a first sealing ring is also provided inside the upper cover of the separator.

[0025] Furthermore, a second sealing ring is also provided inside the upper cover of the separator.

[0026] Furthermore, a sealing layer is provided on the outside of the first induction coil, the second induction group, and the third induction coil.

[0027] The technical solution of this invention can achieve the following technical effects:

[0028] The separator comprises a separator housing, a vortex generator, an inlet channel, and an outlet channel. The separator housing has a cylindrical hollow internal cavity. The inlet and outlet channels are located on the separator top cover, which is fixed above the separator housing. The inlet channel consists of an inlet opening on the outside of the separator housing, an outlet opening on the inside of the separator housing, and a vertical channel between them. The outlet of the inlet channel corresponds to the back space of the vortex column of the vortex generator. A set of vortex blades is arranged around the lower outer side of the vortex column. A return cavity is also provided inside the separator housing, located below the vortex generator. The return cavity has a gradually narrowing conical boundary, and its upper opening corresponds to the position of the return channel inside the vortex column. A liquid outlet channel is also provided below the separator housing. The structure of the liquid outlet channel is adapted to the opening and closing position of the return cavity, which can separate liquid water present in the fuel cell tailpipe and prevent dynamic balance problems in the expander. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water-gas separator at the cathode of the fuel cell in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the water-gas separator at the cathode end of the fuel cell in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the separator cover in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the water-gas separator at the cathode of the fuel cell in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a front view of the water-gas separator at the cathode of the fuel cell in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view from another perspective in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view from another perspective in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Separator housing; 1-1. Separator top cover; 1-1. First sealing ring; 1-1-1. Second sealing ring; 1-1-2. Vortex generator; 2. Vortex column; 2-1. Return channel; 2-1-1. Vortex blade assembly; 2-2. Blade; 2-2-1. Adjuster assembly and controller; 2-3. Inlet channel; 3. Inlet channel inlet; 3-1. Inlet channel outlet; 3-2. Vertical channel; 3-3. Outlet channel; 4. Outlet connector; 4-1. Return cavity; 5. Conical boundary; 5-1. First induction coil; 6. Second induction group; 7. Second induction coil; 7-1. Rectangular induction array; 7-2. Liquid outlet channel; 8. Third induction coil; 9. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", and "outer" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0040] A fuel cell cathode water-gas separator, such as Figure 1 and 2As shown, the separator includes a separator housing 1, a vortex generator 2, an air inlet channel 3, and an air outlet channel 4. The separator housing 1 has a cylindrical hollow internal cavity. The air inlet channel 3 and the air outlet channel 4 are formed on the separator upper cover 1-1, which is fixed above the separator housing 1. The air inlet channel 3 consists of an air inlet 3-1 formed outward from the separator housing 1, an air outlet 3-2 formed inward from the separator housing 1, and a vertical channel 3-3 between them. The air outlet 3-2 is positioned corresponding to... The space behind the vortex column 2-1 of the vortex generator 2 has vortex blade groups 2-2 arranged around the lower outer side of the vortex column 2-1; a return cavity 5 is also provided inside the separator housing 1, the return cavity 5 is located below the vortex generator 2, the return cavity 5 has a gradually tightening conical boundary 5-1, and the upper opening of the return cavity 5 corresponds to the position of the return channel 2-1-1 inside the vortex column 2-1; a liquid outlet channel 8 is also provided below the separator housing 1, the liquid outlet channel 8 is adapted to the lower opening and closing position of the return cavity 5.

[0041] Specifically, the water vapor in the fuel cell exhaust enters the space behind the vortex column 2-1 of the vortex generator 2 through the inlet 3-1 of the air intake channel on the separator cover 1-1, through the vertical channel 3-3, and to the outlet 3-2 of the air intake channel. There is a certain height difference between the outlet 3-2 of the air intake channel and the gas inlet at the position of the vortex generator 2, and the position is ensured to be an arc surface. When the gas enters the vortex generator 2 after passing through the outlet 3-2 of the air intake channel, the vortex generator 2 has a structure in the axial direction that is higher than the outlet 3-2 of the air intake channel, thereby driving the water vapor to swirl downward along the vortex column 2-1 of the vortex generator 2 in the separator housing 1, and generating a high-speed swirling flow in conjunction with the vortex blade assembly 2-2. The velocity of the water vapor causes it to rotate around the separator body, throwing the heavier suspended water onto the inner wall of the separator housing 1. The conical boundary 5-1 on the return chamber 5 alters the trajectory of the moving water vapor, causing it to return upwards. During this process, the heavier suspended water is again thrown onto the inner wall of the separator housing 1. Finally, the separated gas is output through the gas outlet channel 4, and the separated liquid is discharged through the liquid outlet channel 8, thus completing the water vapor separation at the fuel cell cathode. The optimal angle for the conical boundary 5-1 on the return chamber 5 is between 30° and 40°.

[0042] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figure 1As shown, the vortex blade assembly 2-2 consists of several blades 2-2-1. The vortex blade assembly 2-2 is connected to the regulator assembly and controller 2-3 inside the vortex generator 2. Several regulators 2-3-1 are provided inside the regulator assembly and controller 2-3, and the regulators 2-3-1 are connected to the blades 2-2-1 one by one. A first induction coil 6 is provided at the inlet 3-1 of the air intake channel. Several sensors are arranged around the first induction coil 6. The first induction coil 6 is signal-connected to the regulator assembly and controller 2-3. A second induction group 7 is provided on the outside of the vortex generator 2 inside the separator housing 1. The second induction group 7 includes a second induction coil 7-1 and a rectangular induction array 7-2. Several sensors are arranged around the second induction coil 7-1 and the rectangular induction array 7-2. The second induction group 7 is signal-connected to the regulator assembly and controller 2-3.

[0043] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figure 1 As shown, the adjuster group and controller 2-3 adjust the angle of the blade 2-2-1 according to the change in gas flow sensed by the first induction coil 6 and the second induction group 7.

[0044] Specifically, several adjusters 2-3-1 are installed within the adjuster group and controller 2-3. Each adjuster 2-3-1 is connected to a blade 2-2-1 in a one-to-one correspondence. When the first sensing coil 6 senses the water vapor state at the air intake 3-1, the controller instructs the adjuster 2-3-1 to adjust the curvature of the blade 2-2-1 according to the different water vapor state. This allows the water vapor to better cooperate with the vortex blade group 2-2 to generate a high-speed swirling flow. A second sensing group 7 is installed on the outside of the vortex generator 2. In particular, the second sensing coil 7-1 and the rectangular sensing array 7-2 in the second sensing group sense the water vapor state after it rotates downward and after it returns. Based on the different water vapor state, the controller instructs the adjuster 2-3-1 to adjust the curvature of the blade 2-2-1 to achieve a better water vapor separation effect.

[0045] As a preferred embodiment of the above, as shown in 1, the amount of angle change is calculated using the following formula:

[0046] Δθ=(Qg-Qg_ref)*K;

[0047] in

[0048] Δθ is the unit of change in blade angle: radians;

[0049] Qg is the current gas flow rate unit: m^3 / s;

[0050] Qg_ref is the reference gas flow rate unit: m^3 / s;

[0051] K is an adjustment factor;

[0052] Calculate the new blade angle:

[0053] θ_new = θ_ref + Δθ;

[0054] in:

[0055] θ_new is the new unit of blade angle: radians;

[0056] θ_ref is the reference blade angle.

[0057] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figure 1 As shown, the reference gas flow rate Qg_ref is preset in the early stages of design or operation as the system's baseline or reference point; the adjustment coefficient K is adjusted according to system requirements and design.

[0058] Specifically, based on the formula for calculating the angle change and the formula for calculating the blade angle, the adjuster group and controller 2-3 are used to adjust the angle of the blade 2-2-1 according to the gas flow rate changes sensed by the first induction coil 6 and the second induction group 7.

[0059] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figure 4 As shown, a third induction coil 9 is also provided at the air outlet channel 4. Several sensors are arranged around the third induction coil 9. The third induction coil 9 is signal connected to the regulator group and controller 2-3.

[0060] Specifically, the third sensing coil 9 is surrounded by several sensors, and the third sensing coil 9 is connected to the regulator group and the controller 2-3. This structure allows for the final detection of the gas discharged to the outlet channel 4 after water-gas separation, and the detection of the internal water-gas separation status, so as to adjust the regulator group and the controller 2-3 to instruct the blades 2-2-1.

[0061] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figure 4 As shown, an external air outlet connector 4-1 is also provided outside the air outlet channel 4.

[0062] Specifically, an external air outlet connector 4-1 is also provided outside the air outlet channel 4 for connecting an external air compressor expander.

[0063] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first sealing ring 1-1-1 is also provided inside the upper cover 1-1 of the separator.

[0064] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figure 4 As shown, a second sealing ring 1-1-2 is also provided inside the upper cover 1-1 of the separator.

[0065] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figure 3 As shown, a sealing layer is provided on the outside of the first induction coil 6, the second induction group 7, and the third induction coil 9.

[0066] Specifically, the first sealing ring 1-1-1 and the second sealing ring 1-1-2 can be O-rings or non-circular sealing rings.

[0067] Specifically, the entire gas-liquid separation device casing is made of materials including non-metallic materials, such as PPS + glass fiber, to reduce weight and ensure structural strength.

[0068] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A water-gas separator at the cathode of a fuel cell, characterized in that: It includes a separator housing (1), a vortex generator (2), an air inlet channel (3) and an air outlet channel (4), wherein the inner cavity of the separator housing (1) is a cylindrical hollow structure; The air intake channel (3) and the air outlet channel (4) are opened on the separator cover (1-1), and the separator cover (1-1) is fixed above the separator housing (1); The air intake channel (3) consists of an air intake channel inlet (3-1) opened in the direction outside the separator housing (1), an air intake channel outlet (3-2) opened in the direction inside the separator housing (1), and a vertical channel (3-3) between the two. The location of the air intake channel outlet (3-2) corresponds to the back space of the vortex column (2-1) of the vortex generator (2), and the vortex blade group (2-2) is arranged around the lower outer side of the vortex column (2-1). The separator housing (1) is also provided with a return cavity (5), which is located below the vortex generator (2). The return cavity (5) has a gradually tightening conical boundary (5-1), and the upper opening of the return cavity (5) corresponds to the position of the return channel (2-1-1) in the vortex column (2-1). The separator housing (1) is also provided with a liquid outlet channel (8), which is adapted to the lower opening and closing position of the return cavity (5). The vortex blade assembly (2-2) is composed of several blades (2-2-1). The vortex blade assembly (2-2) is connected to the adjuster assembly and controller (2-3) in the vortex generator (2). The adjuster assembly and controller (2-3) is provided with several adjusters (2-3-1). The blades (2-2-1) are connected one-to-one; a first induction coil (6) is provided at the inlet (3-1) of the air intake channel, and several sensors are arranged around the first induction coil (6). The first induction coil (6) is signal-connected to the regulator group and controller (2-3); a second induction group (7) is provided on the outside of the vortex generator (2) inside the separator housing (1). The second induction group (7) includes a second induction coil (7-1) and a rectangular induction array (7-2). Several sensors are arranged around the second induction coil (7-1) and the rectangular induction array (7-2). The second induction group (7) is signal-connected to the regulator group and controller (2-3); the regulator group and controller (2-3) sense the change in gas flow rate according to the first induction coil (6) and the second induction group (7) and adjust the angle of the blades (2-2-1); the angle change is determined by the following formula: Δθ = (Qg - Qg_ref) * K; in: The Δθ is the change in blade angle, in radians; Qg is the current gas flow rate, in m³ / s; Qg_ref is the reference gas flow rate, in m^3 / s; K is an adjustment factor; Calculate the new blade angle: θ_new = θ_ref + Δθ; in: θ_new is the new blade angle, in radians; The θ_ref is the reference blade angle.

2. The fuel cell cathode water-gas separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference gas flow rate Qg_ref is preset in the early stages of design or operation as a baseline or reference point for the system; the adjustment coefficient K is adjusted according to system requirements and design.

3. The fuel cell cathode water-gas separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, A third induction coil (9) is also provided at the air outlet channel (4). Several sensors are arranged around the third induction coil (9). The third induction coil (9) is connected to the regulator group and the controller (2-3) via signal.

4. The fuel cell cathode water-gas separator according to claim 3, characterized in that, An external air outlet connector (4-1) is also provided outside the air outlet channel (4).

5. The fuel cell cathode water-gas separator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The separator cover (1-1) is also provided with a first sealing ring (1-1-1).

6. The fuel cell cathode water-gas separator according to claim 5, characterized in that, A second sealing ring (1-1-2) is also provided inside the upper cover (1-1) of the separator.

7. The fuel cell cathode water-gas separator according to claim 6, characterized in that, A sealing layer is provided on the outside of the first induction coil (6), the second induction group (7), and the third induction coil (9).

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