Water distribution device, fuel cell and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, in particular to a water distribution device, a fuel cell and a vehicle, and the water distribution device comprises an inlet pipeline, an outlet pipeline and a water distribution assembly; the water distribution assembly comprises a swirl vane, a primary separation cavity, a nozzle, a drainage cavity, a liquid storage cavity, a separation front channel and a separation rear channel; the inlet pipeline, the primary separation cavity, the nozzle, the drainage cavity and the outlet pipeline are sequentially and coaxially communicated, the bottom of the primary separation cavity is communicated with the liquid storage cavity through a pre-separation channel, and the bottom of the drainage cavity is communicated with the liquid storage cavity through a post-separation channel; the swirl vane is arranged in the inlet pipeline close to the primary separation cavity; a water outlet is formed in the bottom of the liquid storage cavity; the separation effect is guaranteed through the rotational flow blades; according to the ejection principle of the nozzle, due to the fact that the nozzle is small in caliber, high in flow speed and high in dynamic pressure, static pressure at the rear end of the nozzle is reduced, the drainage entrainment effect is achieved, and the overall flow resistance of a separation channel is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to a water separation device, a fuel cell and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Proton exchange membrane fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy by the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, and the only products are water and heat. The main application scenarios of water separation devices in fuel cells are: a. In the hydrogen subsystem, hydrogen circulation is often used to achieve the recycling and reuse of unreacted hydrogen and improve energy utilization. Usually, hydrogen leaves the stack as a gas-liquid mixture (unreacted hydrogen, water vapor, a small amount of nitrogen, and liquid water). In order to prevent liquid water from entering the stack, which will block the gas reaction channel and cause the single-chip voltage to decrease, a water separation device will be set up at the stack to separate the liquid water in the gas-liquid mixture and discharge it. b. In the air subsystem, due to the high pressure and temperature of the gas-liquid mixture (oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor, liquid water) leaving the stack, this part of the energy can be recovered by means of an expander. Due to the low temperature environment, liquid water may freeze and be damaged in the expander. Therefore, a water separation device can be set up before the air side leaves the stack and enters the expander to separate and discharge the liquid water.

[0003] In order to overcome the problems existing in the above-mentioned application scenarios, a water separation device is adopted. However, in order to improve the gas-liquid separation efficiency of the water separation device, a larger separation space or a complex structure is required in the prior art, resulting in a larger flow resistance and space occupied by the water separation device. Therefore, a water separation device with a smaller volume and better flow resistance effect is needed. Summary of the invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water separation device, a fuel cell and a vehicle with a smaller volume and a better flow resistance effect.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the first technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0006] A water distribution device comprises an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe and a water distribution component;

[0007] The water separation component includes a swirl blade, a primary separation chamber, a nozzle, a drainage chamber, a liquid storage chamber, a pre-separation channel and a post-separation channel;

[0008] The inlet pipe, the primary separation chamber, the nozzle, the drainage chamber, and the outlet pipe are coaxially connected in sequence, the bottom of the primary separation chamber is connected to the liquid storage chamber through the pre-separation channel, and the bottom of the drainage chamber is connected to the liquid storage chamber through the post-separation channel;

[0009] The swirl blades are arranged in an inlet pipe close to the primary separation chamber;

[0010] A water outlet is arranged at the bottom of the liquid storage cavity.

[0011] Preferably, the water separation component further includes a secondary separation chamber, the pre-separation channel is connected to the liquid storage chamber through the secondary separation chamber, and the post-separation channel is connected to the liquid storage chamber through the secondary separation chamber.

[0012] Preferably, a first separation baffle is provided on the inner wall of the secondary separation chamber between the pre-separation channel and the post-separation channel.

[0013] Preferably, a second separation baffle is provided on the inner wall of the secondary separation chamber below the post-separation channel, one end of the second separation baffle is connected to the inner wall of the separation chamber, and the other end is inclined downward toward the inlet pipe direction.

[0014] Preferably, the end of the pre-separation channel has an extension portion, and the extension portion extends into the secondary separation chamber.

[0015] Preferably, the bottom of the liquid storage chamber is conical.

[0016] Preferably, the diameter of the primary separation chamber is larger than the diameter of the inlet pipe; the diameter of the drainage chamber is larger than the diameter of the outlet pipe.

[0017] Preferably, the water distribution component further comprises a motor, and the motor drives the swirl blades to rotate.

[0018] In order to solve the above technical problems, the second technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0019] A fuel cell comprises a fuel cell stack and the above-mentioned water separation device, wherein the fuel cell stack comprises a hydrogen subsystem and an air subsystem, the hydrogen subsystem comprises a first stack outlet, the air subsystem comprises a second stack outlet, and the first stack outlet and the second stack outlet are respectively connected to an inlet pipe of the water separation device.

[0020] In order to solve the above technical problems, the third technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0021] A vehicle comprises the above-mentioned fuel cell.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: a gas-liquid mixture enters from an inlet pipe, and under the action of swirl blades, the gas-liquid mixture rotates and flows. During the rotation process, liquid droplets are easily centrifuged due to their large density and gather near the outer wall of the pipeline, thereby ensuring the separation effect; when flowing through a primary separation chamber, the droplet airflow near the outer wall enters the pre-separation channel under the guidance of the shell; the inner gas-liquid mixture further collides with the wall of the primary separation chamber, and enters the pre-separation channel under the action of gravity; a small part of the flow still flows out from the middle nozzle, and according to the principle of injection, due to the small nozzle diameter, the flow rate is accelerated, the dynamic pressure is increased, the static pressure at the rear end of the nozzle is reduced, and the effect of drainage and entrainment is formed, thereby reducing the overall flow resistance of the separation channel; the water-dividing structure of the present application is simple, occupies a small space, and is easy to connect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 A three-dimensional perspective view of a water distribution device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 A front view and an AA cross-sectional view of a water distribution device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a water distribution device according to a second specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a water distribution device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals: 1. Inlet pipe; 2. Swirl blade; 3. Nozzle; 4. Primary separation chamber; 5. Drainage chamber; 6. Pre-separation channel; 7. Secondary separation chamber; 8. Liquid storage chamber; 9. Post-separation channel; 10. Outlet pipe; 11. Drain outlet; 12. First separation baffle; 13. Second separation baffle; 14. Extension. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In order to explain the technical content, achieved objectives and effects of the present invention in detail, the following is an explanation in conjunction with the implementation modes and the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , a water distribution device, comprising an inlet pipe 1, an outlet pipe 10 and a water distribution component;

[0030] The water separation assembly includes a swirl blade 2, a primary separation chamber 4, a nozzle 3, a drainage chamber 5, a liquid storage chamber 8, a pre-separation channel 6 and a post-separation channel 9;

[0031] The inlet pipe 1, the primary separation chamber 4, the nozzle 3, the drainage chamber 5, and the outlet pipe 10 are coaxially connected in sequence. The bottom of the primary separation chamber 4 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 8 through the pre-separation channel 6, and the bottom of the drainage chamber 5 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 8 through the post-separation channel 9.

[0032] The swirl blade 2 is arranged in the inlet pipe 1 close to the primary separation chamber 4;

[0033] A water outlet is arranged at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 8 .

[0034] From the above description, it can be seen that the gas-liquid mixture enters from the inlet pipe 1, and under the action of the swirl blades 2, the gas-liquid mixture rotates and flows. During the rotation process, the droplets are easily centrifuged due to their large density and gathered near the outer wall of the pipeline to ensure the separation effect; when flowing through the primary separation chamber 4, the droplet airflow near the outer wall enters the separation front channel 6 under the guidance of the shell; the inner gas-liquid mixture further collides with the wall of the primary separation chamber 4, and enters the separation front channel 6 under the action of gravity; there is still a small part of the flow flowing out from the middle nozzle 3, through the injection principle, due to the small diameter of the nozzle 3, the flow rate is accelerated, the dynamic pressure is increased, resulting in a decrease in the static pressure at the rear end of the nozzle 3, forming a drainage and suction effect, thereby reducing the overall flow resistance of the separation channel; the water distribution structure of the present application is simple, occupies a small space, and is easy to connect.

[0035] Furthermore, the water separation component also includes a secondary separation chamber 7 , the pre-separation channel 6 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 8 through the secondary separation chamber 7 , and the post-separation channel 9 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 8 through the secondary separation chamber 7 .

[0036] From the above description, it can be seen that the liquid passes through the front separation channel 6 and enters the secondary separation chamber 7. Since the flow velocity in the secondary separation chamber 7 decreases rapidly, the gas and liquid are easily separated under the separation action of gravity and steering inertia force. The gas flows upward along the rear separation channel 9; the liquid falls downward into the liquid storage chamber 8 and gathers. After a certain period of time, the drain port 11 is opened and discharged.

[0037] Furthermore, a first separation baffle 12 is provided on the inner wall of the secondary separation chamber 7 between the pre-separation channel 6 and the post-separation channel 9 .

[0038] From the above description, it can be known that the first separation baffle 12 is used to cause gas-liquid deflection at a lower position in the separation chamber, separate the liquid, increase the height difference with the drainage chamber 5, and improve the water separation effect.

[0039] Furthermore, a second separation baffle 13 is provided on the inner wall of the secondary separation chamber 7 below the post-separation channel 9 , one end of the second separation baffle 13 is connected to the inner wall of the separation chamber, and the other end is inclined downward toward the inlet pipe 1 .

[0040] Furthermore, the end of the pre-separation channel 6 has an extension portion 14 , and the extension portion 14 extends into the secondary separation chamber 7 .

[0041] From the above description, it can be seen that the end of the pre-separation channel 6 has an extension portion 14, and the extension portion 14 extends into the secondary separation chamber 7. A gas-liquid diversion occurs at a lower position in the secondary separation chamber 7, thereby increasing the height difference with the drainage chamber 5 and improving the water separation effect.

[0042] Furthermore, the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 8 is conical.

[0043] From the above description, it can be seen that the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 8 is conical and maintains a certain inclination angle. The purpose is that when the system is tilted, the liquid water level changes little and the liquid water does not accumulate locally and can be discharged smoothly.

[0044] Furthermore, the diameter of the primary separation chamber 4 is larger than the diameter of the inlet pipe 1 ; and the diameter of the drainage chamber 5 is larger than the diameter of the outlet pipe 10 .

[0045] Furthermore, the water distribution component also includes a motor, and the motor drives the swirl blades 2 to rotate.

[0046] From the above description, it can be seen that although the pressure discharged by the battery stack can cause the swirl blades 2 to rotate, the separation effect can be made more stable through the setting of the motor.

[0047] Embodiment 1

[0048] A water distribution device, comprising an inlet pipe 1, an outlet pipe 10 and a water distribution component;

[0049] The water separation assembly includes a swirl blade 2, a primary separation chamber 4, a nozzle 3, a drainage chamber 5, a liquid storage chamber 8, a pre-separation channel 6 and a post-separation channel 9;

[0050] The inlet pipe 1, the primary separation chamber 4, the nozzle 3, the drainage chamber 5, and the outlet pipe 10 are coaxially connected in sequence. The bottom of the primary separation chamber 4 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 8 through the pre-separation channel 6, and the bottom of the drainage chamber 5 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 8 through the post-separation channel 9.

[0051] The swirl blade 2 is fixedly arranged in the inlet pipe 1 close to the primary separation chamber 4;

[0052] A water outlet is arranged at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 8 .

[0053] The water separation component further includes a secondary separation chamber 7 , the pre-separation channel 6 is communicated with the liquid storage chamber 8 through the secondary separation chamber 7 , and the post-separation channel 9 is communicated with the liquid storage chamber 8 through the secondary separation chamber 7 .

[0054] The bottom of the liquid storage chamber 8 is conical.

[0055] The diameter of the primary separation chamber 4 is larger than the diameter of the inlet pipe 1 ; the diameter of the drainage chamber 5 is larger than the diameter of the outlet pipe 10 .

[0056] Embodiment 2

[0057] A water distribution device, comprising an inlet pipe 1, an outlet pipe 10 and a water distribution component;

[0058] The water separation assembly includes a swirl blade 2, a primary separation chamber 4, a nozzle 3, a drainage chamber 5, a liquid storage chamber 8, a pre-separation channel 6 and a post-separation channel 9;

[0059] The inlet pipe primary separation chamber 4, the nozzle 3, the drainage chamber 5, and the outlet pipe 10 are coaxially connected in sequence. The bottom of the primary separation chamber 4 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 8 through the pre-separation channel 6, and the bottom of the drainage chamber 5 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 8 through the post-separation channel 9.

[0060] The swirl blade 2 is rotatably arranged in the inlet pipe 1 close to the primary separation chamber 4;

[0061] A water outlet is arranged at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 8 .

[0062] The water separation component further includes a secondary separation chamber 7 , the pre-separation channel 6 is communicated with the liquid storage chamber 8 through the secondary separation chamber 7 , and the post-separation channel 9 is communicated with the liquid storage chamber 8 through the secondary separation chamber 7 .

[0063] A first separation baffle 12 is provided on the inner wall of the secondary separation chamber 7 between the pre-separation channel 6 and the post-separation channel 9 .

[0064] A second separation baffle 13 is provided on the inner wall of the secondary separation chamber 7 below the post-separation channel 9 , one end of the second separation baffle 13 is connected to the inner wall of the separation chamber, and the other end thereof is inclined downward toward the inlet pipe 1 .

[0065] The bottom of the liquid storage chamber 8 is conical.

[0066] The diameter of the primary separation chamber 4 is larger than the diameter of the inlet pipe 1 ; the diameter of the drainage chamber 5 is larger than the diameter of the outlet pipe 10 .

[0067] Embodiment 3

[0068] A water distribution device, comprising an inlet pipe 1, an outlet pipe 10 and a water distribution component;

[0069] The water separation assembly includes a swirl blade 2, a primary separation chamber 4, a nozzle 3, a drainage chamber 5, a liquid storage chamber 8, a pre-separation channel 6 and a post-separation channel 9;

[0070] The inlet pipe 1, the primary separation chamber 4, the nozzle 3, the drainage chamber 5, and the outlet pipe 10 are coaxially connected in sequence. The bottom of the primary separation chamber 4 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 8 through the pre-separation channel 6, and the bottom of the drainage chamber 5 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 8 through the post-separation channel 9.

[0071] The swirl blade 2 is arranged in the inlet pipe 1 close to the primary separation chamber 4;

[0072] A water outlet is arranged at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 8 .

[0073] The water separation component further includes a secondary separation chamber 7 , the pre-separation channel 6 is communicated with the liquid storage chamber 8 through the secondary separation chamber 7 , and the post-separation channel 9 is communicated with the liquid storage chamber 8 through the secondary separation chamber 7 .

[0074] The end of the pre-separation channel 6 has an extension portion 14 , and the extension portion 14 extends into the secondary separation chamber 7 .

[0075] The bottom of the liquid storage chamber 8 is conical.

[0076] The diameter of the primary separation chamber 4 is larger than the diameter of the inlet pipe 1 ; the diameter of the drainage chamber 5 is larger than the diameter of the outlet pipe 10 .

[0077] The water distribution component also includes a motor, which drives the swirl blades 2 to rotate.

[0078] Embodiment 4

[0079] A fuel cell comprises a fuel cell stack and a water separation device as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the fuel cell stack comprises a hydrogen subsystem and an air subsystem, the hydrogen subsystem comprises a first stack outlet, the air subsystem comprises a second stack outlet, and the first stack outlet and the second stack outlet are respectively connected to an inlet pipe 1 of the water separation device.

[0080] Embodiment 5

[0081] A vehicle comprises the fuel cell described in embodiment 4.

[0082] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied in related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water distribution device, characterized in that: Includes inlet pipe, outlet pipe and water distribution assembly; The water separation component includes a swirl blade, a primary separation chamber, a nozzle, a drainage chamber, a liquid storage chamber, a pre-separation channel and a post-separation channel; The inlet pipe, the primary separation chamber, the nozzle, the drainage chamber, and the outlet pipe are coaxially connected in sequence, the bottom of the primary separation chamber is connected to the liquid storage chamber through the pre-separation channel, and the bottom of the drainage chamber is connected to the liquid storage chamber through the post-separation channel; The swirl blades are arranged in an inlet pipe close to the primary separation chamber; A water outlet is arranged at the bottom of the liquid storage cavity.

2. The water separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water separation component further comprises a secondary separation chamber, the pre-separation channel is communicated with the liquid storage chamber via the secondary separation chamber, and the post-separation channel is communicated with the liquid storage chamber via the secondary separation chamber.

3. The water separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first separation baffle is arranged on the inner wall of the secondary separation chamber between the pre-separation channel and the post-separation channel.

4. The water separation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second separation baffle is provided on the inner wall of the secondary separation chamber below the post-separation channel, one end of the second separation baffle is connected to the inner wall of the separation chamber, and the other end is inclined downward toward the inlet pipe direction.

5. The water separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the pre-separation channel is provided with an extension portion, and the extension portion extends into the secondary separation chamber.

6. The water separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the liquid storage chamber is conical.

7. The water separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the primary separation chamber is larger than the diameter of the inlet pipe; the diameter of the drainage chamber is larger than the diameter of the outlet pipe.

8. The water separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water distribution component also includes a motor, which drives the swirl blades to rotate.

9. A fuel cell, characterized in that: It comprises a fuel cell stack and the water separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fuel cell stack comprises a hydrogen subsystem and an air subsystem, the hydrogen subsystem comprises a first stack outlet, the air subsystem comprises a second stack outlet, and the first stack outlet and the second stack outlet are respectively connected to an inlet pipe of the water separation device.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: Comprising the fuel cell according to claim 9.

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