Hydrogen fuel cell integrated frame, integrated system and integrated method

Abstract

The application discloses a hydrogen fuel cell integrated frame, an integrated system and an integrated method, and relates to the technical field of hydrogen fuel cell systems.The hydrogen fuel cell integrated frame comprises a frame structure and a stack shell; the stack shell is used for mounting a stack; the frame structure comprises a base and a plurality of mounting blades; the stack shell is arranged on the base; the mounting blades are arranged in sequence at the periphery of the stack shell; one end of the mounting blades is rotationally connected to the base; and the mounting blades are used for mounting an air supply system, a thermal management system, a hydrogen supply system and an electrical module.The application has clear and explicit assembly division, can separate the stack from the rest of the hydrogen fuel cell system, reduces unstable factors of the stack, and greatly improves the research and development, production and maintenance efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically relating to an integrated framework, integrated system, and integrated method for hydrogen fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] A hydrogen fuel cell is a device that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and heat. Compared to traditional internal combustion engines, hydrogen fuel cells offer advantages such as zero emissions, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. With increasing societal focus on environmental protection, energy conservation, and sustainable development, hydrogen fuel cells have gradually become a widely recognized new energy technology. Over the past few decades, hydrogen fuel cell technology has seen significant advancements.

[0003] A hydrogen fuel cell system mainly consists of five subsystems: the fuel cell stack, the high-voltage power system, the cooling system, the air supply system, and the hydrogen supply system. The fuel cell stack, a battery assembly composed of multiple stacked hydrogen fuel cells, is the core component, providing the reaction site for hydrogen fuel and responsible for outputting electricity. During operation, the fuel cell stack generates heat and produces water as a byproduct. A well-designed system is needed to minimize the impact of excess heat and water on the stack's operation, thereby improving its lifespan and performance. Because the fuel cell reaction generates temperature, it is affected by thermal expansion and contraction. Furthermore, the fuel cell stack is highly sensitive to stress; forces can affect the discharge of water byproducts, contact resistance, and reaction efficiency. Therefore, when designing hydrogen fuel cells, we must minimize the impact of environmental factors and external objects. Currently, the complexity of the components in a hydrogen fuel cell system increases the difficulty of system layout. Therefore, a rational layout is needed to improve the operating environment, accelerate development, and reduce maintenance costs.

[0004] Chinese patent CN 211617445U discloses a fuel cell system layout structure, including a fuel cell stack, a high-voltage power system, a cooling system, an air supply system, a hydrogen supply system, and a combined support frame. The fuel cell stack, cooling system, and air supply system are integrated within the engine compartment and are arranged in layers above the front longitudinal beam via the combined support frame. Parts of the high-voltage power system and hydrogen supply system are integrated onto the combined support frame, while other parts are arranged on the floor assembly. This fuel cell system layout structure integrates most components within the engine compartment, and the combined support frame within the engine compartment enables the layered placement of each component, allowing for assembly from bottom to top. However, this utility model still has the following problems: In the process of matching structural components, existing hydrogen fuel cell system components are either directly installed on the stack or indirectly affect the stack. This means that when the stack is working, it not only has to bear the uncertainty it brings, but also has to bear the influence that other components may have on it, increasing the instability factors; the assembly division of the existing system is not clear enough, and the parts of various subsystems are mixed together, which makes disassembly and assembly time-consuming and laborious in the early and later maintenance processes; some components are interconnected, which leads to the mutual transmission of forces, which is not conducive to the force layout of the system, and also not conducive to the normal operation of the system components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an integrated framework, integrated system and integrated method for hydrogen fuel cells. By integrating the various parts of the hydrogen fuel cell through the framework, the interconnection between the parts can be satisfied without affecting their normal operation, thereby reducing the instability factors of the fuel cell stack and improving the efficiency of research and development, production and maintenance.

[0006] This invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an integrated framework for a hydrogen fuel cell, including a frame structure and a stack housing;

[0008] The fuel cell stack housing is used to mount the fuel cell stack;

[0009] The frame structure includes a base and multiple mounting blades. The fuel cell stack housing is mounted on the base, and the mounting blades are distributed sequentially around the periphery of the fuel cell stack housing. One end of each mounting blade is rotatably connected to the base. The mounting blades are used to mount the air supply system, thermal management system, hydrogen supply system, and electrical modules.

[0010] Furthermore, the base includes a blade mounting bracket and a bottom support; the bottom support is located at the bottom of the blade mounting bracket, the mounting blade is located at the top of the blade mounting bracket and is rotatably connected to the blade mounting bracket, and the blade mounting bracket is used to axially limit the mounting blade.

[0011] Furthermore, the base is provided with multiple blade rotating mounting bosses. The blade rotating mounting bosses pass through the blade mounting support and are rotatably connected to one end of the blade. The blade rotates in the plane where the blade mounting support is located, with the blade rotating mounting boss as the center.

[0012] Furthermore, there are four mounting blades, which are respectively arranged at the edge of the blade mounting support; each mounting blade is used to independently install the air supply system, thermal management system, hydrogen supply system or electrical module; the mounting blade has connection holes for connecting the fuel cell stack to the air supply system, thermal management system, hydrogen supply system or electrical module, as well as mounting holes for installing the air supply system, thermal management system, hydrogen supply system or electrical module.

[0013] Furthermore, the top of the fuel cell stack housing is provided with a fuel cell stack encapsulation cover, and the inside of the fuel cell stack housing is provided with a fuel cell stack support frame for supporting the fuel cell stack; the fuel cell stack support frame is provided with multiple internal through holes for wiring and pipe routing inside the fuel cell stack housing.

[0014] Furthermore, the fuel cell stack casing has multiple casing through holes for connecting the fuel cell stack to the outside.

[0015] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the fuel cell stack housing is provided with one or more bosses, and the blade mounting support is provided with a through hole corresponding to the boss. The boss and the through hole cooperate with each other to connect the fuel cell stack housing and the blade mounting support.

[0016] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the blade mounting support is provided with one or more bosses, and the bottom support is provided with corresponding through holes. The bosses and through holes cooperate with each other to connect the blade mounting support and the bottom support.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a hydrogen fuel cell integrated system, comprising a hydrogen fuel cell integrated frame, a stack, an air supply system, a thermal management system, a hydrogen supply system, and an electrical module as described in any of the first aspects. The stack is installed in the stack housing, and the air supply system, the thermal management system, the hydrogen supply system, and the electrical module are each independently installed on the outside of the mounting blades.

[0018] Thirdly, the present invention provides a hydrogen fuel cell integration method based on the hydrogen fuel cell integration system described in the second aspect, comprising the following steps:

[0019] The fuel cell stack housing is mounted on the base;

[0020] The mounting blades are sequentially distributed around the periphery of the fuel cell stack housing and rotatably connected to the base;

[0021] Install the fuel cell stack into the fuel cell stack housing;

[0022] The electrical module, thermal management system, air supply system, and hydrogen supply system are each independently installed on the outside of the mounting blade;

[0023] The integration of a hydrogen fuel cell is completed by connecting the fuel cell stack, electrical module, thermal management system, air supply system, and hydrogen supply system with wiring, and then fixing the mounting blades.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0025] (1) The present invention provides a hydrogen fuel cell integrated framework, integrated system and integrated method. Through an independent framework, the five subsystems of the hydrogen fuel cell system (stack, air supply system, thermal management system, hydrogen supply system and electrical module) are installed independently and in separate areas. Apart from some necessary interface matching, the five subsystems can work independently and do not interfere with each other.

[0026] (2) During the matching process of system components, the other components of the hydrogen fuel cell system are independent of the stack. When the stack is working, it does not need to bear the influence of the other components, which reduces the instability factors of the stack and is conducive to the long life and normal operation of the stack.

[0027] (3) The system’s component assembly is clearly defined, and there will be no mixing of parts between subsystems. The independent components can be quickly and accurately identified, which greatly improves the efficiency of R&D, production and maintenance.

[0028] (4) Since each component is installed based on the frame, the overall force of the system is transmitted to the frame structure, which is beneficial to the force layout of the system and also to the normal operation of the components of the entire system.

[0029] (5) During the R&D phase, only the interface needs to be matched for the specific cooperation area, without the need to arrange the entire area; during the production phase, the entire production process can be simplified, production personnel have a clear goal, which greatly improves production efficiency, defect rate and rework rate; in terms of after-sales service, since the products will not affect each other, they can be guaranteed to work in a comfortable environment to the greatest extent, and their lifespan can be guaranteed. At the same time, during the after-sales maintenance process, independent areas can be divided for inspection and repair, which greatly improves efficiency and reduces costs. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the frame structure in this invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is an assembly drawing of the frame structure in this invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the blades, base, and blade mounting bracket in this invention. Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the base and blade mounting bracket in this invention. Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the base and blade mounting bracket in this invention. Figure 2 ;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a top view of the blades being installed on the blade mounting bracket;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rotation of the blades being installed;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the fuel cell stack and its housing;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the fuel cell stack casing.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the fuel cell stack casing and the blade mounting bracket;

[0040] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1-Fuel stack enclosure cover; 2-Fuel stack; 3-Fuel stack housing; 4-Air supply system; 5-Mounting blades; 6-Thermal management system; 7-Base support; 8-Blade mounting bracket; 9-Hydrogen supply system; 10-Electrical module; 11-Boss 2; 12-Through hole 2; 13-Fuel stack support frame; 14-Housing through hole; 15-Boss 1; 16-Blade rotating mounting boss; 17-Mounting hole; 18-Connection hole; 19-Through hole 1. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and do not require that this invention must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, an integrated frame for a hydrogen fuel cell includes a frame structure and a stack housing 3. The stack housing 3 is used to mount the fuel cell stack 2. The frame structure includes a base and multiple mounting blades 5. The stack housing 3 is disposed on the base, and the mounting blades 5 are sequentially distributed around the periphery of the stack housing 3. One end of the mounting blades 5 is rotatably connected to the base. The mounting blades 5 are used to mount an air supply system 4, a thermal management system 6, a hydrogen supply system 9, and an electrical module 10. The fuel cell stack 2, air supply system 4, thermal management system 6, hydrogen supply system 9, and electrical module 10 are the five major subsystems of the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0045] like Figures 3-7 As shown, the base includes a blade mounting support 8 and a base 7. The frame structure can be cast from aluminum alloy. The base 7 is located at the bottom of the blade mounting support 8, and the blade 5 is located at the top of the blade mounting support 8 and rotatably connected to it. The blade mounting support 8 is used to axially limit the blade 5. Preferably, the blade 5 and the blade mounting support 8 can be mounted using bearings. The base 7 has multiple blade rotating mounting bosses 16, which pass through the blade mounting support 8 and are rotatably connected to one end of the blade 5.

[0046] In one specific embodiment, four mounting blades 5 are installed. The blade mounting support 8 is rectangular, and the mounting blades 5 are respectively arranged on the four edges of the blade mounting support 8. The mounting blades 5 can rotate around the blade rotating mounting boss 16 as the rotation axis in the plane where the blade mounting support 8 is located. In actual use, the mounting blades 5 can be fixed by components such as corner plates to prevent them from rotating. The mounting blades 5 can be rotated during assembly and maintenance for convenient operation. Each mounting blade 5 is used to independently install the air supply system 4, the thermal management system 6, the hydrogen supply system 9, or the electrical module 10. That is, the thermal management system 6 and the electrical module 10 are installed on the mounting blades 5 on the front and rear sides respectively, and the hydrogen supply system 9 and the air supply system 4 are installed on the mounting blades 5 on the left and right sides respectively, ensuring that the four subsystems do not interfere with each other. The mounting blades 5 are provided with connection holes 18, which are used to connect the fuel cell stack 2 with the air supply system 4, the thermal management system 6, the hydrogen supply system 9, and the electrical module 10.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, mounting blade 5 is provided with mounting holes 17, which are used to install air supply system 4, thermal management system 6, hydrogen supply system 9 and electrical module 10.

[0048] like Figure 1 , Figures 8-10As shown, the fuel cell stack housing 3 is box-shaped and can be fixed to the blade mounting bracket 8 by interlocking concave and convex structures. The top of the fuel cell stack housing 3 is provided with a fuel cell stack encapsulation cover 1. Inside the fuel cell stack housing 3, there is a fuel cell stack support frame 13 for supporting the fuel cell stack 2. The fuel cell stack support frame 13 has multiple internal through holes, which are used for wiring and conduit routing inside the fuel cell stack housing 3. Wiring and conduit routing can also be achieved by cutting grooves in the fuel cell stack housing 3.

[0049] Furthermore, the fuel cell stack housing 3 is provided with multiple housing through holes 14 for connecting the fuel cell stack 2 to the outside. The housing through holes 14 can be circular, square, triangular, irregular polygonal, etc.

[0050] The bottom surface of the fuel cell stack housing 3 is provided with one or more bosses 15, and the blade mounting support 8 is provided with a through hole 19 corresponding to the boss 15. The boss 15 and the through hole 19 cooperate with each other to connect the fuel cell stack housing 3 and the blade mounting support 8. Preferably, the boss 15 is located at the center of the bottom surface of the fuel cell stack housing 3, so as not to interfere with other components.

[0051] The blade mounting support 8 has one or more bosses 11 on its lower surface, and the base support 7 has corresponding through holes 12 on the bosses 11. The bosses 11 and through holes 12 cooperate with each other to connect the blade mounting support 8 and the base support 7. Preferably, the bosses 11 are located around the perimeter of the blade mounting support 8 near the edge to ensure uniform stress distribution and a more stable structure, while also offsetting the position of the through holes 19.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] This invention provides a hydrogen fuel cell integrated system, including the hydrogen fuel cell integrated frame of Embodiment 1, a fuel cell stack 2, an air supply system 4, a thermal management system 6, a hydrogen supply system 9, and an electrical module 10. The fuel cell stack 2 is installed in the fuel cell stack housing 3, and the air supply system 4, the thermal management system 6, the hydrogen supply system 9, and the electrical module 10 are each independently installed on the outside of the mounting blades 5.

[0054] Example 3

[0055] This invention provides a hydrogen fuel cell integration method based on Embodiment 2, comprising the following steps:

[0056] The fuel cell housing 3 is mounted on the base and can be fixed by a nested concave-convex structure;

[0057] The mounting blades 5 are sequentially distributed around the periphery of the fuel cell housing 3, and one end of the mounting blades 5 is rotatably connected to the base.

[0058] Install the fuel cell stack 2 on the fuel cell stack support frame 13 inside the fuel cell stack housing 3, and cover the top of the fuel cell stack housing 3 with the fuel cell stack encapsulation cover 1;

[0059] The electrical module 10, thermal management system 6, air supply system 4, and hydrogen supply system 9 are each independently installed on the outside of the mounting blade 5 through the mounting holes 17, and the subsystems do not interfere with each other.

[0060] The hydrogen fuel cell is integrated by connecting the stack 2, electrical module 10, thermal management system 6, air supply system 4, and hydrogen supply system 9 with wiring, and fixing the mounting blades 5.

[0061] This integration method allows for interface matching only in specific areas during the R&D phase, eliminating the need for layout across the entire area. During production, it simplifies the entire process, providing production personnel with clear objectives and significantly improving production efficiency, reducing defect rates and rework rates. In terms of after-sales service, because the products do not affect each other, they operate in a comfortable environment to the greatest extent possible, ensuring their lifespan. Furthermore, during maintenance, independent area-based troubleshooting and repair can be conducted, greatly improving efficiency and reducing costs.

[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated framework for a hydrogen fuel cell, characterized in that, Including frame structure components and fuel cell stack housing (3); The stack housing (3) is used to install the stack (2); The frame structure includes a base and multiple mounting blades (5). The fuel cell stack housing (3) is disposed on the base. The mounting blades (5) are distributed sequentially around the fuel cell stack housing (3). One end of the mounting blades (5) is rotatably connected to the base. The mounting blades (5) are used to install the air supply system (4), the thermal management system (6), the hydrogen supply system (9), and the electrical module (10). The base includes a blade mounting support (8) and a base (7); the base (7) is located at the bottom of the blade mounting support (8), the mounting blade (5) is located at the top of the blade mounting support (8) and is rotatably connected to the blade mounting support (8), and the blade mounting support (8) is used to axially limit the mounting blade (5). The base (7) is provided with multiple blade rotating mounting bosses (16). The blade rotating mounting bosses (16) pass through the blade mounting support (8) and are rotatably connected to one end of the mounting blade (5). The mounting blade (5) rotates in the plane of the blade mounting support (8) with the blade rotating mounting bosses (16) as the center. The number of mounting blades (5) is four, which are respectively arranged at the edge of the blade mounting support (8). Each mounting blade (5) is used to independently install an air supply system (4), a thermal management system (6), a hydrogen supply system (9), or an electrical module (10). The mounting blade (5) has connection holes (18) for connecting the fuel cell stack (2), air supply system (4), thermal management system (6), hydrogen supply system (9), and electrical module (10), as well as mounting holes (17) for installing the air supply system (4), thermal management system (6), hydrogen supply system (9), and electrical module (10).

2. The hydrogen fuel cell integrated framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the fuel cell stack housing (3) is provided with a fuel cell stack encapsulation cover (1), and the inside of the fuel cell stack housing (3) is provided with a fuel cell stack support frame (13) for supporting the fuel cell stack (2); the fuel cell stack support frame (13) is provided with multiple internal through holes for wiring and pipe routing inside the fuel cell stack housing (3).

3. The hydrogen fuel cell integrated framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stack housing (3) has multiple housing through holes (14) for connecting the stack (2) to the outside.

4. The hydrogen fuel cell integrated framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the fuel cell stack housing (3) is provided with one or more bosses (15), and the blade mounting support (8) is provided with a through hole (19) corresponding to the bosses (15). The bosses (15) and the through holes (19) cooperate with each other to connect the fuel cell stack housing (3) and the blade mounting support (8).

5. The hydrogen fuel cell integrated framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blade mounting support (8) has one or more bosses (11) on its bottom surface. The base (7) has a through hole (12) corresponding to the boss (11). The boss (11) and the through hole (12) cooperate with each other to connect the blade mounting support (8) and the base (7).

6. A hydrogen fuel cell integrated system, characterized in that, The fuel cell includes the integrated frame, stack (2), air supply system (4), thermal management system (6), hydrogen supply system (9) and electrical module (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stack (2) is installed in the stack housing (3), and the air supply system (4), thermal management system (6), hydrogen supply system (9) and electrical module (10) are respectively independently installed on the outside of the mounting blade (5).

7. A method for integrating hydrogen fuel cells based on the hydrogen fuel cell integrated system of claim 6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The fuel cell stack housing (3) is mounted on the base; The mounting blades (5) are sequentially distributed around the periphery of the stack housing (3) and rotatably connected to the base; Install the fuel cell stack (2) into the fuel cell stack housing (3); The electrical module (10), thermal management system (6), air supply system (4), and hydrogen supply system (9) are each independently installed on the outside of the mounting blade (5); The integration of the hydrogen fuel cell is completed by connecting the stack (2), electrical module (10), thermal management system (6), air supply system (4) and hydrogen supply system (9) with lines and fixing the mounting blade (5).

Images