Fuel cell package shell dehumidification device and method

Abstract

The application provides a fuel cell packaging shell dehumidifying device and method, relates to the technical field of fuel cell systems, and the device comprises an explosion-proof shell housing, which is arranged around a fuel cell main body, an air guide heat dissipation plate and an explosion-proof shell top cover are connected to the upper portion of the explosion-proof shell housing, the explosion-proof shell top cover is arranged above the air guide heat dissipation plate, an explosion-proof shell bottom plate is connected to the lower portion of the explosion-proof shell housing, a fixing table is fixedly arranged in the explosion-proof shell housing, the air guide groove and the gas channel are in communication with the interior of the explosion-proof shell top cover, an exhaust port is arranged at the front end of the explosion-proof shell top cover, and the upper portion of the air guide heat dissipation plate is provided with third heat dissipation fins. The application can solve the problem that liquid water is gathered in the shell after water vapor in the explosion-proof shell of the fuel cell is condensed, prevent the short circuit or damage of the electric pile caused by the condensation of water vapor into liquid water, and provide safety guarantee for the stable operation of the fuel cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell system technology, and more particularly to a dehumidification device and method for fuel cell packaging shell. Background Technology

[0002] Energy has been closely related to human survival since ancient times, and sustainable development has always been a goal pursued by humankind.

[0003] Fuel cells are devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Today, various types of fuel cell systems are available on the market and have been successfully tested in vehicles, drones, small boats, and other equipment. However, during operation, the fuel cell stack must be designed for explosion-proof environments, requiring encapsulation for protection. To prevent hydrogen leakage and accumulation within the explosion-proof enclosure, which could lead to an explosion upon contact with an open flame, a circulating protective gas is typically introduced into the enclosure via an air compressor to carry away the hydrogen and reduce its concentration. However, the air entering the enclosure often contains water vapor. Combined with the significant heat generated during stack operation, this results in extremely high humidity and temperatures within the enclosure. If this water vapor is not promptly removed, it can lead to condensation and, more seriously, short circuits and damage to the stack, causing environmental harm.

[0004] Existing dehumidification methods for explosion-proof enclosures include using an external air pump to introduce air into the enclosure. The water vapor inside is then condensed by a condenser and filter and finally discharged as liquid water. While this method can remove water vapor from the fuel cell stack enclosure, it is inefficient at removing the large amount of waste heat generated by the fuel cell during operation. High air circulation resistance within the enclosure causes waste heat to accumulate, leading to excessively high temperatures and poor condensation, resulting in ineffective dehumidification. Therefore, existing dehumidification methods for explosion-proof enclosures cannot efficiently address the condensation of water vapor inside the fuel cell enclosure, posing a significant safety hazard to the fuel cell system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problem of poor dehumidification efficiency in existing dehumidification methods for fuel cell enclosures, this invention provides a dehumidification device and method for fuel cell enclosures. The main feature of this invention is a novel dehumidification device installed on the exterior of the fuel cell explosion-proof enclosure. This effectively solves the problem of liquid water accumulation inside the enclosure due to condensation of water vapor, preventing short circuits or damage to the fuel cell stack caused by water vapor condensing into liquid water, thus providing a safety guarantee for the stable operation of the fuel cell.

[0006] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows:

[0007] A dehumidification device for a fuel cell enclosure includes an explosion-proof outer shell surrounding a fuel cell body. A heat dissipation plate and a top cover are connected to the upper part of the outer shell, with the top cover positioned above the heat dissipation plate. A bottom plate is connected to the lower part of the outer shell. A fixed platform is fixed inside the outer shell, and an insulating bakelite piece is mounted on the platform. The fuel cell body is mounted on the bakelite piece. A first heat sink is mounted on the upper surface of the bottom plate, and a second heat sink is mounted on the lower surface. The first and second heat sinks exchange heat, causing water vapor to condense on the first heat sink. A flow channel is provided on the rear side of the outer shell. Gas channels are provided inside the front and rear sides of the outer shell, communicating with the interior of the top cover. An exhaust port is provided at the front end of the top cover. A third heat sink is mounted on the upper part of the heat dissipation plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the first heat sink includes several sub-heat sinks, the height of which is arranged in a periodic wave shape with varying heights.

[0009] Furthermore, a water filter screen is provided between the sub-heat sink and the adjacent sub-heat sink, and a desiccant is provided on the water filter screen.

[0010] Furthermore, an air inlet is provided on the front side of the explosion-proof shell, and the horizontal height of the air inlet is lower than the height of the insulating bakelite.

[0011] Furthermore, a drainage ditch is provided on the bottom plate of the explosion-proof shell. The drainage ditch gradually decreases from the front side of the explosion-proof shell to the rear side of the explosion-proof shell. The lowest point of the drainage ditch is connected to the outlet end of the water storage ditch.

[0012] Furthermore, the water storage ditch is connected to a drain valve.

[0013] Furthermore, the circulating air entering from the outside passes through the first heat sink, and the air forms turbulence above the explosion-proof shell base plate due to the undulating sub-heat sinks.

[0014] Furthermore, the water storage ditch has a structure that gradually decreases from the middle to both sides.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for dehumidifying a fuel cell encapsulation shell, based on any of the above-mentioned fuel cell encapsulation shell dehumidification devices, comprising the following steps:

[0016] An air compressor introduces air into the explosion-proof enclosure through the air inlet. The air flows through the first heat sink with its varying heights, creating turbulence. Part of the waste heat generated by the fuel cell is discharged through heat exchange with the second heat sink. After passing through the gas channel, the air passes through the heat guide plate. Another part of the waste heat generated by the fuel cell is discharged from the exhaust port after heat exchange with the third heat sink.

[0017] As the humidity inside the explosion-proof enclosure increases, the desiccant absorbs the water vapor inside the enclosure and condenses the water vapor into water droplets. The water droplets flow through the filter screen and the drainage ditch to the water storage ditch, completing the first stage of dehumidification.

[0018] The second heat sink conducts the heat conducted by the first heat sink. Water vapor comes into contact with the first heat sink after heat dissipation and condenses into water droplets. The water droplets flow through the filter screen and the drainage ditch to the water storage ditch, completing the two-stage dehumidification.

[0019] Air rises from the guide channel into the top cover of the explosion-proof shell, cooling the third heat sink. Water vapor encounters the cooled third heat sink and condenses into water droplets. The water droplets flow through the guide channel and the drainage ditch to the water storage ditch, completing the three-stage dehumidification.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0021] The present invention has heat sinks with varying heights processed on the upper part of the explosion-proof shell bottom plate. When the external circulating air passes through the heat sinks, the air is continuously lifted and lowered, forming turbulence at the bottom of the stack, which efficiently removes the waste heat generated during the operation of the fuel cell.

[0022] The present invention has a water filter screen fixed between adjacent first heat sinks, on which calcium chloride particles are laid, which can effectively absorb water vapor in the shell environment and keep the shell dry.

[0023] The present invention has a second heat sink processed below the bottom plate of the explosion-proof shell, which forms a heat exchange with the first heat sink on the upper part of the bottom plate, so as to achieve the effect of condensation of water vapor inside the shell.

[0024] The above design of the explosion-proof housing structure and dehumidification method for fuel cells can solve the problem of water vapor condensing and liquid water accumulating inside the housing, preventing short circuits or damage to the fuel cell stack caused by water vapor condensing into liquid water, and providing a safety guarantee for the stable operation of the fuel cell. Attached Figure Description

[0025] 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 some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is the front view of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a side view of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a top view of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a front cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a side cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Explosion-proof housing; 2. Fuel cell body; 3. Flow guide heat dissipation plate; 4. Explosion-proof housing top cover; 5. Explosion-proof housing bottom plate; 6. Insulating bakelite; 7. First heat sink; 8. Second heat sink; 9. Flow guide groove; 10. Exhaust port; 11. Third heat sink; 12. Water filter screen; 13. Air inlet; 14. Drainage sloping groove; 15. Water storage groove; 16. Drain valve. Detailed Implementation

[0032] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0035] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0037] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0038] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0039] like Figure 1-5As shown, the present invention provides a dehumidification device for a fuel cell encapsulation shell, characterized in that: it includes an explosion-proof shell 1, which is disposed around the fuel cell body 2; a heat dissipation plate 3 and an explosion-proof shell top cover 4 are bolted to the upper part of the explosion-proof shell 1; the explosion-proof shell top cover 4 is disposed above the heat dissipation plate 3; an explosion-proof shell bottom plate 5 is connected to the lower part of the explosion-proof shell 1; and a fixed platform is fixedly disposed inside the explosion-proof shell 1, on which an insulating bakelite 6 is disposed to support the fuel cell body 2 and prevent deformation of the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell body 2 is mounted on the insulating bakelite 6. A first heat sink 7 is mounted on the upper surface of the explosion-proof shell base plate 5, and a second heat sink 8 is mounted on the lower surface of the explosion-proof shell base plate 5. The first heat sink 7 and the second heat sink 8 exchange heat, causing water vapor to condense on the first heat sink 7. A flow guide groove 9 is mounted on the rear side of the explosion-proof shell 1. Gas channels are provided inside the front and rear sides of the explosion-proof shell 1. The flow guide groove 9 and the gas channels are connected to the interior of the explosion-proof shell top cover 4. An exhaust port 10 is provided at the front end of the explosion-proof shell top cover 4. A third heat sink 11 is mounted on the upper part of the flow guide heat sink 3. The flow guide heat sink 3 is sealed to the upper part of the fuel cell body 2, preventing air from flowing through. Air can only flow through the third heat sink 11 and finally exit from the exhaust port 10.

[0040] The first heat sink 7 includes several sub-heat sinks, the height of which is arranged in a periodic wave shape with varying heights. A water filter screen 12 is provided between each sub-heat sink and adjacent sub-heat sinks, and a desiccant is placed on the water filter screen 12. External circulating air passes through the first heat sink 7, and the air is continuously lifted and lowered, forming turbulence at the bottom of the fuel cell stack, which efficiently removes the waste heat generated during the operation of the fuel cell.

[0041] An air inlet 13 is provided on the front side of the explosion-proof housing 1, and the horizontal height of the air inlet 13 is lower than the height of the insulating bakelite 6. A drainage groove 14 is provided on the bottom plate 5 of the explosion-proof housing, and the drainage groove 14 gradually decreases from the front side of the explosion-proof housing 1 to the rear side. The lowest point of the drainage groove 14 is connected to a water storage groove 15. The water storage groove 15 is connected to a drain valve 16. The water storage groove 15 has a structure that gradually decreases from the middle to both sides to prevent liquid water from accumulating and the drain valve 16 from failing to drain the water completely.

[0042] The present invention also provides a method for dehumidifying a fuel cell encapsulation shell, which is based on a fuel cell encapsulation shell dehumidification device and includes the following steps:

[0043] Air is introduced into the explosion-proof enclosure through the air inlet 13 by an air compressor. The air forms turbulence as it passes through the first heat sink 7 with its ups and downs. Part of the waste heat generated by the fuel cell is discharged by heat exchange with the second heat sink 8. After passing through the gas channel, the air passes through the guide heat sink 3. The other part of the waste heat generated by the fuel cell is discharged from the exhaust port 10 after heat exchange with the third heat sink 11.

[0044] As the humidity inside the explosion-proof enclosure increases, the desiccant absorbs the water vapor inside the enclosure and condenses the water vapor into water droplets. The water droplets flow through the filter screen and the drainage inclined groove 14 to the water storage groove 15, completing the first stage of dehumidification.

[0045] The second heat sink 8 conducts the heat conducted by the first heat sink 7. Water vapor comes into contact with the first heat sink 7 after heat dissipation and condenses into water droplets. The water droplets flow through the filter screen and the drainage inclined groove 14 to the water storage groove 15 in sequence, completing the two-stage dehumidification.

[0046] Air rises from the guide channel 9 into the explosion-proof shell top cover 4, cooling the third heat sink 11. Water vapor encounters the cooled third heat sink 11 and condenses into water droplets. The water droplets flow through the guide channel 9 and the drainage inclined channel 14 to the water storage channel 15, completing the three-stage dehumidification.

[0047] Once enough water has accumulated, drain valve 16 will discharge the liquid water, thus completing the drainage process.

[0048] This application utilizes high-speed airflow to remove waste heat generated during fuel cell operation; calcium chloride particles laid at the bottom of the casing absorb water vapor in the casing environment, which is then filtered through the water filter screen 12 into the water storage trench 15, completing the filtration; the second heat sink 8 at the bottom of the explosion-proof casing forms convection with the first heat sink 7, effectively condensing the hot steam in the casing, which then converges into the water storage trench 15 along the bottom groove of the heat sink; similarly, the waste heat generated at the top of the fuel cell stack flows through the high-speed airflow through the third heat sink 11 at the top of the guide heat sink 3, creating a temperature difference between the top and bottom of the guide heat sink 3, causing the hot water vapor at the top of the stack to condense into liquid water, which flows along the guide groove 9 provided on the inner wall of the casing side plate to the bottom of the explosion-proof casing, and finally converges into the water storage trench 15, where the water is discharged by the drain valve 16, maintaining the humidity inside the fuel cell stack casing.

[0049] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dehumidification device for a fuel cell casing, characterized in that: The device includes an explosion-proof outer shell (1), which is disposed around the fuel cell body (2). A heat dissipation plate (3) and an explosion-proof top cover (4) are connected to the upper part of the explosion-proof outer shell (1). The explosion-proof top cover (4) is located above the heat dissipation plate (3). An explosion-proof bottom plate (5) is connected to the lower part of the explosion-proof outer shell (1). A fixed platform is fixedly disposed inside the explosion-proof outer shell (1). An insulating bakelite (6) is disposed on the fixed platform. The fuel cell body (2) is disposed on the insulating bakelite (6). A drainage inclined groove (14) is formed on the explosion-proof bottom plate (5). The lowest point of the drainage inclined groove (14) is connected to a water storage groove (15). A first heat sink (7) is provided on the upper surface of the plate (5), and a second heat sink (8) is provided on the lower surface of the explosion-proof shell bottom plate (5). The first heat sink (7) and the second heat sink (8) exchange heat to condense water vapor on the first heat sink (7). An air inlet (13) is provided on the front side of the explosion-proof shell (1), and a guide groove (9) is provided on the rear side of the explosion-proof shell (1). Gas channels are provided inside the front and rear sides of the explosion-proof shell (1). The guide groove (9) and the gas channels are connected to the interior of the explosion-proof shell top cover (4). An exhaust port (10) is provided at the front end of the explosion-proof shell top cover (4). A third heat sink (11) is provided on the upper part of the guide heat sink plate (3). The first heat sink (7) includes several sub-heat sinks, the height of which is arranged in a periodic wave shape with high and low undulations; a water filter screen (12) is provided between the sub-heat sinks and adjacent sub-heat sinks, and a desiccant is provided on the water filter screen (12); the circulating air entering from the outside passes through the first heat sink (7), and the air forms turbulence above the explosion-proof shell bottom plate (5) because it passes through the high and low undulating sub-heat sinks; the flow guide heat sink (3) and the upper part of the fuel cell body (2) are sealed, so the air cannot flow through and can only flow through the third heat sink (11) and finally flow out from the exhaust port (10); The dehumidification method of the fuel cell encapsulation shell dehumidification device includes the following steps: Air is introduced into the explosion-proof enclosure through the air inlet (13) using an air compressor. The air flows through the first heat sink (7) with its ups and downs, forming turbulence. A portion of the waste heat generated by the fuel cell is discharged through heat exchange with the second heat sink (8). After passing through the gas channel, the air passes through the heat dissipation plate (3). Another part of the waste heat generated by the fuel cell exchanges heat with the third heat sink (11) and is then discharged by the air from the exhaust port (10). As the humidity inside the explosion-proof enclosure increases, the desiccant absorbs the water vapor inside the enclosure and condenses the water vapor into water droplets. The water droplets flow through the filter screen and the drainage ditch (14) to the water storage ditch (15) to complete the first stage of dehumidification. The second heat sink (8) conducts the heat conducted by the first heat sink (7). Water vapor comes into contact with the first heat sink (7) after heat dissipation and condenses into water droplets. The water droplets flow through the filter screen and the drainage ditch (14) to the water storage ditch (15) to complete the secondary dehumidification. Air rises from the guide channel (9) into the explosion-proof shell top cover (4) to cool the third heat sink (11). Water vapor encounters the third heat sink (11) after heat dissipation and condenses into water droplets. The water droplets flow through the guide channel (9) and the drainage inclined channel (14) to the water storage channel (15) to complete the three-stage dehumidification.

2. The fuel cell encapsulation shell dehumidification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet (13) is at a lower horizontal height than the insulating bakelite (6).

3. The fuel cell encapsulation shell dehumidification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage ditch (14) gradually decreases from the front shell of the explosion-proof shell (1) to the rear shell of the explosion-proof shell (1).

4. The fuel cell encapsulation shell dehumidification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage ditch (15) is connected to the drain valve (16).

5. The fuel cell encapsulation shell dehumidification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage ditch (15) has a structure that gradually decreases from the middle to both sides.

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