Fuel cell system

Abstract

In an embodiment, a fuel cell system is provided that includes a battery pack, an air supply line coupled to the battery pack, a humid air discharge line coupled to the battery pack, and a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between air and exhaust gas, wherein heat exchange between high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas discharged from the battery pack and low-temperature intake air to be supplied to the battery pack may be performed through a heat exchanger, whereby water may be easily collected from the exhaust gas and may be recycled. In an embodiment, hot air may be generated by air supplied to a battery pack using a vortex cooler, and may be supplied to a humid air discharge line through which high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas flows, whereby the exhaust gas moving along the humid air discharge line toward a heat exchanger may be heated by the hot air generated in the vortex cooler, thus, the amount of water that can be collected from condensed water generated from the exhaust gas is further increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell system. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, a fuel cell system for a fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell stack, a fuel supply system configured to supply fuel (hydrogen) to the fuel cell stack, an air supply system configured to supply air (oxygen) (which is an oxidant required for the electrochemical reaction) to the fuel cell stack, and a heat / water management system configured to control the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack.

[0003] To generate electric energy by electrochemical reaction of a fuel cell stack (hereinafter referred to as a stack), hydrogen is supplied from a fuel supply system to a fuel electrode (anode) of the stack, and air is supplied to an air electrode (cathode) of the stack.

[0004] Therefore, the oxidation reaction of hydrogen for generating hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons occurs in the fuel electrode of the battery pack. The generated hydrogen ions and electrons pass through the electrolyte membrane and separator of the battery pack, respectively, and move to the air electrode. In the air electrode, water is generated by the electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen ions and electrons from the fuel electrode and the oxygen contained in the air, and electric energy is generated due to the flow of electrons.

[0005] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of an air supply system of a conventional fuel cell system will be described.

[0006] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air supply system and a heat / water management system of a conventional fuel cell system.

[0007] exist Figure 1 , reference numeral 100 denotes a battery pack.

[0008] The air supply system 200 is connected to the air electrode of the battery pack 100 so as to supply air to the battery pack 100 .

[0009] The air supply system 200 may include an intake filter 201 configured to remove foreign matter contained in external air, an air compressor 202 configured to inhale and compress external air and supply the compressed air to a humidifier 204, and an intake air cooler 203 configured to cool the compressed air before the compressed air enters the humidifier 204, wherein the humidifier 204 humidifies the air from the intake air cooler 203 so that the air has appropriate humidity, and then supplies the humidified air to the air electrode of the battery pack 100.

[0010] Specifically, the intake filter 201 , the air compressor 202 , the intake air cooler 203 , and the humidifier 204 may be sequentially arranged along the air flow direction in the air supply line 205 connected to the air electrode of the battery pack 100 .

[0011] Considering that humidification of the electrolyte membrane included in each battery cell included in the battery stack 100 is necessary, the humidifier 204 may be implemented as a membrane humidifier configured so that the exhaust gas (a humid state containing water and water vapor) generated by the electrochemical reaction in the battery stack 100 and discharged from the battery stack 100 and the dry air moving toward the battery stack 100 from the air compressor 202 exchange moisture with each other.

[0012] In this case, the humidification operation of the humidifier 204 includes an operation of supplying dry air compressed by the air compressor 202 to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane (not shown) of the humidifier 204, an operation of allowing the exhaust gas (a humid state containing water and water vapor) discharged from the air electrode of the battery stack 100 to flow along the peripheral portion of the hollow fiber membrane in the humidifier 204 through the humid air line 206, and an operation of only a part of the water and water vapor contained in the exhaust gas entering the hollow fiber membrane due to capillary phenomenon and humidifying the dry air. The humidified air is supplied to the air electrode of the battery stack 100 through the air supply line 205.

[0013] Furthermore, during the reaction of generating electric energy in the battery stack 100, when a portion of hydrogen gas not used for the reaction is purged from the battery stack to the purge line 207, condensed water generated by the electrochemical reaction in the battery stack and accumulated in the battery stack is also discharged to the purge line 207. The discharged condensed water is stored in a water trap 208 connected to the purge line 207.

[0014] The condensed water stored in the water trap 208 may be supplied to the humidifier 204 for humidification of the dry air. Alternatively, when the amount of water stored in the water trap exceeds a predetermined level, the drain valve 209 may be controlled to open to discharge the water to the outside.

[0015] When the exhaust gas (in a humid state containing water and water vapor) discharged from the air electrode of the battery pack 100 passes through the wet air pipeline 206 and flows along the peripheral portion of the hollow fiber membrane in the humidifier 204, due to the capillary phenomenon, only a portion of the water and water vapor contained in the exhaust gas enters the hollow fiber membrane and humidifies the dry air, and the remaining portion of the water and water vapor contained in the exhaust gas is discharged to the outside along the wet air discharge pipeline 210 connected to the humidifier 204.

[0016] In this case, an air pressure regulator 211 configured to adjust the discharge pressure of the exhaust gas and a muffler 212 configured to adjust the noise of the exhaust gas may be sequentially connected to the wet air discharge line 210 .

[0017] However, the above-mentioned conventional fuel cell system has the following problems.

[0018] First, after the exhaust gas (a humid state containing water and water vapor) is discharged from the battery stack 100 to the wet air line 206, a portion of the water and water vapor contained in the exhaust gas enters the hollow fiber membrane of the humidifier 204 and humidifies the dry air. However, the remaining portion of the water and water vapor contained in the exhaust gas is uselessly discharged from the fuel cell vehicle along the wet air discharge line 210. That is, significant water loss occurs.

[0019] Second, if the remaining water and water vapor contained in the exhaust gas are uselessly discharged from the fuel cell vehicle along the wet air exhaust line 210, the discharged water may freeze on the road or parking lot in winter, or may splash onto the following vehicle during high-speed driving, which may cause an accident.

[0020] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology for collecting as much water as possible from water discharged from a fuel cell vehicle along a wet air discharge line via a humidifier in order to recycle the water.

[0021] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute the related art that is already known. Summary of the invention

[0022] The present invention relates to a fuel cell system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fuel cell system in which intake air to be supplied to a fuel cell stack is cooled to a low temperature by a vortex cooler, and the low-temperature air exchanges heat with high-temperature exhaust gas exhausted from the fuel cell stack, thereby maximizing the amount of water collected from the exhaust gas exhausted from the fuel cell stack.

[0023] The present invention is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems associated with the related art, and an embodiment of the present invention can provide a fuel cell system in which heat exchange between high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas (containing water and water vapor in a humid state) discharged from a battery pack and inlet air to be supplied to the battery pack is performed through a heat exchanger, whereby water can be easily collected from the exhaust gas discharged from the battery pack and can be recycled.

[0024] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention can provide a fuel cell system in which air to be supplied to a battery pack is divided into cold air and hot air by a vortex cooler, and the generated cold air is supplied to a heat exchanger, while the generated hot air is supplied to a wet air discharge line, through which high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas flows, whereby the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas moving along the wet air discharge line toward the heat exchanger can have its temperature increased by the high-temperature air generated in the vortex cooler, and can exchange heat with the low-temperature cold air in the heat exchanger, thereby further maximizing the amount of water that can be collected from the condensed water generated by the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, a fuel cell system includes: a battery pack; an air supply line connected to the battery pack to supply air to the battery pack; a wet air exhaust line connected to the battery pack to exhaust exhaust gas with a relatively high temperature and a relatively high humidity; and a heat exchanger installed at a preset or selected position convenient for connection to the air supply line and the wet air exhaust line, the heat exchanger being configured to perform heat exchange between air with a relatively low temperature flowing along the air supply line and exhaust gas with a relatively high temperature and a relatively high humidity flowing along the wet air exhaust line.

[0026] In an embodiment, a heat exchanger may be installed at an intersection between a portion of an air supply line interconnecting an air intake filter and an air compressor and a portion of a wet air discharge line extending from a humidifier and interconnecting an air pressure regulator and a muffler.

[0027] In an embodiment, the heat exchanger may include a housing including an air supply end and an exhaust gas outlet end formed on one side thereof, and an exhaust gas inlet end and an air discharge end formed on an opposite side thereof. A portion of an air supply line extending from an intake filter may be connected to the air supply end, a portion of a wet air discharge line extending to a muffler may be connected to the exhaust gas outlet end, a portion of a wet air discharge line extending from a humidifier and passing through an air pressure regulator may be connected to the exhaust gas inlet end, and a portion of an air supply line extending to an air compressor may be connected to the air discharge end. The heat exchanger may also include a heat exchange member installed in the housing, the heat exchange member including a plurality of first heat exchange channels and a plurality of second heat exchange channels, the plurality of first heat exchange channels being formed to allow air to flow therethrough from the air supply end to the air discharge end, the plurality of second heat exchange channels being formed to allow exhaust gas to flow therethrough from the exhaust gas inlet end to the exhaust gas outlet end, and the plurality of first heat exchange channels and the plurality of second heat exchange channels may intersect with each other.

[0028] In an embodiment, the housing may further include a drain hole formed at a lower portion thereof to collect condensed water generated from the exhaust gas during heat exchange between the air flowing through the plurality of first heat exchange channels and the exhaust gas flowing through the plurality of second heat exchange channels.

[0029] In an embodiment, the fuel cell system may further include a water tank connected to the drain hole in the housing to store condensed water.

[0030] In an embodiment, the heat exchanger may include a housing, the housing including an air supply end and an exhaust gas outlet end formed on one side thereof, and an exhaust gas inlet end and an air discharge end formed on an opposite side thereof. A portion of an air supply line extending from an intake filter may be connected to the air supply end, a portion of a wet air discharge line extending to a muffler may be connected to the exhaust gas outlet end, a portion of a wet air discharge line extending from a humidifier and passing through an air pressure regulator may be connected to the exhaust gas inlet end, and a portion of an air supply line extending to an air compressor may be connected to the air discharge end. The heat exchanger may also include an air flow pipe and heat exchange fins, the air flow pipe being formed in a zigzag shape and being located in the housing so as to be connected between the air supply end and the air discharge end, the heat exchange fins being attached to the air flow pipe. Exhaust gas introduced into the housing through the exhaust gas inlet end and flowing to the exhaust gas outlet end may exchange heat with air flowing through the air flow pipe through the heat exchange fins.

[0031] In an embodiment, the housing may further include a drain hole formed at a lower portion thereof to collect condensed water generated from the exhaust gas through heat exchange.

[0032] In an embodiment, the fuel cell system may further include a water tank connected to the drain hole in the housing to store condensed water.

[0033] In an embodiment, the fuel cell system may further include a vortex cooler installed in a portion of an air supply line interconnecting the intake filter and the heat exchanger.

[0034] In an embodiment, the vortex cooler can be configured to separate the air to be supplied from the air intake filter to the battery pack into low-temperature cold air and high-temperature hot air, to supply the low-temperature cold air to the heat exchanger, and to supply the high-temperature hot air to a portion of the wet air discharge line located between the humidifier and the air pressure regulator.

[0035] In an embodiment, the fuel cell system may further include a first bypass line connected between a high temperature gas discharge end of the vortex cooler and a portion of the wet air discharge line between the humidifier and the air pressure regulator to allow high temperature hot air to flow to the wet air discharge line.

[0036] In an embodiment, the fuel cell system may further include a second bypass line and a bypass valve, the second bypass line being connected between a portion of the air supply line interconnecting the intake filter and the heat exchanger and a portion of the air supply line interconnecting the heat exchanger and the air compressor, the bypass valve being installed in the second bypass line and configured to be controlled to be opened or closed by the controller.

[0037] In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to control the bypass valve to open when the fuel cell vehicle is in a high load operation state.

[0038] In an embodiment, when water condensed in the heat exchanger is stored in the water tank, the controller may control the bypass valve to open when determining that the amount of water stored in the water tank has reached a maximum water level based on a signal from a water level sensor of the water tank.

[0039] Features and embodiments of the present invention are discussed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The above and other features of embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, which are given hereinafter only by way of example and thus do not necessarily limit the present invention, wherein:

[0041] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air supply system and a heat / water management system of a conventional fuel cell system;

[0042] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger among components of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger among components of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a vortex cooler in a component of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0047] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process for collecting water of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and present slightly simplified representations of various features that illustrate the basic principles of embodiments of the present invention. The specific design features of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, may be determined in part by specific intended applications and use environments. In the drawings, reference numerals throughout the drawings refer to the same or equivalent parts of embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Various exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which only some exemplary embodiments are shown. In order to describe the exemplary embodiments, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative. However, the present invention can be implemented in a variety of alternative forms, and should not be interpreted as necessarily being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Therefore, although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be modified differently and take alternative forms, its embodiments are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that this does not mean that the present invention must be limited to the disclosed specific exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments can cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0050] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements are not necessarily limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements may be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.).

[0052] In all drawings, the same reference numerals are used as much as possible to refer to the same or similar parts. The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to necessarily limit potential embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "containing" and / or "having" when used herein specify the presence of the components, steps, operations and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations and / or elements.

[0053] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the air supply system 200 for supplying air to the battery pack 100 may include: an intake filter 201, configured to remove impurities contained in external air; an air compressor 202, configured to inhale and compress external air, and supply the compressed air to a humidifier 204; and an intake air cooler 203, configured to cool the compressed air before the compressed air enters the humidifier 204, wherein the humidifier 204 humidifies the air from the intake air cooler 203 so that the air has appropriate humidity, and then supplies the humidified air to the air electrode of the battery pack 100.

[0056] Specifically, the intake filter 201 , the air compressor 202 , the intake air cooler 203 , and the humidifier 204 may be sequentially arranged in an air supply line 205 connected to the air electrode of the battery pack 100 in an air flow direction.

[0057] When the battery stack 100 of the embodiment operates, the exhaust gas (humid state containing water and water vapor) discharged from the air electrode of the battery stack passes through the wet air line 206 and flows along the outer peripheral portion of the hollow fiber membrane in the humidifier 204. Due to the capillary phenomenon, only part of the water and water vapor contained in the exhaust gas enters the hollow fiber membrane and humidifies the dry air, and the remaining part of the water and water vapor contained in the exhaust gas can be discharged to the outside along the wet air discharge line 210 connected to the humidifier 204.

[0058] In an embodiment, an air pressure regulator 211 configured to adjust the exhaust gas discharge pressure and a muffler 212 configured to adjust the exhaust gas noise may be sequentially connected along the wet air discharge line 210 .

[0059] An embodiment of the present invention can collect as much water as possible from the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas (a humid gas state containing water and water vapor) discharged from the battery pack (i.e., the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas (a humid gas state containing water and water vapor) discharged to the outside along the wet air discharge pipeline 210 connected to the humidifier 204) so ​​that the water is recycled.

[0060] The heat exchanger 300 may be configured to perform heat exchange between low-temperature air flowing toward the battery pack along the air supply line 205 and high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas flowing toward the outside along the wet air discharge line 210. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchanger 300 may be installed at a designed, preset, or selected location so as to be connected to both the air supply line 205 and the wet air discharge line 210 .

[0061] Preferably, the heat exchanger 300 can be installed at a position where a portion of the air supply line 205 and a portion of the wet air discharge line 210 intersect each other, wherein a portion of the air supply line 205 interconnects the air intake filter 201 and the air compressor 202, and a portion of the wet air discharge line 210 extends from the humidifier 204 to interconnect the air pressure regulator 211 and the muffler 212.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchanger 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a housing 310 installed at a position where the air supply line 205 and the wet air discharge line 210 intersect each other. Also, the heat exchanger 300 according to the embodiment may include a heat exchange member 320 installed in the housing 310 to substantially perform heat exchange between the air flowing along the air supply line 205 and the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas flowing along the wet air discharge line 210.

[0063] from Figure 4 As can be easily seen in FIG. 3 , the housing 310 of the heat exchanger 300 may include an air supply port 311 and an exhaust gas outlet port 314, which are formed on one side of the housing 310. Also, the housing 310 of the heat exchanger 300 may include an exhaust gas inlet port 313 and an air discharge port 312, which are formed on opposite sides of the housing 310. A portion of the air supply line 205 extending from the intake filter 201 may be connected to the air supply port 311. A portion of the wet air discharge line 210 extending to the muffler 212 may be connected to the exhaust gas outlet port 314. A portion of the wet air discharge line 210 extending from the humidifier 204 and passing through the air pressure regulator 211 may be connected to the exhaust gas inlet port 313. Also, a portion of the air supply line 205 extending to the air compressor 202 may be connected to the air discharge port 312.

[0064] from Figure 4 It can be easily seen from the enlarged part that, in an embodiment, the heat exchange component 320 of the heat exchanger 300 may be configured so that a plurality of first heat exchange channels 321 and a plurality of second heat exchange channels 322 are formed to cross each other, wherein air flows from the air supply end 311 to the air discharge end 312 through the first heat exchange channels 321, and exhaust gas flows from the exhaust gas inlet end 313 to the exhaust gas outlet end 314 through the second heat exchange channels 322.

[0065] In more detail, the heat exchange member 320 of the embodiment may be configured such that plates that may be made of pulp and bent multiple times in a zigzag pattern in one direction to form a plurality of first heat exchange channels 321 and plates that may be made of pulp and bent multiple times in a zigzag pattern in a vertical direction to form a plurality of second heat exchange channels 322 are alternately stacked in the vertical direction.

[0066] In an embodiment, the partition 315 may be connected between the four corners of the heat exchange member 320 and the four inner surfaces of the shell 310, so that the air introduced into the shell 310 from the air supply end 311 is guided to move along the first heat exchange channel 321 to the air discharge end 312, and the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas introduced into the shell 310 from the exhaust gas inlet end 313 is guided to move along the second heat exchange channel 322 to the exhaust gas outlet end 314.

[0067] In addition, the shell 310 of the embodiment may include a drain hole 316 formed at a lower portion thereof to collect condensed water generated from the exhaust gas during heat exchange between the air flowing through the first heat exchange channel 321 and the exhaust gas flowing through the second heat exchange channel 322, and a water tank 330 configured to store the condensed water is connected to the drain hole 316 formed in the shell 310.

[0068] Next, we will refer to Figures 2 to 4 A heat exchanging process of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0069] The low-temperature air supplied to the battery pack 100 is filtered by the air intake filter 201 and then flows to the air supply end 311 of the housing 310 along the air supply line 205. The high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas (a wet state containing water and water vapor) discharged from the battery pack 100 and having passed through the humidifier 204 flows to the exhaust gas inlet end 313 of the housing 310 along the wet air discharge line 210.

[0070] Subsequently, the low-temperature air having passed through the air supply end 311 of the shell 310 flows along the first heat exchange channel 321 of the heat exchange component 320, and at the same time, the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas having passed through the exhaust gas inlet end 313 of the shell 310 flows along the second heat exchange channel 322 of the heat exchange component 320.

[0071] When crossing paths, low temperature air flowing along the first heat exchange channel 321 of the heat exchange member 320 and high temperature and high humidity exhaust gas flowing along the second heat exchange channel 322 of the heat exchange member 320 exchange heat with each other, whereby the high temperature and high humidity exhaust gas may generate condensed water.

[0072] refer to Figure 4 During heat exchange between the air flowing through the first heat exchange channel 321 and the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas flowing through the second heat exchange channel 322 , condensed water generated by the exhaust gas can be stored in the water tank 330 through the drainage hole 316 formed at the lower portion of the housing 310 .

[0073] In an embodiment, water collected and stored in the water tank 330 by heat exchange between the air flowing through the first heat exchange passage 321 and the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas flowing through the second heat exchange passage 322 can be recycled as water for cooling a radiator, for hand washing or dust removal, or as water for camping. In addition, in an embodiment, it is possible to minimize the amount of water that is uselessly discharged from the fuel cell vehicle, thereby preventing accidents caused by freezing of discharged water on roads or parking lots, or accidents caused by splashing of discharged water onto vehicles behind during high-speed driving.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, the heat exchanger 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a shell 340, which is installed at a position where the air supply line 205 and the wet air discharge line 210 intersect each other; an air flow pipe 350, which is formed in a zigzag shape and is located in the shell 340, thereby connecting between the air supply end 341 of the shell 340 and the air discharge end 342 of the shell 340; and a plurality of heat exchange fins 360, which are attached to the surface of the air flow pipe 350.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the housing 340 of the heat exchanger 300 includes an air supply port 341 and an exhaust gas outlet port 344 formed on one side of the housing 340, and also includes an exhaust gas inlet port 343 and an air discharge port 342 formed on the other side of the housing 340. A portion of the air supply line 205 extending from the air intake filter 201 may be connected to the air supply port 341. A portion of the wet air discharge line 210 extending to the muffler 212 may be connected to the exhaust gas outlet port 344. A portion of the wet air discharge line 210 extending from the humidifier 204 and passing through the air pressure regulator 211 may be connected to the exhaust gas inlet port 343. And, a portion of the air supply line 205 extending to the air compressor 202 may be connected to the air discharge port 342.

[0076] Therefore, in the embodiment, high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas (a humid state containing water and water vapor) may be introduced into the housing 340 through the exhaust gas inlet port 343, and may flow toward the exhaust gas outlet port 344. In order to pass through the path in the housing 340, low-temperature air may be introduced into the air flow pipe 350 through the air supply port 341, and may flow toward the air discharge port 342. The high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas contacts the surface of the air flow pipe 350 and the surface of the heat exchange fin 360, thereby exchanging heat with the low-temperature air.

[0077] In addition, the housing 340 of the embodiment may include a drain hole 346 formed at a lower portion thereof to collect condensed water generated from the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas through the above-mentioned heat exchange, and a water tank 330 configured to store the condensed water may be connected to the drain hole 346 .

[0078] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 A heat exchanging process of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0079] The low-temperature air to be supplied to the battery pack 100 is filtered by the air intake filter 201 and then flows to the air supply end 341 of the housing 340 along the air supply line 205. The high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas (a humid state containing water and water vapor) discharged from the battery pack 100 and having passed through the humidifier 204 flows to the exhaust gas inlet end 343 of the housing 340 along the humid air discharge line 210.

[0080] Subsequently, low temperature air having passed through the air supply end 341 of the housing 340 flows through the air flow pipe 350 , and high temperature and high humidity exhaust gas having passed through the exhaust gas inlet end 343 of the housing 340 flows toward the exhaust gas outlet end 344 through the internal space of the housing 340 .

[0081] When crossing paths inside the housing 340 , the low temperature air flowing through the air flow tube 350 and the high temperature and high humidity exhaust gas flowing through the internal space in the housing 340 exchange heat with each other, whereby the high temperature and high humidity exhaust gas may generate condensed water.

[0082] That is, the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas flowing through the internal space in the shell 340 contacts the surface of the air flow tube 350 through which the low-temperature air flows and the surface of the heat exchange fin 360, and exchanges heat with the low-temperature air flowing through the air flow tube 350, thereby the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas can produce condensed water.

[0083] During the heat exchange between the low-temperature air flowing through the air flow tube 350 and the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas flowing through the internal space in the housing 340, condensed water generated by the exhaust gas can be stored in the water tank 330 through the drainage hole 346 formed at the lower part of the housing 340. The water stored in the water tank 330 can be recycled as water for cooling the radiator, washing hands or dust removal, or as camping water. In addition, in the embodiment, it is possible to minimize the amount of water that is uselessly discharged from the fuel cell vehicle, thereby preventing accidents caused by freezing of discharged water on the road or parking lot, or accidents caused by splashing of discharged water on the following vehicle during high-speed driving.

[0084] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 In an embodiment, a vortex cooler 400 may be further installed in a portion of the air supply line 205 interconnecting the intake filter 201 and the heat exchanger 300 .

[0085] In an embodiment, Figure 6As shown, the vortex cooler 400 may have a structure for dividing the air passing through the intake filter 201 into cold air and hot air, supplying the cold air to the heat exchanger 300, and supplying the hot air to a portion of the wet air discharge line 210 interconnecting the humidifier 204 and the air pressure regulator 211.

[0086] In addition, in an embodiment, a first bypass line 440 (through which the hot air generated in the vortex cooler 400 flows to the wet air discharge line 210) can be connected between the high temperature gas discharge end 403 of the vortex cooler 400 and a portion of the wet air discharge line 210 located between the humidifier 204 and the air pressure regulator 211.

[0087] In an embodiment, the vortex cooler 400 may be a vortex tube that uses a spontaneous energy separation phenomenon to separate the high-speed rotating vortex gas into a high-temperature gas and a low-temperature gas. Figure 6 As shown, the vortex cooler 400 of the embodiment may include a main body 410 having a vortex generating chamber 412, a vortex circulation tube 420 connected to the main body 410 to communicate with the vortex generating chamber 412, and a regulating valve 430 installed to the distal end portion of the vortex circulation tube 420 to adjust the size of the high temperature gas discharge end 403.

[0088] In addition, in an embodiment, an air supply port 401 may be formed at an upper portion of the body 410 to supply air to the vortex generating chamber 412. A low temperature gas discharge port 402 may be formed in an end portion of the body 410. A high temperature gas discharge port 403 may be formed in a distal end portion of the vortex circulation tube 420.

[0089] In an embodiment, a portion of the air supply line 205 extending from the air intake filter 201 can be connected to the air supply end 401, a portion of the air supply line 205 extending to the heat exchanger 300 can be connected to the low-temperature gas discharge end 402, and the first bypass line 440 can be connected to the high-temperature gas discharge end 403.

[0090] In an embodiment, the air filtered by the intake filter 201 may be supplied to the vortex generating chamber 412 through the air supply end 401 of the vortex cooler 400, and may be vertically injected to the vortex circulation pipe 420 while contacting the wall surface of the vortex generating chamber 412. Subsequently, the air injected to the vortex circulation pipe 420 has spiral rotation energy like a cyclone, and thus moves to the high temperature gas discharge end 403 formed in the distal end portion of the vortex circulation pipe 420.

[0091] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the spiral rotation energy of the air that is spirally rotated and moves to the distal end portion of the vortex circulation tube 420 may be converted into heat energy due to viscosity loss, whereby the temperature of the air gradually increases to a high temperature.

[0092] When the regulating valve 430 installed to the distal end portion of the vortex circulation tube 420 is in a state of being opened to a predetermined, preset or selected degree, a portion of the high-temperature air whose temperature is increased due to the change in thermal energy may be discharged through the high-temperature gas discharge end 403, and then may be supplied to a portion of the wet air discharge line 210 located between the humidifier 204 and the air pressure regulator 211 through the first bypass line 440. Therefore, the temperature of the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas flowing through the wet air discharge line 210 may be further increased.

[0093] Meanwhile, the remaining portion of the high temperature air not discharged through the high temperature gas discharge port 403 reverses direction and flows back to the side opposite to the distal end portion while spirally rotating around the central portion of the vortex circulation tube 420 .

[0094] In an embodiment, the high-temperature air (at Figure 6 and the air moving toward the distal end portion of the vortex circulation tube 420 while rotating helically (indicated by G2 in FIG. Figure 6 However, the spiral rotation speed of the high-temperature air G2 flowing back while spirally rotating around the central portion of the vortex circulation tube 420 is lower than the spiral rotation speed of the air G1, and thus the total enthalpy of the high-temperature air G2 is lower than the total enthalpy of the air G1 moving toward the distal end portion of the vortex circulation tube 420 while spirally rotating.

[0095] Therefore, the high temperature air G2 flowing back while spirally rotating around the central portion of the vortex circulation tube 420 may gradually lose heat and may be cooled, thus may become low temperature air. The low temperature air may be directly supplied to the heat exchanger 300 through the low temperature gas discharge port 406.

[0096] In this way, the low-temperature air generated in the vortex cooler 400 can be supplied to the heat exchanger 300, and at the same time, the high-temperature air generated in the vortex cooler 400 can be supplied to a portion of the wet air discharge line 210 located between the humidifier 204 and the air pressure regulator 211 through the first bypass line 440. Therefore, the temperature of the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas moving toward the heat exchanger 300 through the wet air discharge line 210 can be increased. As a result, in the embodiment, through the above-mentioned heat exchange process of the heat exchanger 300, it is possible to maximize or increase the amount of water collected from the condensed water generated from the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas.

[0097] Specifically, in an embodiment, the difference between the temperature of the air to be supplied to the battery pack 100 and the temperature of the exhaust gas discharged from the wet air discharge line 210 is not greater than a preset, selected, or predetermined level, and thus the amount of water collected from the condensed water obtained from the exhaust gas by heat exchange may be small. However, in an embodiment, because the air to be supplied to the battery pack may be cooled by the vortex cooler 400 and the exhaust gas discharged from the battery pack may be heated by the vortex cooler 400, the difference between the temperature of the air to be supplied to the battery pack 100 and the temperature of the exhaust gas discharged from the battery pack 100 may exceed a preset, selected, or predetermined level.

[0098] Therefore, in an embodiment, the low-temperature air generated in the vortex cooler 400 can be supplied to the heat exchanger 300, and at the same time, the exhaust gas whose temperature is raised by the high-temperature air generated in the vortex cooler 400 can be supplied to the heat exchanger 300, thereby making it possible to further maximize or increase the amount of water collected from the condensed water generated from the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas through the heat exchange process of the heat exchanger 300.

[0099] In addition, Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the second bypass line 370 may be connected between a portion of the air supply line 205 interconnecting the intake filter 201 and the heat exchanger 300 and a portion of the air supply line 205 interconnecting the heat exchanger 300 and the air compressor 202, and a bypass valve 372 may be installed in the second bypass line 370. In an embodiment, the bypass valve 372 may be controlled to open or close by the controller 380 (see, for example, Figure 3 ).

[0100] The controller 380 may be configured to control the bypass valve 372 to open when the fuel cell vehicle is in a high load operation state. In addition, in an embodiment, when the water condensed in the heat exchanger 300 is stored in the water tank 330, the controller 380 may be configured to control the bypass valve 372 to open based on the water level sensor 332 (see FIG. 34 ) from the water tank 330. Figure 3 ) signal determines that the amount of water stored in the water tank 330 has reached the maximum water level, and the bypass valve 372 is controlled to open.

[0101] When a fuel cell vehicle is in a high load operation state where high or maximum output is required, generating maximum output may be more important than collecting water. Figure 7 As shown, the controller 380 of the embodiment can perform a process of determining whether the fuel cell vehicle is in a high-load operating state and a process of controlling the bypass valve 372 installed in the second bypass line 370 to open when it is determined that the fuel cell vehicle is in a high-load operating state, thereby terminating the water collection process.

[0102] Therefore, in an embodiment, the air filtered by the intake filter 201 may not flow to the heat exchanger 300, but may pass through the second bypass line 370 having a low pressure, and then may be supplied to the air compressor 202 to be compressed. The air compressed by the air compressor 202 may sequentially pass through the intake air cooler 203 and the humidifier 204, and then may be supplied to the air electrode of the battery pack 100.

[0103] Alternatively, if Figure 7 As shown, the controller 380 of the embodiment can execute based on the water level sensor 332 from the sensing water level in the water tank 330 (see, for example, Figure 3 ) signal to determine whether the amount of water stored in the water tank 330 has reached a maximum water level or a threshold water level, and a process of controlling a bypass valve 372 installed in a second bypass line 370 to open when it is determined that the amount of water stored in the water tank 330 has reached the maximum / threshold water level, thereby terminating the water collecting process.

[0104] As is apparent from the above description, embodiments of the present invention may have the following effects and advantages.

[0105] First, heat exchange between the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas (humidity state containing water and water vapor) discharged from the battery pack and the intake air to be supplied to the battery pack can be performed by a heat exchanger. Therefore, in an embodiment, it is possible to easily collect condensed water generated by the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas discharged from the battery pack and store the collected water. For example, the stored water can be recycled for use as a cooling radiator, watering for washing hands or dust removal, or as water for camping.

[0106] Second, the intake air to be supplied to the battery pack can be divided into low-temperature cold air and high-temperature hot air by the vortex cooler. In an embodiment, the low-temperature cold air can be supplied to the heat exchanger, and at the same time, the high-temperature hot air can be supplied to the wet air discharge line through which the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas flows to the heat exchanger, whereby the temperature of the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas can be increased. Therefore, the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas can be more easily condensed in the heat exchanger. As a result, in an embodiment, it is possible to further maximize or increase the amount of water collected from the condensed water generated from the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas.

[0107] Third, since water can be collected from the exhaust gas discharged from the battery pack, in an embodiment, it is possible to minimize or reduce the amount of water that is uselessly discharged from the fuel cell vehicle, thereby preventing accidents caused, for example, by the freezing of discharged water on roads or parking lots, or by splashing discharged water onto vehicles behind during high-speed driving.

[0108] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the exemplary drawings. The embodiments described in the specification and shown in the drawings are illustrative only and are not necessarily intended to represent all options and combinations of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments given herein, and it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications or changes may be made without departing from the technical spirit or scope of the present invention disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fuel cell system, comprising: Battery pack; an air supply line coupled to the battery pack to supply air to the battery pack; a wet air discharge line coupled to the battery pack to discharge exhaust gas having a relatively high temperature and a relatively high humidity; as well as A heat exchanger is installed at a position convenient for coupling to the air supply line and the wet air discharge line, the heat exchanger being configured to perform heat exchange between relatively low temperature air flowing along the air supply line and relatively high temperature and relatively high humidity exhaust gas flowing along the wet air discharge line.

2. The fuel cell system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is installed at an intersection between a portion of the air supply line interconnecting the air intake filter and the air compressor and a portion of the wet air discharge line extending from the humidifier and interconnecting the air pressure regulator and the muffler.

3. The fuel cell system of claim 2, wherein the heat exchanger comprises: a housing including an air supply end and an exhaust gas outlet end formed on a first side of the housing, and the housing including an exhaust gas inlet end and an air discharge end formed on a second side of the housing, wherein a portion of the air supply line extending from the air intake filter is coupled to the air supply end, wherein a portion of the wet air discharge line extending to the silencer is coupled to the exhaust gas outlet port, wherein a portion of the wet air discharge line extending from the humidifier and passing through the air pressure regulator is coupled to the exhaust gas inlet port, and wherein a portion of the air supply line extending to the air compressor is coupled to the air discharge end; as well as a heat exchange member installed in the housing, the heat exchange member including a plurality of first heat exchange channels formed to allow air to flow from the air supply end to the air discharge end through the first heat exchange channels, and the heat exchange member including a plurality of second heat exchange channels formed to allow exhaust gas to flow from the exhaust gas inlet end to the exhaust gas outlet end through the second heat exchange channels, The plurality of first heat exchange channels and the plurality of second heat exchange channels intersect with each other. 4 . The fuel cell system of claim 3 , wherein the housing further comprises a drain hole formed at a lower portion of the housing.

5. The fuel cell system of claim 4, further comprising a water tank coupled to the drain hole.

6. The fuel cell system of claim 2, wherein the heat exchanger comprises: a housing including an air supply end and an exhaust gas outlet end formed on a first side of the housing, and the housing including an exhaust gas inlet end and an air discharge end formed on a second side of the housing, wherein a portion of the air supply line extending from the air intake filter is coupled to the air supply end, wherein a portion of the wet air discharge line extending to the silencer is coupled to the exhaust gas outlet port, wherein a portion of the wet air discharge line extending from the humidifier and passing through the air pressure regulator is coupled to the exhaust gas inlet port, and wherein a portion of the air supply line extending to the air compressor is coupled to the air discharge end; an air flow pipe formed in a zigzag shape and located in the housing so as to be coupled between the air supply end and the air discharge end; as well as Heat exchanging fins are attached to the air flow tube so that during operation, exhaust gas introduced into the housing through the exhaust gas inlet end and flowing toward the exhaust gas outlet end exchanges heat with air flowing through the air flow tube through the heat exchanging fins. 7 . The fuel cell system of claim 6 , wherein the housing further comprises a drain hole formed at a lower portion of the housing.

8. The fuel cell system of claim 7, further comprising a water tank coupled to the drain hole. 9 . The fuel cell system of claim 2 , further comprising a vortex cooler installed in a portion of the air supply line interconnecting the intake filter and the heat exchanger.

10. The fuel cell system according to claim 9, wherein the vortex cooler is configured to separate the air supplied from the intake filter to the cell stack into relatively low-temperature air and relatively high-temperature air, wherein the vortex cooler is configured to supply the relatively low temperature air to the heat exchanger, and The vortex cooler is configured to supply the relatively high temperature air to a portion of the wet air discharge line between the humidifier and the air pressure regulator.

11. The fuel cell system as described in claim 10 further includes a first bypass line, which is connected between the relatively high temperature gas discharge end of the vortex cooler and a portion of the wet air discharge line located between the humidifier and the air pressure regulator to allow the relatively high temperature air to flow to the wet air discharge line.

12. The fuel cell system of claim 2, further comprising: a second bypass line connected between a portion of the air supply line interconnecting the intake filter and the heat exchanger and a portion of the air supply line interconnecting the heat exchanger and the air compressor; a bypass valve installed at the second bypass line; as well as A controller is configured to control the opening and closing of the bypass valve. 13 . The fuel cell system according to claim 12 , wherein the controller is configured to control the bypass valve to open when the fuel cell vehicle is in a relatively high load operation state.

14. The fuel cell system of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to control the bypass valve to open when determining that the amount of water stored in the water tank has reached a threshold level based on a signal from a water level sensor of the water tank.

15. A fuel cell system comprising: Battery pack; an air supply line coupled to the battery pack to supply air to the battery pack; a wet air discharge line coupled to the battery pack to discharge exhaust gas having a relatively high temperature and a relatively high humidity; a heat exchanger mounted at a location convenient for coupling to the air supply line and the wet air discharge line, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to perform heat exchange between relatively low temperature air flowing along the air supply line and relatively high temperature and relatively high humidity exhaust gas flowing along the wet air discharge line, wherein the heat exchanger is mounted at an intersection between a portion of the air supply line interconnecting an air intake filter and an air compressor and a portion of the wet air discharge line extending from a humidifier and interconnecting an air pressure regulator and a muffler; as well as a vortex cooler installed in a portion of the air supply line interconnecting the air intake filter and the heat exchanger, wherein the vortex cooler is configured to separate the air supplied from the intake filter to the battery pack into air of relatively low temperature and air of relatively high temperature, wherein the vortex cooler is configured to supply the relatively low temperature air to the heat exchanger, and The vortex cooler is configured to supply the relatively high temperature air to a portion of the wet air discharge line between the humidifier and the air pressure regulator.

16. The fuel cell system of claim 15, further comprising: a first bypass line connected between a relatively high temperature gas discharge end of the vortex cooler and a portion of the wet air discharge line between the humidifier and the air pressure regulator to allow the relatively high temperature air to flow toward the wet air discharge line; a second bypass line connected between a portion of the air supply line interconnecting the intake filter and the heat exchanger and a portion of the air supply line interconnecting the heat exchanger and the air compressor; a bypass valve installed at the second bypass line; as well as a controller configured to control opening and closing of the bypass valve, wherein the controller is configured to control the bypass valve to open when the fuel cell vehicle is in a relatively high load operation state, and The controller is configured to control the bypass valve to open when determining that the amount of water stored in the water tank has reached a threshold level based on a signal from a water level sensor of the water tank.

17. A fuel cell system comprising: Battery pack; an air supply line coupled to the battery pack to supply air to the battery pack; a wet air discharge line coupled to the battery pack to discharge exhaust gas having a relatively high temperature and a relatively high humidity; a heat exchanger mounted at a location convenient for coupling to the air supply line and the wet air discharge line, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to perform heat exchange between relatively low temperature air flowing along the air supply line and relatively high temperature and relatively high humidity exhaust gas flowing along the wet air discharge line, wherein the heat exchanger is installed at an intersection between a portion of the air supply line interconnecting an air intake filter and an air compressor and a portion of the wet air discharge line extending from a humidifier and interconnecting an air pressure regulator and a muffler, The heat exchanger comprises: a housing including an air supply end and an exhaust gas outlet end formed on a first side of the housing, and the housing including an exhaust gas inlet end and an air discharge end formed on a second side of the housing, wherein a portion of the air supply line extending from the air intake filter is coupled to the air supply end, wherein a portion of the wet air discharge line extending to the silencer is coupled to the exhaust gas outlet port, wherein a portion of the wet air discharge line extending from the humidifier and passing through the air pressure regulator is coupled to the exhaust gas inlet port, and wherein a portion of the air supply line extending to the air compressor is coupled to the air discharge end, The housing further comprises a drainage hole formed at the lower portion of the housing, and a heat exchange member installed in the housing, the heat exchange member comprising a plurality of first heat exchange channels formed to allow air to flow from the air supply end to the air discharge end through the first heat exchange channels, and the heat exchange member comprising a plurality of second heat exchange channels formed to allow exhaust gas to flow from the exhaust gas inlet end to the exhaust gas outlet end through the second heat exchange channels, wherein the plurality of first heat exchange channels and the plurality of second heat exchange channels intersect each other; as well as A water tank is coupled to the drain hole of the housing of the heat exchanger.

18. The fuel cell system according to claim 17, further comprising a vortex cooler installed in a portion of the air supply line interconnecting the intake filter and the heat exchanger, wherein the vortex cooler is configured to separate the air supplied from the intake filter to the battery pack into air of relatively low temperature and air of relatively high temperature, wherein the vortex cooler is configured to supply the relatively low temperature air to the heat exchanger, and The vortex cooler is configured to supply the relatively high temperature air to a portion of the wet air discharge line between the humidifier and the air pressure regulator.

19. The fuel cell system of claim 18, further comprising: a first bypass line connected between a relatively high temperature gas discharge end of the vortex cooler and a portion of the wet air discharge line between the humidifier and the air pressure regulator to allow the relatively high temperature air to flow toward the wet air discharge line; a second bypass line connected between a portion of the air supply line interconnecting the intake filter and the heat exchanger and a portion of the air supply line interconnecting the heat exchanger and the air compressor; a bypass valve installed at the second bypass line; as well as a controller configured to control opening and closing of the bypass valve, wherein the controller is configured to control the bypass valve to open when the fuel cell vehicle is in a relatively high load operation state, and The controller is configured to control the bypass valve to open when determining that the amount of water stored in the water tank has reached a threshold level based on a signal from a water level sensor of the water tank.

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