A fuel cell air filtration system with self-checking function

Abstract

The application relates to a fuel cell air filtering system with a self-checking function applied to the technical field of air filtering, which comprises a shell, a filter core, a gating air chamber, a rotating pipe, a partition sheet, a detection sensor, a system end and an electric heating pipe. The air after being filtered is detected by the detection sensor, the air detection data is input into the system end for analysis, when the humidity of the air increases, the system end drives the exhaust pipe to rotate through the rotating disc, the position of the rotating gating air chamber is adjusted, the filtering functions of the left and right ends of the filter core are exchanged, the air filtering quality of the filter core is maintained, water vapor is effectively prevented from entering the fuel cell, the bottom space of the filter core is divided into two parts by the partition sheet, the air at the bottom of the gating air chamber is heated by the electric heating pipe, the heated air reversely passes through the filter core and is sucked into the gating air chamber, the filter core is dried and restored, the cyclic use of the filter core is realized, and the filtering system is effectively prevented from being blocked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell air filtration system, and more particularly to a fuel cell air filtration system with self-testing function applied in the field of air filtration technology. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cells, as a zero-pollution, high-efficiency, and long-range vehicle, are widely used in the automotive field. They generate energy through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to drive fuel cell vehicles. However, particulate matter and harmful gases in the air, mainly sulfides, can reduce the performance of fuel cells, poison the electrode catalyst, reduce the electromotive force of the fuel cell, and affect the lifespan of the fuel cell.

[0003] Chinese invention patent CN201310422533.4 discloses "An Air Filter Suitable for Fuel Cells". The patent includes a detachable filter housing, an air inlet and an air outlet located on the filter housing, and an internal filter element located in the filter housing. The internal filter element includes a physical filtration part and a chemical filtration part. The physical filtration part is used to filter particulate matter. The air filter uses a unique combination design of tubes and perforated plates to make the gas flow in the filter element uniform, fully utilize the chemical adsorption medium, achieve high adsorption efficiency, and has a compact structure, making it suitable for use in fuel cell systems.

[0004] Air filters remove particulate matter from the air, but in humid environments, moisture in the air can enter the filter, easily causing it to become clogged. This can also allow moisture-laden air to enter the fuel cell, affecting the filter's airflow efficiency and the fuel cell's lifespan.

[0005] Application content

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that in a humid environment, the filter of the fuel cell is prone to clogging, and water vapor can easily affect the life of the fuel cell.

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a fuel cell air filtration system with a self-testing function, comprising a housing, an air inlet at the top end and an air outlet at the bottom end of the housing, a filter element inside the housing, a selective air chamber rotatably connected inside the filter element, a rotating tube fixedly connected to the bottom end of the selective air chamber, a partition plate fixedly connected to the outside of the rotating tube, the bottom end of the partition plate extending to the air outlet, and a detection sensor fixedly connected to the bottom of the partition plate, the output end of the detection sensor being connected to a system terminal; a connecting hole is formed on the surface of the partition plate, an electric heating tube is inserted into the connecting hole, an exhaust pipe is fixedly connected to the top end of the selective air chamber, and the exhaust pipe extends through and out of the air inlet, a rotating disk is fixedly connected to the top end of the exhaust pipe, and the rotating disk is electrically connected to the system terminal.

[0008] In the aforementioned fuel cell air filtration system with self-testing function, the filtered air is detected by a detection sensor, and the rotating air chamber is adjusted according to the detection data to switch the filtration functions at both ends of the filter element, maintain the air filtration quality of the filter element, effectively prevent water vapor from entering the fuel cell, and effectively prevent the filtration system from clogging.

[0009] As a further improvement of this application, the filter element is made of an outer membrane and an inner membrane stacked together, with an activated carbon layer filling the space between the outer and inner membranes. The outer membrane is made of stainless steel mesh, and the mesh size of the stainless steel mesh is arranged in a gradient decreasing pattern from the outside to the inside. The inner membrane is made of chemical adsorption material. The detection sensors include a trace sulfide sensor, a temperature and humidity sensor, and an air mass flow sensor. The multi-layered filter element, consisting of the outer membrane, inner membrane, and activated carbon layer, effectively intercepts and adsorbs particulate matter and harmful gases entering the fuel cell stack. The activated carbon layer adsorbs acidic and alkaline gases respectively, maximizing the normal operation of the stack. The combination of multiple types of sensors into a detection sensor facilitates data analysis and detection of the air input to the fuel cell, enabling the filtration system to perform autonomous detection and thus automatically make corresponding adjustment operations.

[0010] As a further improvement of this application, the air passage chamber is set in the shape of a semi-circular frustum, the electric heating tube is vertically aligned with the air passage chamber, the partition plate divides the bottom space of the filter element into two parts, the electric heating tube heats the air at the bottom of the air passage chamber, and the heated air passes through the filter element in the opposite direction and is drawn into the air passage chamber to achieve the drying and restoration of the filter element.

[0011] As a further improvement of this application, a fan shaft is rotatably connected inside the exhaust pipe, and a drive platform is fixedly connected to the top of the fan shaft. The drive platform is vertically aligned with the rotating disk, and a drive device for driving the fan shaft is installed on the drive platform. The fan shaft drives the air in the exhaust pipe to be discharged, thereby realizing the absorption of hot air passing through the filter element in the reverse direction by the selective air chamber.

[0012] As a further improvement to this application, an electromagnet ring is fixedly connected to the side of the drive platform and the rotating disk facing each other, and the magnetic forces of the two sets of electromagnet rings are set to repel each other. The drive platform and the electromagnet rings are electrically connected to the system end. When the electromagnet rings are energized, they generate a repulsive magnetic force to realize the height adjustment of the drive platform. The system end controls the energization of the drive platform and the electromagnet rings to realize the self-testing and control of the filtration system.

[0013] As another improvement of this application, the rotating tube is internally connected to a rotating shaft, and both ends of the bottom surface of the rotating shaft are fixedly connected to rotating ears. The two rotating ears are symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides of the partition about the center of the rotating shaft, so that the rotating shaft drives the two rotating ears to rotate on the left and right sides of the partition.

[0014] As a further improvement to this application, the heating element is arranged in a semi-circular shape, and two rotating ears are fixedly connected to both ends of the heating element. The rotating ears are used to drive the heating element through the connecting hole, so as to adjust the left and right position of the heating element on the separator.

[0015] As a further improvement to this application, a torsion spring is fitted at the bottom of the rotating shaft, with one end of the torsion spring fixedly connected to the bottom end of the rotating shaft and the top end of the torsion spring fixedly connected to the inner wall of the rotating tube, thereby achieving automatic rotation of the rotating shaft by utilizing the elastic force of the torsion spring.

[0016] As another improvement of this application, both ends of the middle part of the rotating shaft are fixedly connected with winding wires, and the top end of the winding wires passes through the top end of the rotating tube. After the torsion spring drives the rotating shaft to rotate, the winding wires are automatically wound around the top of the rotating shaft.

[0017] As a further improvement to this application, the bottom end of the fan shaft is movably connected to an end head, and the winding wire is fixedly connected to the end head. When the fan shaft is adjusted upwards, the end head exerts a pulling force on the winding wire, and the originally wound winding wire is straightened, thereby realizing the reverse rotation of the shaft.

[0018] In summary, this invention uses a sensor to detect filtered air, and the air detection data is input into the system for analysis. Based on the air detection data, the filtration system is monitored in real time. When the air humidity increases, the system rotates the exhaust pipe via a rotating disk, adjusting the position of the rotating air chamber. The filtration functions of the left and right ends of the filter element are switched to maintain the air filtration quality of the filter element and effectively prevent water vapor from entering the fuel cell. The separator divides the bottom space of the filter element into two parts, and the heating element heats the air at the bottom of the air chamber. The heated air passes through the filter element in the reverse direction and is drawn into the air chamber, drying and restoring the filter element. This allows for the recycling of the filter element and effectively prevents the filtration system from clogging. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective structural diagram of the first embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the filter core according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating airflow according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the filter element and the air passage chamber according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the ventilation chamber selected according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a system diagram of the first embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a demonstration diagram showing the position of the heating element after being reversed according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a demonstration diagram illustrating the lifting and changing of the drive platform according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a demonstration diagram of the shaft rotation adjustment according to the second embodiment of this application.

[0030] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0031] 1. Housing; 101. Air inlet; 102. Air outlet; 2. Filter element; 201. Outer membrane; 202. Inner membrane; 203. Activated carbon layer; 3. Selective air chamber; 301. Rotating tube; 302. Separator; 303. Connecting hole; 304. Heating element; 305. Exhaust pipe; 306. Rotating disk; 4. Detection sensor; 6. Fan shaft; 601. Drive platform; 602. Electromagnetic ring; 7. Rotating shaft; 701. Rotating ear; 702. Torsion spring; 703. Winding wire; 704. End. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The two embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] First implementation method:

[0034] Figure 1-3 The diagram shows a fuel cell air filtration system with self-testing function, including a housing 1. The top and bottom of the housing 1 are respectively provided with an air inlet 101 and an air outlet 102. A filter element 2 is installed inside the housing 1. The filter element 2 is made of an outer membrane 201 and an inner membrane 202 stacked together. An activated carbon layer 203 is filled between the outer membrane 201 and the inner membrane 202. The outer membrane 201 is made of stainless steel filter screen, and the mesh size of the stainless steel filter screen is arranged in a gradient decreasing pattern from the outside to the inside. The inner membrane 202 is made of chemical adsorption material.

[0035] The outer membrane 201, the inner membrane 202, and the activated carbon layer 203 form a three-plus-two stacked structure, which effectively intercepts and adsorbs particulate matter and harmful gases in the air entering the fuel cell stack. The activated carbon layer 203 adsorbs acidic and alkaline gases respectively, maximizing the normal operation of the stack.

[0036] Figure 2-7 As shown, a selective air chamber 3 is rotatably connected inside the filter element 2. A rotating tube 301 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the selective air chamber 3. A separator 302 is fixedly connected to the outside of the rotating tube 301. The bottom end of the separator 302 extends to the air outlet 102, and a detection sensor 4 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the separator 302. The detection sensor 4 detects the air filtered by the filter element 2. The output end of the detection sensor 4 is connected to the system end. The detection sensor 4 includes a trace sulfide sensor, a temperature and humidity sensor, and an air mass flow sensor. The combination of various types of sensors into the detection sensor 4 facilitates data analysis and detection of the air input to the fuel cell, facilitates the autonomous detection of the filtration system, and enables the filtration system to automatically make corresponding adjustment operations.

[0037] The selective air chamber 3 occupies half of the top of the filter element 2, enabling the other half of the filter element 2 to perform air filtration. The separator 302 divides the bottom of the filter element 2 into two spaces, left and right, which are not vertically corresponding to the selective air chamber 3 and allow air to flow through them. At the same time, the detection sensor 4 detects the filtered air, thereby enabling the filtration system to perform autonomous detection.

[0038] Figure 4-7 As shown, the surface of the separator 302 has a connecting hole 303, and an electric heating tube 304 is inserted into the connecting hole 303. An exhaust pipe 305 is fixedly connected to the top of the selective air chamber 3, and the exhaust pipe 305 extends through and out of the air inlet 101. A rotating disk 306 is fixedly connected to the top of the exhaust pipe 305, and the rotating disk 306 is electrically connected to the system end. The selective air chamber 3 is arranged in a semi-circular frustum shape, and the electric heating tube 304 is vertically aligned with the selective air chamber 3. The separator 302 divides the bottom space of the filter element 2 into two parts. 4. The air at the bottom of the selective air chamber 3 is heated. The heated air passes through the filter element 2 in the reverse direction and is drawn into the selective air chamber 3 to dry and restore the filter element 2. The exhaust pipe 305 is rotatably connected to a fan shaft 6. The top of the fan shaft 6 is fixedly connected to a drive platform 601. The drive platform 601 is vertically aligned with the rotating disk 306. The drive platform 601 is equipped with a drive device that drives the fan shaft 6. The fan shaft 6 drives the air in the exhaust pipe 305 to be discharged, so that the selective air chamber 3 absorbs the hot air that passes through the filter element 2 in the reverse direction.

[0039] When the filter element 2 is dried and restored, the fan shaft 6 drives the air in the exhaust pipe 305 to be discharged, thereby creating a negative pressure inside the air passage chamber 3, which applies a reverse suction force to the filter element 2. The filtered air first bypasses the separator 302, and then the electric heating tube 304 heats this part of the air. The hot air passes through the filter element 2 to be dried and is drawn into the air passage chamber 3, realizing the flow of drying air. The dried and restored filter element 2 can then be reused for filtration, thereby realizing the recycling of the filter element 2 and effectively avoiding clogging of the filtration system.

[0040] Second implementation method:

[0041] Compared to the first embodiment, this embodiment mainly adds a rotating shaft 7. The specific new structure is as follows, while the rest of the structure is the same as the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 7-8 As shown, a rotating shaft 7 is rotatably connected inside the rotating tube 301. Rotating ears 701 are fixedly connected to both ends of the bottom surface of the rotating shaft 7. The two rotating ears 701 are symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides of the partition plate 302 about the center of the rotating shaft 7, so that the rotating shaft 7 drives the two rotating ears 701 to rotate on the left and right sides of the partition plate 302. The heating tube 304 is semi-circular. The two rotating ears 701 are fixedly connected to both ends of the heating tube 304 respectively. The rotating ears 701 drive the heating tube 304 to pass through the connecting hole 303, so that the left and right positions of the heating tube 304 on the partition plate 302 can be adjusted.

[0043] The two rotating ears 701 are driven to rotate by the rotating shaft 7, thereby pulling the electric heating tube 304 to rotate. The electric heating tube 304 moves through the connecting hole 303 to the other side of the separator 302. The electric heating tube 304 heats the filter element 2 that is undergoing air filtration. In winter rainy and snowy weather, it effectively prevents the filter element 2 from freezing and clogging, while not affecting the heat drying and restoration of the filter element 2 on the other side.

[0044] Figure 9-11As shown, electromagnet rings 602 are fixedly connected to the opposite sides of the drive platform 601 and the rotating disk 306, and the magnetic forces of the two sets of electromagnet rings 602 are arranged to repel each other. The drive platform 601 and the electromagnet rings 602 are electrically connected to the system end. When the electromagnet rings 602 are energized, they generate repulsive magnetic forces to realize the height adjustment of the drive platform 601. The system end controls the energization of the drive platform 601 and the electromagnet rings 602 to realize the self-test and control of the filtration system. A torsion spring 702 is sleeved on the bottom of the rotating shaft 7, and one end of the torsion spring 702 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the rotating shaft 7. The top end of the torsion spring 702 is connected to the rotating tube 306. The inner wall of 1 is fixedly connected, and the rotation of the rotating shaft 7 is achieved by the elastic force of the torsion spring 702. Both ends of the middle part of the rotating shaft 7 are fixedly connected with the winding wire 703. The top end of the winding wire 703 passes through the top end of the rotating tube 301. After the torsion spring 702 drives the rotating shaft 7 to rotate, the winding wire 703 is automatically wound around the top of the rotating shaft 7. The bottom end of the fan shaft 6 is movably connected with the end head 704. The winding wire 703 is fixedly connected to the end head 704. When the fan shaft 6 is adjusted upward, the end head 704 exerts a pulling force on the winding wire 703, and the originally wound winding wire 703 is straightened, thereby achieving the reverse rotation of the rotating shaft 7.

[0045] When the position of the heating element 304 needs to be adjusted, the electromagnet ring 602 is energized to generate magnetic force. The repulsive magnetic force lifts the drive platform 601, thereby causing the fan shaft 6 to pull the winding wire 703 upward through the end 704. The winding wire 703, which was originally wound on the top of the rotating shaft 7, is straightened, realizing the rotation of the rotating shaft 7. In turn, the two rotating ears 701 rotate, driving the heating element 304 to adjust its position.

[0046] Compared to the first embodiment, this embodiment uses the rotating lug 701 on the rotating shaft 7 to drive the heating tube 304 through the connecting hole 303, thereby adjusting the left and right position of the heating tube 304 on the separator 302. The heating tube 304, which originally only dried and reduced the filter element 2, directly heats the filtered air and the filter element 2 that is filtering air, effectively preventing the filter element 2 from freezing and clogging in rainy or snowy weather, and making it easier for the fuel cell to be used in rainy or snowy weather.

[0047] In light of current practical needs, the above-described embodiments adopted in this application are not limited to these. Any changes made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept of this application still fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell air filtration system with self-testing function, characterized in that: The system includes a housing (1), with an air inlet (101) at the top end and an air outlet (102) at the bottom end. A filter element (2) is fitted inside the housing (1). A selective air chamber (3) is rotatably connected inside the filter element (2). A rotating tube (301) is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the selective air chamber (3). A partition plate (302) is fixedly connected to the outside of the rotating tube (301). The bottom end of the partition plate (302) extends to the air outlet (102), and a detection sensor (4) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the partition plate (302). The output end of the detection sensor (4) is connected to the system end. The surface of the partition plate (302) is provided with a connecting hole (303), and an electric heating tube (304) is inserted into the connecting hole (303). The top of the selective air chamber (3) is fixedly connected to an exhaust pipe (305), and the exhaust pipe (305) extends through and out of the air inlet (101). The top of the exhaust pipe (305) is fixedly connected to a rotating disk (306), and the rotating disk (306) is electrically connected to the system end. The exhaust pipe (305) is rotatably connected to a fan shaft (6), and the top of the fan shaft (6) is fixedly connected to a drive platform (601). The drive platform (601) is vertically corresponding to the rotating disk (306).

2. The fuel cell air filtration system with self-testing function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter element (2) is made of an outer membrane (201) and an inner membrane (202) stacked together, and an activated carbon layer (203) is filled between the outer membrane (201) and the inner membrane (202). The outer membrane (201) is made of stainless steel mesh, and the mesh size of the stainless steel mesh is arranged in a gradient decreasing pattern from the outside to the inside. The inner membrane (202) is made of chemical adsorption material. The detection sensor (4) includes a trace sulfide sensor, a temperature and humidity sensor and an air mass flow sensor.

3. The fuel cell air filtration system with self-testing function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The selective air chamber (3) is arranged in the shape of a semi-circular frustum, and the electric heating tube (304) is vertically corresponding to the selective air chamber (3).

4. The fuel cell air filtration system with self-testing function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive platform (601) and the rotating disk (306) are both fixedly connected to an electromagnet ring (602), and the magnetic forces of the two sets of electromagnet rings (602) are arranged to repel each other. The drive platform (601) and the electromagnet rings (602) are both electrically connected to the system.

5. A fuel cell air filtration system with self-testing function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating tube (301) is rotatably connected to a rotating shaft (7). Both ends of the bottom surface of the rotating shaft (7) are fixedly connected to rotating ears (701), and the two rotating ears (701) are symmetrically distributed about the center of the rotating shaft (7) on the left and right sides of the separator (302).

6. A fuel cell air filtration system with self-testing function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heating element (304) is semi-circular, and the two rotating ears (701) are fixedly connected to the two ends of the heating element (304).

7. A fuel cell air filtration system with self-testing function according to claim 5, characterized in that: A torsion spring (702) is fitted at the bottom of the rotating shaft (7), and one end of the torsion spring (702) is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the rotating shaft (7). The top end of the torsion spring (702) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the rotating tube (301).

8. A fuel cell air filtration system with self-testing function according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both ends of the middle part of the rotating shaft (7) are fixedly connected with winding wires (703), and the top end of the winding wires (703) passes through the top end of the rotating tube (301).

9. A fuel cell air filtration system with self-testing function according to claim 8, characterized in that: The bottom end of the fan shaft (6) is movably connected to an end head (704), and the winding wire (703) is fixedly connected to the end head (704).

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