An air side spray humidification system based on fin assisted humidification

Abstract

The application provides a kind of air side spray humidification system based on fin auxiliary humidification, belongs to fuel cell technical field, solve the problem of water source not enough, winter icing, water mist phase change of existing ultrasonic atomization humidification system.The system includes electric pile, intercooler, turbine air compressor, humidifier, silencer, water pump, water storage tank, water distribution, tail exhaust throttle valve.The humidifier is provided with a plurality of staggered electric heating fins, a small flow atomizing nozzle with controllable working state is arranged above each electric heating fin, so that the electric heating fin provides additional energy for the large droplets and liquid water generated by the small flow atomizing nozzle to gasify.The air inlet of the electric pile is sequentially connected to the output end of the pressure roller cavity of the turbine air compressor through the intercooler and the humidifier, and the air tail gas outlet is sequentially connected to the input end of the water distribution through the tail exhaust throttle valve, the turbine cavity of the air compressor and the silencer.The water outlet end of the water distribution is sequentially connected to the water supply end of each small flow atomizing nozzle through the water storage tank and the water pump.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to an air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the application scenarios for fuel cell engines are gradually expanding, including ships, submersibles, drones, trains, and automobiles. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are the mainstream applications of fuel cell engines. Due to the requirements for stack performance and durability, the air fed into the stack must have a certain level of humidity.

[0003] Currently, common air humidification solutions for fuel cells include membrane tube humidification, bubbling humidification, and spray humidification. Spray humidification has attracted much attention due to its advantages such as high reliability, highly adjustable water volume, and fast response speed. However, in vehicle applications, existing spray humidification solutions have the following drawbacks: First, there is insufficient water source. The coolant in the vehicle fuel cell engine is a special antifreeze, which cannot be used as a water source for spray humidification. The air temperature after the turbine is relatively high, and the amount of liquid water produced by phase change is insufficient to meet the water volume requirements of spray humidification. Second, there is the problem of water tank freezing in winter. When the vehicle is shut down after winter operation, the water in the water tank will freeze, and humidification cannot be carried out in time when the vehicle is restarted. Finally, the water mist sprayed by the nozzle cannot be completely vaporized to humidify the air. Some of it will still enter the fuel cell stack as large droplets or even liquid water, thereby damaging the fuel cell stack and failing to achieve effective humidification.

[0004] Although the spray humidifier disclosed in Chinese Patent Application No. 202110998197.2 proposes the concept of finned heat exchange-assisted humidification, its structure is complex and its size is huge. It is only suitable for fuel cell test bench applications and not for applications with high requirements for integration and miniaturization, such as vehicle applications. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the above analysis, the present invention aims to provide an air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification, in order to solve the problems of insufficient water source, freezing in winter, and water mist phase change in existing ultrasonic atomization humidification systems.

[0006] On one hand, embodiments of the present invention provide an air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification, including an electric stack, an intercooler, a turbine air compressor, a humidifier, a muffler, a water pump, a water storage tank, a water distributor, and an exhaust throttle valve; wherein,

[0007] The humidification chamber inside the humidifier is equipped with several staggered electric heating fins. Above each electric heating fin is a small flow atomizing nozzle with controllable working state (flow rate of 2-6 L / h), so that the electric heating fins provide additional energy for the large droplets and liquid water generated by the small flow atomizing nozzle to vaporize.

[0008] The air inlet of the fuel cell stack passes through the intercooler and humidifier in sequence and then connects to the output end of the turbine air compressor's impeller chamber. Its exhaust outlet passes through the tailpipe throttle valve, the turbine chamber of the air compressor, and the muffler in sequence and then connects to the input end of the water distributor. The air outlet of the water distributor is connected to the outside atmosphere for exhaust, and its water outlet passes through the water storage tank and water pump in sequence and connects to the water supply end of each small-flow atomizing nozzle.

[0009] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: The water separator is placed after the silencer, resulting in lower air temperatures after passing through the turbine chamber and silencer, which is more conducive to collecting liquid water from the air at lower temperatures. The electrothermal fins have an interlaced structure, with a small-flow atomizing nozzle arranged above each fin plate. The electrothermal fins provide additional vaporization energy for the liquid water. The cooled humid air is heated to the designated temperature for reactor entry after heat exchange in the intercooler, which is beneficial to the performance and durability of the fuel cell stack.

[0010] Based on further improvements to the above system, the humidifier adopts a square-wave zigzag cavity structure, which further includes a first humidification cavity, a second humidification cavity, and a heat replenishment cavity connected in sequence; wherein...

[0011] The first humidification chamber and the second humidification chamber are both linear cavity structures with internal heating fins in the middle, and the two are arranged symmetrically from left to right; in addition, in the middle of the first humidification chamber and the second humidification chamber, small flow atomizing nozzles are evenly dispersed on the top of the corresponding heating fins.

[0012] The heating chamber adopts a U-shaped structure; electric heating fins are provided in the part of the U-shaped structure near the second humidification chamber, but there is no small flow atomizing nozzle; a drain chamber is formed at the bottom of the U-shaped structure, which is equipped with a first liquid level sensor and a first drain valve; an air outlet is provided at the top part of the U-shaped structure away from the second humidification chamber.

[0013] Furthermore, the air-side spray humidification system also includes:

[0014] A gas temperature sensor is located at the air inlet at the front end of the heating chamber inside the humidifier to obtain the temperature of the humidified air and send it to the humidification controller.

[0015] The humidification controller receives data from the gas temperature sensor and adjusts the power of the electric heating fins in the heating chamber based on the difference between the gas temperature sensor data and the required air temperature for the reactor, so as to ensure that the electric heating fins at this location provide sufficient vaporization energy for the large droplets and liquid water generated by the low-flow atomizing nozzle.

[0016] Furthermore, inside the humidifier, the air outlet of the heat replenishment chamber is provided with a narrowed choke point. The size of this choke point causes liquid water to collide with the walls at the choke point and concentrate in the drain chamber under the action of gravity; and...

[0017] The humidification controller is also used to monitor the data of the first liquid level sensor equipped in the drain chamber. When the data exceeds the set value, the first drain valve equipped in the drain chamber is activated to keep the liquid level in the drain chamber at the set level.

[0018] Furthermore, the water storage tank is equipped with a water jacket and an electric heating device; among which,

[0019] The water jacket is installed on the inner wall of the water storage tank. The water inside the water jacket is the fuel cell antifreeze, which is used to preheat the water storage tank using the waste heat of the fuel cell stack.

[0020] The heating end of the electric heating device is also located on the inner wall of the water storage tank. In winter operation, the electric heating device is automatically activated to assist the water jacket preheating function and work together with the water jacket to heat the ice in the water storage tank.

[0021] Furthermore, the water storage tank is equipped with a second liquid level sensor, a liquid temperature sensor, and a second drain valve; and,

[0022] The second liquid level sensor is installed inside the water storage tank to obtain the liquid level height inside the tank.

[0023] A liquid temperature sensor is installed inside the water storage tank to obtain the temperature of the liquid inside the tank.

[0024] The second drain valve is installed at the bottom of the water storage tank;

[0025] The humidification controller is also used to, upon receiving a start command from the fuel cell, first activate the water jacket and electric heating device to preheat the water tank; and, during the preheating process, if the liquid temperature sensor data reaches the set value, activate the small-flow atomizing nozzle and electric heating fins in the humidifier, as well as the turbine air compressor, muffler, water pump, and exhaust throttle valve, and send a command to the fuel cell controller to start its hydrogen-side branch until the fuel cell starts successfully; and, upon receiving a shutdown command from the fuel cell, close the small-flow atomizing nozzle and electric heating fins in the humidifier, as well as the turbine air compressor, and activate the first drain valve and the second drain valve to drain water; and, based on the data from the second liquid level sensor, if it is determined that the water tank contains only enough water for the next fuel cell start-up, close the second drain valve, muffler, water pump, and exhaust throttle valve.

[0026] Furthermore, the first drain valve equipped in the humidification chamber is also used to automatically activate each time the fuel cell is shut down, so as to drain the liquid water in the humidification chamber.

[0027] Furthermore, the air-side spray humidification system also includes:

[0028] An air filter is located at the front end of the air inlet of the turbo air compressor;

[0029] A flow meter is installed between the air filter and the turbo air compressor to obtain the flow rate of gas entering the air compressor.

[0030] Furthermore, the heating fins in the heat replenishment chamber and the heating fins in the second humidification chamber are symmetrical; and the number of heating fins activated in the first humidification chamber, the second humidification chamber, and the heat replenishment chamber is independent and adjustable; and,

[0031] The humidification controller is also used to adjust the number of activated electric heating fins in the first humidification chamber, the second humidification chamber, and the heat replenishment chamber, as well as the number and power of activated small-flow atomizing nozzles in the first humidification chamber and the second humidification chamber, according to the output power of the fuel cell during operation, so that the humidity and temperature of the air entering the stack reach the set range.

[0032] Furthermore, during winter use, the humidification controller executes the following procedure to complete the humidity control function of the incoming air:

[0033] Upon receiving the start command from the fuel cell, the water jacket and electric heating device are activated first to preheat the water tank.

[0034] Once the liquid temperature sensor detects that the liquid temperature in the water tank has reached the set temperature, the water pump and low-flow atomizing nozzle are activated.

[0035] After the data from the first liquid level sensor in the humidification chamber reaches the set water level, a command is sent to the fuel cell controller to start the hydrogen side branch of the fuel cell, and the electric heating fins, turbine air compressor, muffler, tail exhaust throttle valve, and first drain valve are activated to keep the water level in the humidification chamber at the set water level until the fuel cell starts successfully.

[0036] During normal operation of the fuel cell, the power and number of small-flow atomizing nozzles and electric heating fins in the humidifier are adjusted according to the received fuel cell output power demand, so that the humidity and temperature of the air entering the stack are always within the preset range during the adjustment process.

[0037] Upon receiving the shutdown command from the fuel cell, the turbine air compressor, the low-flow atomizing nozzle and the electric heating fins in the humidifier are shut down first, and the first drain valve and the second drain valve are activated to drain water.

[0038] After the first liquid level sensor detects that the liquid water in the humidification chamber has been drained, the first drain valve is closed.

[0039] When the second liquid level sensor detects that the water tank contains only enough water for the next fuel cell startup, the second drain valve is closed.

[0040] Turn off the water pump, muffler, and exhaust throttle.

[0041] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0042] 1. The humidifier features a zigzag cavity structure, increasing the humidification area. The first two chambers are the humidification chambers, with small-flow atomizing nozzles evenly distributed on the top of the fins. Depending on the airflow, in-flush temperature, and in-flush humidity requirements, all nozzles can operate simultaneously with consistent flow rates, or only some nozzles can operate (some are not), offering flexible control options. The humidification controller determines the temperature difference between the humidified air and the required in-flush temperature, precisely controlling the power of the heating fins in the heating chamber to ensure energy control. When the heating fins provide insufficient heat or the nozzles spray too much water (i.e., when control malfunctions), the throttling orifice is narrowed, causing the liquid water to collide with the orifice wall and concentrate in the drain chamber under gravity. A level sensor in the drain chamber controls the drain valve to open promptly, discharging excess liquid water.

[0043] 2. The water storage tank is equipped with a drain valve, water jacket, electric heating device, temperature sensor, and liquid level sensor, which can accurately provide water at the set temperature to the small flow atomizing nozzle.

[0044] 3. After the drain valve drains the water, some liquid water remains in the storage tank to prepare for the next startup. After shutdown, the ice formed by the small amount of liquid water in the storage tank is easily melted by the water jacket and electric heating device, providing humid air for startup.

[0045] 4. High integration, easy to mass-produce and maintain. The large heat exchange area of ​​the electric heating fins facilitates the phase change of water mist into gaseous water, thus humidifying the air.

[0046] The summary section is provided to present the chosen concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. The summary section is not intended to identify essential or essential features of the invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals generally represent the same parts.

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification in Example 1 is shown;

[0049] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification in Example 2 is shown.

[0050] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the humidifier structure of Example 2 is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0052] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein signify open inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to". Unless otherwise stated, the term "or" means "and / or". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The terms "one example embodiment" and "one embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below.

[0053] The abbreviations involved in this invention and their definitions are introduced below.

[0054] Fuel cell system: It is an energy conversion device with a stack and auxiliary subsystems. In the energy conversion process, the core component of the stack, the membrane electrode assembly, directly converts the chemical energy of oxygen and fuel into electrical energy. The reaction products, including water and waste heat, are discharged to the outside of the stack through flow channels and heat exchangers. The generated electrical energy is transferred to the vehicle motor through DC-DC converter.

[0055] Spray humidification: A water pump is used to establish a stable water pressure, and a fine water mist is sprayed from the nozzle to humidify the passing dry air.

[0056] Fin-assisted humidification: Some water mist is sprayed onto the electric heating fins, and the electric heating causes the small droplets to change into gaseous water, thereby humidifying the air.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] One embodiment of the present invention discloses an air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification, suitable for applications such as vehicle-mounted systems where high integration and miniaturization are required. Figure 1 As shown, the components include an electric fuel cell stack, intercooler, turbo air compressor, humidifier, muffler, water pump, water tank, water distribution unit, and exhaust throttle valve.

[0059] The humidifier contains a humidification chamber with several staggered electric heating fins. Above each electric heating fin is a small-flow atomizing nozzle (also known as a small-flow fine atomizing nozzle with a flow rate of 2-6 L / h) with controllable working conditions. This allows the electric heating fins to provide additional energy for the vaporization of the large droplets and liquid water generated by the small-flow atomizing nozzle.

[0060] The air inlet of the fuel cell stack passes sequentially through an intercooler and a humidifier before connecting to the output end of the turbine air compressor's impeller chamber. Its exhaust outlet passes sequentially through a tailpipe throttle valve, the air compressor's turbine chamber, and a muffler before connecting to the input end of the water distributor. The air outlet of the water distributor is connected to the external atmosphere for exhaust, while its water outlet passes sequentially through a water storage tank and a water pump to the water supply end of each small-flow atomizing nozzle.

[0061] The liquid water in the storage tank mainly comes from the water generated inside the fuel cell stack.

[0062] During implementation, the problems of insufficient water supply and water mist phase change were solved by setting up a water storage tank and installing electric heating fins inside the humidifier. The air temperature is lower after the silencer, resulting in more liquid water being separated by the water distributor. The larger heat exchange area of ​​the electric heating fins facilitates the phase change of water mist into gaseous water, thus humidifying the air.

[0063] Compared to existing technologies, the air-side spray humidification system based on finned humidification provided in this embodiment places the water distributor after the silencer. The air temperature is lower after passing through the turbine chamber and silencer, which is more conducive to collecting liquid water from the air at lower temperatures. The electrothermal fins have a staggered structure, with a small-flow atomizing nozzle arranged above each fin plate. The electrothermal fins provide additional vaporization energy for the liquid water. The cooled humid air is heated to the designated temperature for reactor entry through an intercooler, which is beneficial to the performance and durability of the fuel cell stack.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] Based on Example 1, improvements were made to achieve miniaturization and high integration. The humidifier utilizes, for example, a design within a limited space. Figure 3 The electric heating fin structure is shown. Specifically, the humidifier adopts a square wave-shaped zigzag cavity structure, which further includes a first humidification cavity, a second humidification cavity, and a heat replenishment cavity connected in sequence.

[0066] The first humidification chamber and the second humidification chamber are both linear cavity structures with internal heating fins in the middle (main body), and the two are arranged symmetrically from left to right; and in the middle of the first humidification chamber and the second humidification chamber, small flow atomizing nozzles are evenly dispersed on the top of the corresponding heating fins.

[0067] The heating chamber adopts a U-shaped structure. Heating fins are located near the second humidification chamber within this U-shaped chamber, but there are no low-flow atomizing nozzles. A drain chamber is formed at the bottom of the U-shaped chamber, equipped with a first liquid level sensor and a first drain valve. An air outlet is located at the top of the U-shaped chamber, away from the second humidification chamber.

[0068] Depending on the requirements for airflow, infeed temperature, and infeed humidity, you can choose to have all low-flow atomizing nozzles work simultaneously with consistent flow rates, or you can choose to have some nozzles work (some nozzles not work), making the control method flexible and versatile.

[0069] Preferably, the air-side spray humidification system further includes a gas temperature sensor and a humidification controller.

[0070] A gas temperature sensor is located at the air inlet at the front end of the heating chamber inside the humidifier to obtain the temperature of the humidified air and send it to the humidification controller.

[0071] The humidification controller receives data from the gas temperature sensor and adjusts the power of the electric heating fins in the heating chamber according to the difference between the gas temperature sensor data and the required air temperature for the reactor (the power of the electric heating fins in the heating chamber can be obtained through an artificial neural network) to ensure that the electric heating fins at this location provide sufficient vaporization energy for the large droplets and liquid water generated by the low-flow atomizing nozzle.

[0072] The power of the electric heating fins in the heat exchange chamber is precisely controlled by the humidification controller, so that the energy can be controlled.

[0073] Preferably, inside the humidifier, the air outlet of the heating chamber is provided with a narrowed choke. The size of this choke is such that liquid water hits the wall at the choke and concentrates in the drain chamber under the action of gravity. When the heating fins provide insufficient heat or the nozzles spray too much water (i.e., when the control fails), the narrowed choke causes the liquid water to hit the wall at the choke and concentrate in the drain chamber under the action of gravity, instead of entering the fuel cell stack.

[0074] The humidification controller is also used to monitor the data of the first liquid level sensor equipped in the drain chamber. When the data exceeds the set value, the first drain valve equipped in the drain chamber is activated to keep the liquid level in the drain chamber at the set level and discharge excess liquid water.

[0075] Preferably, the water storage tank is equipped with a water jacket and an electric heating device to prevent freezing.

[0076] The water jacket is installed on the inner wall of the water storage tank. The water in the water jacket is the fuel cell antifreeze, and its heat comes from the waste heat of the fuel cell stack, which is used to preheat the water storage tank.

[0077] The electric heating device is an auxiliary heating device, and its heating end is also located on the inner wall of the water storage tank. In winter operation, the electric heating device is automatically started to assist the water jacket preheating function. Together with the water jacket, it heats the ice in the water storage tank and provides a certain amount of humid air for the fuel cell stack when it is started.

[0078] Preferably, the water storage tank is also equipped with a second liquid level sensor, a liquid temperature sensor, and a second drain valve.

[0079] The second liquid level sensor is installed inside the water storage tank to obtain the liquid level height inside the tank.

[0080] The liquid temperature sensor is installed inside the water storage tank to obtain the liquid temperature (water temperature) inside the tank.

[0081] A second drain valve is installed at the bottom of the water storage tank. When the fuel cell engine stops (fuel cell shuts down), the drain valve opens to release a certain amount of water, leaving enough water for the next startup. Figure 2 As shown.

[0082] The humidification controller is also used to, upon receiving a start command from the fuel cell, first activate the water jacket and electric heating device to preheat the water tank; and, during the preheating process, if the liquid temperature sensor data reaches the set value, activate the small-flow atomizing nozzle and electric heating fins in the humidifier, as well as the turbine air compressor, muffler, water pump, and exhaust throttle valve (i.e., start the air-side branch of the fuel cell), and send a command to the fuel cell controller to start its hydrogen-side branch until the fuel cell starts successfully; and, upon receiving a shutdown command from the fuel cell, shut down the small-flow atomizing nozzle and electric heating fins in the humidifier, as well as the turbine air compressor, and activate the first drain valve and the second drain valve to drain water; and, based on the data from the second liquid level sensor, when it is determined that the water tank contains only enough water for the next fuel cell start-up, shut down the second drain valve, muffler, water pump, and exhaust throttle valve (fuel cell shutdown).

[0083] The input terminal of the humidification controller is connected to the output terminals of the first liquid level sensor, the second liquid level sensor, the liquid temperature sensor, and the gas temperature sensor. Its output terminal is connected to the control terminals of the tailpipe throttle, water jacket, electric heating device, intercooler, small flow atomizing nozzle, turbine air compressor, muffler, first drain valve, and second drain valve.

[0084] Preferably, the water storage tank has a first water inlet on one side, which connects to the drain end of the water distribution component, and a second water inlet on the other side for connecting to an external water source. A drain outlet at the bottom connects to a second drain valve. Inside the tank is a liquid pipe with one end at the bottom. The other end of this liquid pipe extends out of the water storage tank and connects to the liquid inlet of the humidification chamber via a water pump and a water filter.

[0085] Preferably, the first drain valve equipped in the humidification chamber is also used to automatically start each time the fuel cell is shut down, so as to drain the liquid water in the humidification chamber.

[0086] Preferably, the air-side spray humidification system also includes an air filter, a flow meter, and a water filter.

[0087] An air filter, located at the air inlet of the turbo air compressor, is used to filter impurities and bacteria in the air and is a replaceable component.

[0088] A flow meter is installed between the air filter and the turbo air compressor to obtain the flow rate of gas entering the air compressor.

[0089] A water filter is installed between the water pump and the humidifier.

[0090] Preferably, the heating fins in the heat replenishment chamber and the heating fins in the second humidification chamber are symmetrical. Furthermore, the number of heating fins activated in the first humidification chamber, the second humidification chamber, and the heat replenishment chamber is independent and adjustable.

[0091] Preferably, the humidification controller is also used to adjust the number of activated electric heating fins in the first humidification chamber, the second humidification chamber, and the heat replenishment chamber, as well as the number and power of activated small-flow atomizing nozzles in the first humidification chamber and the second humidification chamber (obtained through an artificial neural network) according to the output power of the fuel cell during fuel cell operation, so that the humidity and temperature of the air entering the stack reach the set range.

[0092] Preferably, the turbine air compressor, water tank, intercooler, humidifier, exhaust throttle valve, muffler, water distributor, water pump, water filter, first drain valve, and second drain valve are integrated into one unit, retaining only the external interfaces for water and air circuits, which is suitable for various types of vehicle fuel cell engines.

[0093] Preferably, during winter use, the humidifier controller executes the following program to complete the humidity control function of the incoming air:

[0094] S1. After receiving the start command from the fuel cell, first start the water jacket and electric heating device to preheat the water tank;

[0095] S2. After the liquid temperature sensor detects that the liquid temperature in the water tank has reached the set temperature, the water pump and the low-flow atomizing nozzle are started.

[0096] S3. After detecting that the data from the first liquid level sensor in the humidification chamber has reached the set water level, a command is sent to the fuel cell controller to start the hydrogen side branch of the fuel cell, and the electric heating fins, turbine air compressor, muffler, tail exhaust throttle valve, and first drain valve are started to keep the water level in the humidification chamber at the set water level until the fuel cell starts successfully.

[0097] S4. During normal operation of the fuel cell, adjust the power and number of small-flow atomizing nozzles and electric heating fins in the humidifier according to the received fuel cell demand output power, so that the humidity and temperature of the air entering the stack are always within the preset range during the adjustment process.

[0098] S5. After receiving the shutdown command from the fuel cell, first shut down the turbo air compressor, the small-flow atomizing nozzle and the electric heating fins in the humidifier, and start the first drain valve and the second drain valve to drain water;

[0099] S6. After the liquid water in the humidification chamber is drained according to the first liquid level sensor, close the first drain valve;

[0100] S7. When the second liquid level sensor data indicates that the water tank contains only enough water for the next fuel cell startup, close the second drain valve.

[0101] S8. Turn off the water pump, muffler, and exhaust throttle.

[0102] Compared with the prior art, the air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification provided in this embodiment has the following beneficial effects:

[0103] 1. The humidifier features a zigzag cavity structure, increasing the humidification area. The first two chambers are the humidification chambers, with small-flow atomizing nozzles evenly distributed on the top of the fins. Depending on the airflow, in-flush temperature, and in-flush humidity requirements, all nozzles can operate simultaneously with consistent flow rates, or only some nozzles can operate (some are not), offering flexible control options. The humidification controller determines the temperature difference between the humidified air and the required in-flush temperature, precisely controlling the power of the heating fins in the heating chamber to ensure energy control. When the heating fins provide insufficient heat or the nozzles spray too much water (i.e., when control malfunctions), the throttling orifice is narrowed, causing the liquid water to collide with the orifice wall and concentrate in the drain chamber under gravity. A level sensor in the drain chamber controls the drain valve to open promptly, discharging excess liquid water.

[0104] 2. The water storage tank is equipped with a drain valve, water jacket, electric heating device, temperature sensor, and liquid level sensor, which can accurately provide water at the set temperature to the small flow atomizing nozzle.

[0105] 3. After the drain valve drains the water, some liquid water remains in the storage tank to prepare for the next startup. After shutdown, the ice formed by the small amount of liquid water in the storage tank is easily melted by the water jacket and electric heating device, providing humid air for startup.

[0106] 4. High integration, easy to mass-produce and maintain. The large heat exchange area of ​​the electric heating fins facilitates the phase change of water mist into gaseous water, thus humidifying the air.

[0107] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical applications, or improvements to the prior art of the embodiments, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification, characterized in that, This includes the fuel cell stack, intercooler, turbo air compressor, humidifier, muffler, water pump, water tank, water distribution unit, and exhaust throttle valve; among which, The humidification chamber inside the humidifier is equipped with several staggered electric heating fins. Above each electric heating fin is a small flow atomizing nozzle with controllable working state, so that the electric heating fins provide additional energy for the large droplets and liquid water generated by the small flow atomizing nozzle to vaporize. The air inlet of the fuel cell stack passes through the intercooler and humidifier in sequence and then connects to the output end of the turbine air compressor's impeller chamber. Its exhaust outlet passes through the tailpipe throttle valve, the turbine chamber of the air compressor, and the muffler in sequence and then connects to the input end of the water distributor. The air outlet of the water distributor is connected to the outside atmosphere for exhaust, and its water outlet passes through the water storage tank and water pump in sequence and connects to the water supply end of each small-flow atomizing nozzle. The humidifier adopts a square-wave zigzag cavity structure, which further includes a first humidification cavity, a second humidification cavity, and a heat replenishment cavity connected in sequence; wherein... The first humidification chamber and the second humidification chamber are both linear cavity structures with internal heating fins in the middle, and the two are arranged symmetrically from left to right; in addition, in the middle of the first humidification chamber and the second humidification chamber, small flow atomizing nozzles are evenly dispersed on the top of the corresponding heating fins. The heating chamber adopts a U-shaped structure; electric heating fins are provided in the part of the U-shaped structure near the second humidification chamber, but there is no small flow atomizing nozzle; a drain chamber is formed at the bottom of the U-shaped structure, which is equipped with a first liquid level sensor and a first drain valve; an air outlet is provided at the top of the U-shaped structure away from the second humidification chamber. The air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification further includes: A gas temperature sensor is located at the air inlet at the front end of the heating chamber inside the humidifier to obtain the temperature of the humidified air and send it to the humidification controller. The humidification controller is used to receive data from the gas temperature sensor and adjust the power of the electric heating fins in the heating chamber according to the difference between the gas temperature sensor data and the required air temperature for the reactor, so as to ensure that the electric heating fins at this location provide sufficient vaporization energy for the large droplets and liquid water generated by the low-flow atomizing nozzle. Inside the humidifier, the air outlet of the heating chamber has a narrowed choke point. The size of this choke point causes liquid water to collide with the walls at the choke point and concentrate in the drain chamber under gravity. The humidification controller is also used to monitor the data of the first liquid level sensor equipped in the drain chamber. When the data exceeds the set value, the first drain valve equipped in the drain chamber is activated to keep the liquid level in the drain chamber at the set level.

2. The air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage tank is equipped with a water jacket and an electric heating device; among which, The water jacket is installed on the inner wall of the water storage tank. The water inside the water jacket is the fuel cell antifreeze, which is used to preheat the water storage tank using the waste heat of the fuel cell stack. The heating end of the electric heating device is also located on the inner wall of the water storage tank. In winter operation, the electric heating device is automatically activated to assist the water jacket preheating function and work together with the water jacket to heat the ice in the water storage tank.

3. The air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water storage tank is also equipped with a second liquid level sensor, a liquid temperature sensor, and a second drain valve; among which, The second liquid level sensor is installed inside the water storage tank to obtain the liquid level height inside the tank. A liquid temperature sensor is installed inside the water storage tank to obtain the temperature of the liquid inside the tank. The second drain valve is installed at the bottom of the water storage tank; The humidification controller is also used to, upon receiving a start command from the fuel cell, first activate the water jacket and electric heating device to preheat the water tank; and, during the preheating process, if the liquid temperature sensor data reaches the set value, activate the small-flow atomizing nozzle and electric heating fins in the humidifier, as well as the turbine air compressor, muffler, water pump, and exhaust throttle valve, and send a command to the fuel cell controller to start its hydrogen-side branch until the fuel cell starts successfully; and, upon receiving a shutdown command from the fuel cell, close the small-flow atomizing nozzle and electric heating fins in the humidifier, as well as the turbine air compressor, and activate the first drain valve and the second drain valve to drain water; and, based on the data from the second liquid level sensor, if it is determined that the water tank contains only enough water for the next fuel cell start-up, close the second drain valve, muffler, water pump, and exhaust throttle valve.

4. The air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first drain valve equipped in the humidification chamber is also used to automatically activate each time the fuel cell is shut down, so as to drain the liquid water in the humidification chamber.

5. The air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Also includes: An air filter is located at the front end of the air inlet of the turbo air compressor; A flow meter is installed between the air filter and the turbo air compressor to obtain the flow rate of gas entering the air compressor.

6. The air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heating fins in the heat replenishment chamber and the heating fins in the second humidification chamber are symmetrical; furthermore, the number of heating fins activated in the first humidification chamber, the second humidification chamber, and the heat replenishment chamber is independent and adjustable; and... The humidification controller is also used to adjust the number of activated electric heating fins in the first humidification chamber, the second humidification chamber, and the heat replenishment chamber, as well as the number and power of activated small-flow atomizing nozzles in the first humidification chamber and the second humidification chamber, according to the output power of the fuel cell during operation, so that the humidity and temperature of the air entering the stack reach the set range.

7. The air-side spray humidification system based on fin-assisted humidification according to claim 4, characterized in that, When used in winter, the humidifier controller executes the following program to complete the humidity control function of the incoming air: Upon receiving the start command from the fuel cell, the water jacket and electric heating device are activated first to preheat the water tank. Once the liquid temperature sensor detects that the liquid temperature in the water tank has reached the set temperature, the water pump and low-flow atomizing nozzle are activated. After the data from the first liquid level sensor in the humidification chamber reaches the set water level, a command is sent to the fuel cell controller to start the hydrogen side branch of the fuel cell, and the electric heating fins, turbine air compressor, muffler, tail exhaust throttle valve, and first drain valve are activated to keep the water level in the humidification chamber at the set water level until the fuel cell starts successfully. During normal operation of the fuel cell, the power and number of small-flow atomizing nozzles and electric heating fins in the humidifier are adjusted according to the received fuel cell output power demand, so that the humidity and temperature of the air entering the stack are always within the preset range during the adjustment process. Upon receiving the shutdown command from the fuel cell, the turbine air compressor, the low-flow atomizing nozzle and the electric heating fins in the humidifier are shut down first, and the first drain valve and the second drain valve are activated to drain water. After the first liquid level sensor detects that the liquid water in the humidification chamber has been drained, the first drain valve is closed. When the second liquid level sensor detects that the water tank contains only enough water for the next fuel cell startup, the second drain valve is closed. Turn off the water pump, muffler, and exhaust throttle.

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