Turbine generator for fuel cell and fuel cell

Abstract

The invention discloses a turbine generator for a fuel cell and the fuel cell, and relates to the technical field of cells, the turbine generator comprises a turbine shell, a turbine inlet flow channel is formed in the turbine shell, and the turbine inlet flow channel is communicated with an electric pile cathode outlet of the fuel cell; the generator has a rotor shaft; the turbine is fixedly arranged on the rotor shaft, and the turbine is configured to drive the rotor shaft to rotate to enable the generator to generate electricity when gas in the turbine inlet flow channel flows into the turbine. The turbine inlet flow channel is used for being communicated with the stack cathode outlet of the fuel cell, and the turbine is fixedly arranged on the rotor shaft, so that the turbine generator can be independently arranged and is not influenced by the physical rotating speed of a coaxial structure (such as an air compressor and an air compressor) any more; according to different gas flow and pressure characteristics, optimal matching design of turbine specific speed and flow capacity is facilitated, so that isentropic efficiency of the turbine generator is improved, and recovered gas energy is improved, so that parasitic power consumption of a fuel cell is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular to a turbine generator for a fuel cell and a fuel cell having the turbine generator. Background Art

[0002] In the related technology, the integrated air compressor has a compressor impeller and a turbine impeller, and the compressor impeller and the turbine impeller are arranged on the motor shaft driven by the air compressor, and the motor shaft, the turbine impeller and the compressor impeller rotate synchronously. In the application conditions and application scenarios of low expansion ratio, due to the limitations of specific speed and flow capacity, the isentropic efficiency of the turbine is low and the recovered energy is small. Moreover, when the fuel cell is in a low power generation state, the turbine cannot perform expansion work, and even performs negative work, which increases the parasitic power consumption of the fuel cell. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide a turbogenerator for a fuel cell, which improves the isentropic efficiency of the turbogenerator and reduces the parasitic power consumption of the fuel cell.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a turbine generator comprises: a turbine casing, a turbine inlet flow channel and a turbine outlet flow channel are formed in the turbine casing, the turbine inlet flow channel is used to communicate with the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack; a generator, the generator is arranged in the turbine casing, the generator has a rotor shaft; a turbine, the turbine is arranged in the turbine casing and is located between the turbine inlet flow channel and the turbine outlet flow channel, the turbine has a turbine inlet and a turbine outlet, the turbine inlet is communicated with the turbine inlet flow channel, the turbine outlet is communicated with the turbine outlet flow channel, the turbine outlet flow channel is used to connect the turbine outlet and the outside of the turbine generator, the turbine is fixed to the rotor shaft, and the turbine is configured to drive the rotor shaft to rotate when the gas in the turbine inlet flow channel flows into the turbine so that the generator generates electricity.

[0005] According to the turbine generator of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing a turbine inlet flow channel for connecting with the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack and fixing the turbine on the rotor shaft, the turbine generator can be arranged independently and is no longer subject to the physical rotation speed of the coaxial structure (for example: air compressor, compressor). The turbine specific speed and flow capacity are optimized and matched according to the gas flow rate and gas pressure characteristics of different fuel cell cathode outlets to improve the isentropic efficiency of the turbine generator, and it is beneficial to increase the recycled gas waste heat and waste pressure energy, thereby reducing the parasitic power consumption of the fuel cell.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the outer side wall of the generator and the inner side wall of the turbine housing are opposed to and spaced apart from each other to form a turbine outlet flow channel between the outer side wall of the generator and the inner side wall of the turbine housing.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the turbine outlet flow channel is arranged around the generator along the circumference of the generator.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, a guide structure is provided in the turbine outlet flow channel, and the guide structure is used to guide the gas flowing into the turbine outlet flow channel toward the outlet end of the turbine outlet flow channel.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, a driving structure is provided in the turbine outlet flow passage, and the driving structure is used to drive the gas flowing into the turbine outlet flow passage to flow toward the outlet end of the turbine outlet flow passage.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the turbine generator further includes: an outlet shroud, the outlet shroud having a connecting flow channel, a shroud inlet and a shroud outlet, the outlet shroud being fixed to the end of the turbine casing along the axial direction of the turbine generator, the shroud outlet being located on the side of the shroud inlet away from the turbine casing, the connecting flow channel being located between the shroud inlet and the shroud outlet to connect the shroud inlet and the shroud outlet, and the shroud inlet being connected to the turbine outlet flow channel.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the outlet air guide cover includes: an air guide cover end wall and an air guide cover side wall, the air guide cover side wall is annular, and the air guide cover side wall is arranged around the air guide cover end wall along the circumferential edge of the air guide cover end wall so that the air guide cover end wall and the air guide cover side wall jointly define a connecting flow channel, and the end of the air guide cover side wall away from the air guide cover end wall forms an air guide cover outlet, and the middle part of the air guide cover end wall forms a air guide portion protruding toward the connecting flow channel, and the air guide cover end wall forms an air guide cover inlet, and along the radial direction of the air guide cover end wall, the air guide cover inlet is located on the outside of the air guide portion.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the surface of the air guide portion facing the side wall of the air guide cover is an arc-shaped air guide surface.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the generator also has a motor housing, the motor housing has a first end wall and a second end wall that are opposite and spaced apart along the axial direction of the turbine generator, the first end wall and the second end wall are both provided with ball bearings, and the rotor shaft extends along the axial direction of the turbine generator and passes through the ball bearings.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the turbine generator further includes: a sealing cover and an elastic member, wherein along the axial direction of the turbine generator, the first end wall is located between the second end wall and the turbine, the second end wall is formed with a mounting hole, the ball bearing on the second end wall is arranged in the mounting hole, the sealing cover is fixed to the second end wall and is located on the side of the second end wall away from the first end wall, the sealing cover is covered with the mounting hole, the elastic member is arranged in the mounting hole, and the elastic member abuts between the sealing cover and the corresponding ball bearing.

[0015] A fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the turbine generator for a fuel cell according to the above embodiment.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a turbine generator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a turbine generator according to an embodiment of the present invention from another angle;

[0020] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a turbine generator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 is a system diagram of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Reference numerals:

[0023] Fuel cell 10;

[0024] Turbine generator 100;

[0025] Turbine housing 1; turbine inlet flow channel 11; turbine outlet flow channel 12; flow guide structure 121;

[0026] Assembly hole 13; housing end cover 14; mounting screw 141; first lead-out terminal 15; motor outlet terminal box 16; second lead-out terminal 17; air vent 18;

[0027] Generator 2; rotor shaft 21; front rotor shaft 211; rotor magnet 212; rear rotor shaft 213; magnet sheath 214;

[0028] Motor housing 22; first end wall 221; second end wall 222; ball bearing 223; mounting hole 224; first ball bearing 225; second ball bearing 226; "O" ring 227;

[0029] Shaft seal 23; Shaft seal support block 231;

[0030] stator assembly 23; stator core 231; stator armature 232;

[0031] Turbine generator inverter 24; fuel cell control unit 25;

[0032] Turbine 3; turbine inlet 31; turbine outlet 32; rotor locking nut 33;

[0033] Outlet guide cover 4; connecting flow channel 41; guide cover inlet 42; guide cover outlet 43;

[0034] The air deflector end wall 44; the air deflector portion 441; the air deflector side wall 45;

[0035] Sealing cover 5;

[0036] Elastic member 6;

[0037] Nozzle 7; electric actuator 71; tie rod 72;

[0038] Gas inlet 8;

[0039] Gas outlet 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0041] Reference below Figure 1-Figure 4 The turbine generator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. The turbine generator 100 can be applied to vehicles, ships, etc. The present application takes the application of the turbine generator 100 to a vehicle as an example for description.

[0042] like Figure 1-Figure 4 As shown, the turbine generator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a turbine casing 1, in which a turbine inlet flow channel 11 and a turbine outlet flow channel 12 are formed, and the turbine inlet flow channel 11 is used to communicate with the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack 10; a generator 2, which is arranged in the turbine casing 1, and the generator 2 has a rotor shaft 21; a turbine 3, which is arranged in the turbine casing 1 and is located between the turbine inlet flow channel 11 and the turbine outlet flow channel 12, and the turbine 3 has a turbine inlet 31 and a turbine outlet 32, the turbine inlet 31 is communicated with the turbine inlet flow channel 11, and the turbine outlet 32 ​​is communicated with the turbine outlet flow channel 12, and the turbine outlet flow channel 12 is used to connect the turbine outlet 32 ​​and the outside of the turbine generator 100, and the turbine 3 is fixed to the rotor shaft 21, and the turbine 3 is configured to drive the rotor shaft 21 to rotate when the gas in the turbine inlet flow channel 11 flows into the turbine 3, so that the generator 2 generates electricity.

[0043] The turbine housing 1 can provide an assembly basis for the generator 2, turbine 3 and other components of the turbine generator 100. The turbine housing 1 can have an assembly hole 13. The turbine housing 1 can be assembled on an external device or apparatus (e.g., a fuel cell 10) through the assembly hole 13. As an example, a bolt is inserted into the assembly hole 13 and screwed to the fuel cell 10 so that the turbine housing 1 is fixed to the fuel cell 10. When the turbine housing 1 is fixed to the fuel cell 10, the turbine inlet flow channel 11 can be connected to the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack 10 so that the gas discharged from the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack can smoothly enter the turbine inlet flow channel 11.

[0044] As some embodiments of the present application, the turbine generator 100 may also have a nozzle 7, which may be configured as an adjustable nozzle or a non-adjustable nozzle, and the adjustable nozzle is composed of a plurality of rotatable blades and a rotating mechanism. The adjustable nozzle is connected to an electric actuator 71, and the electric actuator 71 is connected to a pull rod 72. The electric actuator 71 can be controlled by pulling the pull rod 72, thereby controlling the circumferential opening of the adjustable nozzle 7 along the turbine generator 100 to actively adjust the gas flow and pressure entering the turbine 3. It can be understood that the electric actuator 71 is composed of a motor and a gear mechanism, and the rotation speed and direction of the motor are controlled by the FCU (fuel cell control unit 25, Fuel cell Control Unit) according to the operating conditions of the stack.

[0045] The non-adjustable nozzle can fix the gas flow section, and the flow characteristics of the gas in the fixed flow section can also realize the follow-up adjustment of pressure and flow rate. While meeting the power generation needs of the fuel cell 10 and the efficient recovery of the gas energy at the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack, it can make the fuel cell 10 simpler in structure, more reliable in operation and lower in cost.

[0046] The generator 2 can be constructed as a high-speed motor, for example, the generator 2 can be a permanent magnet synchronous motor, an induction motor or other types of high-speed motors. The generator 2 and the turbine housing 1 can be connected by bolts, welding, etc., so that the generator 2 is fixed in the turbine housing 1. The generator 2 has a rotor shaft 21, which includes a front rotor shaft 211, a rotor magnet 212 and a rear rotor shaft 213. The front rotor shaft 211, the rotor magnet 212 and the rear rotor shaft 213 are coaxially and directly installed. For example, the front rotor shaft 211, the rotor magnet 212 and the rear rotor shaft 213 can be adhesively connected in sequence without an intermediate transfer or speed change mechanism, with high operating efficiency and high reliability. The turbine generator 100 also has a magnetic steel sheath 214, which is sleeved on the peripheral wall of the rotor shaft 21 to protect the rotor magnet 212. The magnetic steel sheath 214 is interference fit with the rotor magnet 212. By setting the magnetic steel sheath 214, it is helpful to reduce the risk of failure of the rotor magnet 212 due to centrifugal force during high-speed rotation.

[0047] The turbine 3 is composed of a wheel disc and a plurality of blades mounted thereon, and can be a radial flow type, mixed flow type, axial flow type or other forms of centrifugal turbine 3 to meet the expansion ratio and flow characteristics of different gases flowing through the turbine 3 to achieve high isentropic efficiency and improve energy recovery. The turbine 3 is arranged in the turbine casing 1. Along the flow path of the gas in the turbine generator 100, the turbine 3 is located between the turbine inlet flow channel 11 and the turbine outlet flow channel 12, and the turbine 3 has a turbine inlet 31 and a turbine outlet 32. The turbine inlet 31 is connected to the turbine inlet flow channel 11, and the turbine outlet 32 ​​is connected to the turbine outlet flow channel 12. The turbine outlet flow channel 12 is used to connect the turbine outlet 32 ​​and the outside of the turbine generator 100. The gas can enter the turbine inlet flow channel 11, enter the turbine 3 through the turbine inlet 31 to expand and do work, and enter the turbine outlet flow channel 12 through the turbine outlet 32. The turbine outlet flow channel 12 can be constructed in an annular shape so that the turbine outlet flow channel 12 can rectify the expanded gas, reduce the loss of the turbine outlet flow channel 12, and is beneficial to improving the work efficiency of the turbine generator 100. The gas can also flow to the outside of the turbine generator 100 through the turbine outlet flow channel 12, so that the expanded gas is discharged into the atmosphere or other devices.

[0048] The turbine 3 is fixed to the rotor shaft 21, and the turbine 3 can be interference fit with the rotor shaft 21, and the turbine 3 and the rotor shaft 21 can be reliably fixed by the rotor locking nut 33. It can be understood that the turbine 3, the rotor shaft 21 and the magnetic steel sleeve 214 are coaxially installed. The generator 2 can have a motor housing 22 and a stator assembly 23, and the stator assembly 23 is installed in the motor housing 22. The stator assembly 23 is composed of a stator core 231 and a stator armature 232. The stator core 231 and the motor housing 22 can be interference fit to improve the heat dissipation effect. When the gas in the turbine inlet flow channel 11 flows into the turbine 3, the turbine 3 uses the kinetic energy and thermal energy of the gas to convert into mechanical energy through expansion work to drive the rotor shaft 21 to rotate, and the rotor magnetic steel 212 of the rotor shaft 21 and the stator assembly 23 generate AC output, so that the generator 2 generates electricity, and the energy recovery effect of the turbine generator 100 is achieved.

[0049] Specifically, the turbine generator 100 also has a housing end cover 14, which is used to perform gas sealing on the turbine generator 100 and can also be used to position and install the nozzle 7. The housing end cover 14 can be installed to the turbine housing 1 by installing screws 141. The turbine generator 100 has a gas inlet 8 and a gas outlet 9. After the gas flows into the turbine inlet flow channel 11 through the gas inlet 8 and is collected, it enters the turbine 3 through the nozzle 7 to expand and do work. The annular turbine outlet flow channel 12 rectifies the expanded gas to reduce the loss of the turbine outlet flow channel 12, thereby improving the work efficiency of the turbine 3. The rectified gas can be discharged to the tail pipe of the vehicle through the gas outlet 9.

[0050] It should be noted that the gas can be a mixture of waste heat and waste pressure exhaust gas at the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack during low-temperature cold start and a small portion of compressed air at the air compressor outlet bypassed by the air compressor bypass circuit, or it can be waste heat and waste pressure exhaust gas at the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack 10 during normal power generation.

[0051] The work done by gas expansion drives the turbine 3 to rotate, thereby driving the rotor magnet 212 of the rotor shaft 21 to rotate at high speed. The rotating magnetic lines of force generate electricity with the stator assembly 23, outputting high-voltage and high-frequency AC power, which is then converted into high-voltage DC power by the turbine generator inverter 24 and output to the DC bus for use by electrical equipment, thereby converting the kinetic energy and thermal energy of the waste heat and waste pressure gas into the rotational mechanical energy of the rotor shaft 21 first, and then into electrical energy output, which is beneficial to the recovery of the originally wasted exhaust gas energy, thereby reducing the hydrogen consumption of the fuel cell 10, and is of great significance in terms of energy saving and environmental protection.

[0052] It can be understood that the turbine generator 100 with exhaust gas energy recovery in the present invention and the compressor that provides compressed air for the fuel cell 10 adopt a split structure, and the non-coaxial structure rotor is not limited to the same physical speed limit of the compressor and the turbine 3 in the coaxial structure integrated air compressor in the prior art when working. Therefore, the independent turbine generator 100 is based on the gas energy characteristics of the fuel cell 10, especially at a low expansion ratio (the expansion ratio refers to the ratio of the absolute pressure value of the gas entering the turbine 3 to the absolute pressure value of the gas flowing out of the turbine 3, wherein the gas pressure value entering the turbine 3 is generally the total pressure, and the gas pressure value flowing out of the turbine 3 is generally the total pressure. The gas pressure value is generally the static pressure) and the specific speed and flow capacity of the turbine 3 are optimized and matched under the conditions of large flow, so that it runs at the optimal speed ratio to obtain the highest isentropic efficiency of the turbine 3 (isentropic efficiency refers to the ability of the cathode exhaust of the fuel cell stack to drive the rotor shaft 21 to rotate and drive the load through the impeller during the flow of the turbine 3, that is, the ability to convert the kinetic energy and thermal energy of the gas into the output rotational mechanical energy of the rotor shaft 21, which is an important performance indicator of the turbine 3), improve the recovery and utilization of the energy of the waste heat and waste pressure of the tail exhaust of the fuel cell stack to obtain more power generation, thereby further improving the overall efficiency and economy of the fuel cell 10 power generation system.

[0053] Furthermore, when the turbine 3 of the turbine generator 100 fails due to extreme working conditions, it will not affect the compressor working alone to continue to provide compressed air to the fuel cell 10, which is beneficial to improving the robustness of the fuel cell 10.

[0054] It should be noted that the turbine generator inverter 24 can convert the high-voltage and high-frequency AC output of the turbine generator 100 into high-voltage DC output in parallel through high-power semiconductor components. The turbine generator inverter 24 can be integrated into the turbine generator 100, for example: the turbine generator inverter 24 is fixedly assembled with the turbine housing 1, such a setting can improve the compactness and power density of the fuel cell 10, and the turbine generator inverter 24 can also be integrated into the high-voltage DC or DC (high-voltage DC converter, used to convert the DC generated by the electrochemical stack of the fuel cell 10 into a stable voltage value) of the fuel cell 10 system to improve the compactness and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility, Electro Magnetic Compatibility) of the power connection, and can also reduce costs. It is understandable that the turbine generator inverter 24 is integrated with the air compressor controller, or both are integrated into the high-voltage DC or DC. The power generation output of the turbine generator 100 can be connected to the high-voltage DC bus for all electrical equipment to use simultaneously and in real time after being inverted by the turbine generator inverter 24 located inside or outside the turbine generator 100, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of electricity use.

[0055] The turbine generator 100 may further include a first lead-out terminal 15 (i.e., a motor high-voltage AC lead-out terminal 15), a motor outlet terminal box 16, and a second lead-out terminal 17 (a motor high-voltage interlock and stator temperature signal lead-out terminal 17). The motor outlet terminal box 16 is fixed to the turbine housing 1, and the first lead-out terminal 15 and the second lead-out terminal 17 are mounted on the motor outlet terminal box 16. The first lead-out terminal 15 connects the high-voltage AC power emitted by the generator 2 to the high-voltage AC interface of the turbine generator inverter 24 through an external high-voltage wiring harness, and the second lead-out terminal 17 connects the motor's high-voltage interlock signal and the motor stator temperature sensor signal to the low-voltage signal interface of the turbine generator inverter 24 through an external low-voltage wiring harness, so as to monitor the connection safety status and motor temperature of the turbine generator 100.

[0056] The fuel cell 10 may also include a FCU (fuel cell control unit 25), which is responsible for the energy input and output management of the fuel cell 10 power generation system, as well as the control of the anode, cathode, and hydrothermal system. The fuel cell control unit 25 may manage the power generation of the turbine generator inverter 24 and send bus voltage and current signals thereto. When the pull rod 72 is pulled, the battery control unit may also control the electric actuator 71 of the turbine generator 100 to control the opening of the nozzle 7.

[0057] It should be noted that the turbine 3 can recover energy to enable the generator 2 to generate electricity, and can also drive other torque-type loads to achieve conversion output of recovered energy.

[0058] Therefore, by setting a turbine inlet flow channel 11 for connecting with the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack 10 and fixing the turbine 3 on the rotor shaft 21, the turbine generator 100 can be arranged independently and is no longer subject to the physical rotation speed of the coaxial structure (for example: air compressor, compressor). The specific speed and flow capacity of the turbine 3 are optimized and matched according to the gas flow and gas pressure characteristics of the different cathode outlets of the fuel cell stack to improve the isentropic efficiency of the turbine generator 100, and it is beneficial to increase the recycled gas waste heat and waste pressure energy, thereby reducing the parasitic power consumption of the fuel cell 10.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the outer side wall of the generator 2 and the inner side wall of the turbine housing 1 are opposed to and spaced apart from each other, so as to form a turbine outlet flow passage 12 between the outer side wall of the generator 2 and the inner side wall of the turbine housing 1 .

[0060] Among them, the outer wall of the generator 2 and the inner wall of the turbine casing 1 are arranged opposite to each other, and the outer wall of the generator 2 and the inner wall of the turbine casing 1 are spaced apart to form a turbine outlet flow channel 12 between the outer wall of the generator 2 and the inner wall of the turbine casing 1. As some embodiments of the present application, the turbine outlet flow channel 12 can be constructed in a ring shape, and the turbine outlet flow channel 12 can rectify the expanded gas to reduce the loss of the turbine outlet flow channel 12, which is beneficial to improving the work efficiency of the turbine generator 100. The gas can also flow to the outside of the turbine generator 100 through the turbine outlet flow channel 12 so that the expanded gas is discharged into the atmosphere or other devices, which is beneficial to the new gas entering the turbine 3 to drive the rotor shaft 21 to rotate so that the generator 2 generates electricity, thereby achieving the effect of continuous operation of the turbine generator 100.

[0061] When the expanded low-temperature gas flows along the turbine outlet flow channel 12, the low-temperature gas can exchange heat with the generator 2 in the turbine outlet flow channel 12, thereby taking away the heat of the generator 2 and achieving the effect of cooling the generator 2. By using the expanded low-temperature gas to cool the generator 2, the components of the generator 2 (for example, the stator assembly 23) can be cooled without the need for other external cooling structures, effectively reducing the overall size and system cost of the turbine generator 100.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the turbine outlet flow channel 12 is arranged around the generator 2 along the circumference of the generator 2 .

[0063] Among them, the temperature of the gas after expansion by the turbine 3 is reduced, and the turbine outlet flow channel 12 is arranged around the generator 2 along the circumference of the generator 2. Such an arrangement can make the structure of the turbine outlet flow channel 12 reasonably arranged. When the expanded low-temperature gas flows along the turbine outlet flow channel 12, the low-temperature gas can cooperate with the generator 2 in the circumference of the generator 2 for heat exchange, thereby taking away the heat of the generator 2 and achieving the effect of cooling the generator 2. By arranging the turbine outlet flow channel 12 around the generator 2 along the circumference of the generator 2, the expanded low-temperature gas can be used to cool the generator 2, and the components of the generator 2 (for example, the stator assembly 23) can be cooled without the need for other external cooling structures, which effectively reduces the overall size and system cost of the turbine generator 100.

[0064] It should be noted that the temperature of the expanded gas is generally 20-50°C, which is slightly lower than the coolant of the cooling structure of the fuel cell 10, and has a better cooling effect. It can effectively cool the stator assembly 23 installed in the motor housing 22. There is no need to set up coolant to cool the motor stator, nor is there any need to set up additional cooling channels, thereby effectively reducing the overall size and system cost of the turbine generator 100.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, a guide structure 121 is provided in the turbine outlet flow channel 12 , and the guide structure 121 is used to guide the gas flowing into the turbine outlet flow channel 12 toward the outlet end of the turbine outlet flow channel 12 .

[0066] Among them, as some embodiments of the present application, the flow-guiding structure 121 can be configured as a flow-guiding column. As some embodiments of the present application, the flow-guiding structure 121 can be configured as a reinforcing rib. The flow-guiding structure 121 is arranged in the turbine outlet flow channel 12, and can guide the gas flowing into the turbine outlet flow channel 12 toward the outlet end of the turbine outlet flow channel 12. As some embodiments of the present application, the flow-guiding structure 121 can be extended along the axial direction of the turbine generator 100, and along the circumference of the motor housing 22, the flow-guiding structure 121 can be set to four to six, for example: the flow-guiding structure 121 can be set to four, five, six, and the specific number can be arranged according to the cooling requirements of the generator 2. The flow-guiding structure 121 can also be set to extend spirally along the circumference of the motor housing 22. By setting the flow-guiding structure 121, the gas can be further guided. By fully considering the aerodynamic factors and reasonably arranging the flow-guiding structure 121, the gas flow loss can be reduced, which is conducive to reducing the turbulence of the turbine outlet 32 ​​to improve the work efficiency of the turbine 3. Furthermore, the flow guide structure 121 can increase the connection strength between the turbine housing 1 and the motor housing 22 , thereby improving the working reliability of the turbine generator 100 .

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3As shown, a driving structure (not shown in the figure) is provided in the turbine outlet flow channel 12 , and the driving structure is used to drive the gas flowing into the turbine outlet flow channel 12 to flow toward the outlet end of the turbine outlet flow channel 12 .

[0068] Among them, a driving structure may be provided in the turbine outlet flow channel 12. As some embodiments of the present application, the driving structure may be configured as an air pump. As some embodiments of the present application, the driving structure may be configured as a fan. By providing the driving structure, the gas flowing into the turbine outlet flow channel 12 may be driven to flow toward the outlet end of the turbine outlet flow channel 12, thereby further guiding the gas, which is beneficial to reducing the turbulence of the turbine outlet 32 ​​to improve the working efficiency of the turbine 3.

[0069] As some embodiments of the present application, Figure 1 As shown, the generator 2 also has a breather valve 18, which is assembled on the motor housing 22, and the breather valve 18 is penetrated through the turbine housing 1, so that the breather valve 18 can release the expansion pressure caused by heat of the stator assembly 23 and the rotor shaft 21 during operation to the surrounding atmosphere, thereby reducing the risk of continuous pressure accumulation inside the generator 2, thereby improving the working safety and reliability of the generator 2.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the turbine generator 100 may also include: an outlet shroud 4, the outlet shroud 4 having a connecting flow channel 41, a shroud inlet 42 and a shroud outlet 43, along the axial direction of the turbine generator 100, the outlet shroud 4 is fixed to the end of the turbine casing 1, the shroud outlet 43 is located on the side of the shroud inlet 42 away from the turbine casing 1, the connecting flow channel 41 is connected between the shroud inlet 42 and the shroud outlet 43 to connect the shroud inlet 42 and the shroud outlet 43, and the shroud inlet 42 is connected to the turbine outlet flow channel 12.

[0071] Among them, the connecting flow channel 41 connects the shroud inlet 42 and the shroud outlet 43. Along the axial direction of the turbine generator 100, the outlet shroud 4 is fixed to the end of the turbine housing 1. The outlet shroud 4 and the turbine housing 1 can be connected by means of, but not limited to, screws, clamping, etc. The shroud outlet 43 is located on the side of the shroud inlet 42 away from the turbine housing 1. Such a setting can make the positions of the shroud outlet 43 and the shroud inlet 42 reasonably arranged, which is conducive to the connection between the shroud inlet 42 and the turbine outlet flow channel 12. The gas in the turbine outlet flow channel 12 can be guided to the outlet end through the guide structure 121, and enter the connecting flow channel 41 through the shroud inlet 42. The outlet shroud 4 can continue to guide the gas so that the gas flows smoothly in the connecting flow channel 41 and flows to the tail pipe or other devices of the fuel cell 10 through the shroud outlet 43. By setting the outlet shroud 4, the airflow after expansion and work can be further guided, which is conducive to improving the work efficiency of the turbine 3.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the outlet air guide 4 may include: an air guide hood end wall 44 and an air guide hood side wall 45, the air guide hood side wall 45 is annular, and the air guide hood side wall 45 is arranged around the air guide hood end wall 44 along the circumferential edge of the air guide hood end wall 44 so that the air guide hood end wall 44 and the air guide hood side wall 45 jointly define a connecting flow channel 41, and the end of the air guide hood side wall 45 away from the air guide hood end wall 44 is formed with an air guide outlet 43, and the middle part of the air guide hood end wall 44 is formed with a guide portion 441 protruding toward the connecting flow channel 41, and the air guide end wall 44 is formed with a air guide inlet 42, and along the radial direction of the air guide end wall 44, the air guide inlet 42 is located on the outside of the guide portion 441.

[0073] Among them, the side wall 45 of the air duct is annular, the shape of the side wall 45 of the air duct matches the shape of the turbine housing 1, the shape of the guide part 441 matches the shape of the motor housing 22, and along the axial direction of the turbine generator 100, the end wall 44 of the air duct is arranged at one end of the side wall 45 of the air duct facing the turbine housing 1, and the end wall 44 of the air duct and the turbine housing 1 can be connected to the turbine housing 1 by screws or clamping, so that the outlet air duct 4 can be assembled on the turbine generator 100.

[0074] The shroud sidewall 45 is arranged around the shroud end wall 44 along the circumferential edge of the shroud end wall 44, so that the shroud end wall 44 and the shroud sidewall 45 jointly define a connecting flow channel 41, and the end of the shroud sidewall 45 away from the shroud end wall 44 is formed with a shroud outlet 43. A guide portion 441 is formed in the middle of the shroud end wall 44, and the guide portion 441 protrudes toward the connecting flow channel 41. Such an arrangement can make the connecting flow channel 41 annular, which is conducive to further guiding the gas. Along the radial direction of the shroud end wall 44, the shroud inlet 42 is located outside the guide portion 441.

[0075] Specifically, the gas can be guided to the outlet end of the turbine outlet flow channel 12 through the flow guide structure 121, flow through the flow guide cover inlet 42, flow through the flow guide cover end wall 44 and enter the connecting flow channel 41, flow smoothly in the connecting flow channel 41 under the joint action of the flow guide cover side wall 45 and the flow guide part 441, and flow to the tail pipe or other devices of the fuel cell 10 through the flow guide cover outlet 43. By providing the outlet flow guide cover 4, the airflow after expansion and work can be further guided, reducing the risk of vortex and turbulence of the gas in the outlet flow guide cover 4, which is conducive to improving the work efficiency of the turbine 3.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the surface of the air guide portion 441 facing the air guide cover side wall 45 is an arc-shaped air guide surface.

[0077] Among them, the surface of the guide portion 441 facing the guide cover side wall 45 is an arc-shaped guide surface, and the arc-shaped guide surface protrudes toward the guide cover side wall 45. Such a setting can make the surface shape of the guide portion 441 reasonably set, and the arc-shaped guide surface can improve the smoothness of the gas flow in the connecting flow channel 41. When the gas flows through the arc-shaped guide surface, its flow direction can be changed more smoothly, reducing the risk of gas vortex and turbulence, thereby reducing the energy loss and noise of the turbine generator 100. The arc-shaped guide surface can also more effectively guide the gas to flow toward the guide cover outlet 43. By reasonably setting the curvature of the arc-shaped guide surface, the gas can be smoothly guided to the guide cover outlet 43, so as to flow to the tail pipe or other devices of the fuel cell 10 through the guide cover outlet 43, which is conducive to improving the flow efficiency of the gas.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the generator 2 also has a motor housing 22, which has a first end wall 221 and a second end wall 222 that are opposite and spaced apart along the axial direction of the turbine generator 100, and the first end wall 221 and the second end wall 222 are both provided with ball bearings 223, and the rotor shaft 21 extends along the axial direction of the turbine generator 100 and passes through the ball bearings 223.

[0079] Among them, along the axial direction of the turbine generator 100, the motor housing 22 has a first end wall 221 and a second end wall 222 that are arranged opposite to each other, the first end wall 221 and the second end wall 222 are arranged to be spaced apart, and the first end wall 221 and the second end wall 222 are both provided with a ball bearing 223, the ball bearing 223 includes a first ball bearing 225 and a second ball bearing 226, the first end wall 221 and the second end wall 222 may have a mounting seat, and the outer diameter of the first ball bearing 225 is fixedly connected with the mounting seat of the first end wall 221 by an interference fit. The outer diameter of the second ball bearing 226 is fitted with the mounting seat of the second end wall 222 through a clearance fit, and is connected through an "O" ring 227, so as to reduce the vibration and position the second ball bearing 226, reduce the risk of the second ball bearing 226 axially seizing due to the heating of the rotor shaft 21 during operation, and is conducive to improving the service life of the ball bearing 223 and the rotor shaft 21.

[0080] The rotor shaft 21 extends along the axial direction of the turbine generator 100 and is inserted into the ball bearing 223. The front rotor shaft 211 is inserted into the first ball bearing 225, and the rear rotor shaft 213 is inserted into the second ball bearing 226. The rotor shaft 21 and the ball bearing 223 are fixedly connected by interference fit. Under the action of the rolling body, the rotor shaft 21 can rotate smoothly in the motor housing 22.

[0081] Because the turbine generator 100 is located in the downstream section of the fuel cell 10 and the gas comes from the cathode of the fuel cell 10 stack, the use of a ball bearing 223 containing grease can meet the use requirements of the turbine generator 100 (no need to use an oil-free air bearing like an air compressor), and will not pollute the fuel cell 10 stack. Therefore, the turbine generator 100 uses a ball bearing 223 without a takeoff speed limit, and can make the turbine generator 100 run at a lower speed, thereby expanding the working range of energy recovery power generation, so as to solve the problem in the prior art that the integrated air compressor has a low expansion ratio when the fuel cell 10 generates low power, and the coaxial structure of the turbine 3 cannot perform expansion work and does negative work. It is understandable that the ball bearing 223 can also be cooled by the low-temperature gas in the turbine outlet flow channel 12.

[0082] Furthermore, in a working environment containing water vapor or liquid water, the ball bearing 223 containing grease has higher reliability and lower cost. During the gas expansion process in the turbine 3, the ball bearing 223 can provide support for the axial force generated by the aerodynamic force, the self-weight of the turbine 3, the self-weight of the rotor shaft 21 and the unbalanced force during its rotation. The ball bearing 223 can be set to multiple, for example: the ball bearing 223 can be set to two, three, four or more, and the ball bearing 223 adopts an angular contact bearing with a larger axial force or a deep groove ball bearing with a larger radial force to eliminate the axial expansion of the rotor shaft 21 and the balance of the axial force, thereby improving the support reliability of the ball bearing 223. The ball bearing 223 adopts an anti-electrocorrosion structure or material (such as a ceramic bearing) to avoid damage to the ball bearing 223 by the shaft current, which is conducive to extending the service life of the ball bearing 223, thereby extending the working reliability and service life of the turbine generator 100.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the turbine generator 100 may also include: a sealing cover 5 and an elastic member 6. Along the axial direction of the turbine generator 100, the first end wall 221 is located between the second end wall 222 and the turbine 3. The second end wall 222 is formed with a mounting hole 224. The ball bearing 223 on the second end wall 222 is arranged in the mounting hole 224. The sealing cover 5 is fixed to the second end wall 222 and is located on the side of the second end wall 222 away from the first end wall 221. The sealing cover 5 covers the mounting hole 224. The elastic member 6 is arranged in the mounting hole 224, and the elastic member 6 abuts between the sealing cover 5 and the corresponding ball bearing 223.

[0084] Among them, along the axial direction of the turbine generator 100, the second end wall 222 is located between the first end wall 221 and the outlet guide cover 4, and the second end wall 222 is formed with a mounting hole 224, and the mounting hole 224 can be formed in the mounting seat of the second end wall 222. The second ball bearing 226 is assembled in the mounting hole 224, and an "O" ring 227 is arranged between the second ball bearing 226 and the peripheral wall of the mounting hole 224, which is conducive to shock absorption of the second ball bearing 226, thereby improving the service life of the second ball bearing 226. The sealing cover 5 is fixedly arranged on the second end wall 222, and the sealing cover 5 is located on the side of the second end wall 222 away from the first end wall 221, so that the sealing cover 5 covers the mounting hole 224. The elastic member 6 can be configured as a wave spring, and can also be configured as a spring. The elastic member 6 is arranged in the mounting hole 224, and the sealing cover 5 can compress the elastic member 6 and position the elastic member 6 so that the elastic member 6 abuts between the sealing cover 5 and the corresponding ball bearing 223. By setting a certain preload force on the elastic member 6, the clearance of the ball bearing 223 can be effectively adjusted, and the risk of the ball bearing 223 being axially stuck due to the vibration of the rotor shaft 21 during operation can be reduced. In addition, the elastic member 6 can absorb the axial vibration and impact of the rotor shaft 21 during operation, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the rotor shaft 21. Furthermore, the sealing cover 5 can also isolate trace water vapor in the gas from entering the cavity of the stator assembly 23 and the rotor shaft 21, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the stator assembly 23 and the rotor shaft 21.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention, the turbine generator 100 may further include a shaft seal 23 and a shaft seal support block 231. The shaft seal 23 is installed at one end of the first end wall 221 close to the turbine outlet 32. The shaft seal support block 231 can support the shaft seal 23 to improve the position stability of the shaft seal 23. The shaft seal 23 can use its self-sealing characteristics to isolate trace water vapor in the gas from entering the cavity between the stator assembly 23 and the rotor shaft 21, which is beneficial to reducing the insulation failure of the generator 2 in a wet state and can also increase the service life of the ball bearing 223.

[0086] The fuel cell 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the turbine generator 100 for the fuel cell 10 of the above embodiment. The turbine generator 100 is built into the cathode exhaust system of the fuel cell 10. By setting the turbine inlet flow channel 11 for communicating with the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack 10, and fixing the turbine 3 on the rotor shaft 21, the turbine generator 100 can be arranged independently, no longer subject to the physical speed of the coaxial structure (for example: air compressor, compressor), and the specific speed and flow capacity of the turbine 3 are optimized and matched according to the gas flow and gas pressure characteristics of different cathode outlets of the stack, so as to improve the isentropic efficiency of the turbine generator 100, and it is beneficial to improve the recycled gas waste heat and waste pressure energy, thereby reducing the parasitic power consumption of the fuel cell 10.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 4 As shown, the thin solid line indicates the gas flow direction (where the arrow points to the gas forward direction), the dashed line with an arrow indicates the transmission of the control or drive signal (where the unidirectional arrow points to the signal receiving end, and the double arrow represents the communication signal), and the thick solid line indicates the power connection (where the thick solid line with a round head indicates the high-voltage DC bus connection, and the "high voltage" at the power connection here and in this article refers to high voltage). The turbine generator 100 of the fuel cell 10 is included in the fuel cell 10 with energy recovery of the exhaust gas discharged from the charged stack. A complete fuel cell 10 should also have functional units such as an intake system, an air compressor, an intercooler, a humidifier, and an exhaust system, which are no longer described in this patent.

[0088] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0089] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A turbine generator (100) for a fuel cell (10), characterized in that: include: A turbine housing (1), wherein a turbine inlet flow channel (11) and a turbine outlet flow channel (12) are formed in the turbine housing (1), and the turbine inlet flow channel (11) is used to communicate with the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack (10); A generator (2), the generator (2) being arranged in the turbine housing (1), the generator (2) having a rotor shaft (21); A turbine (3), the turbine (3) being arranged in the turbine housing (1) and being located between the turbine inlet flow channel (11) and the turbine outlet flow channel (12), the turbine (3) having a turbine inlet (31) and a turbine outlet (32), the turbine inlet (31) being in communication with the turbine inlet flow channel (11), the turbine outlet (32) being in communication with the turbine outlet flow channel (12), the turbine outlet flow channel (12) being used to connect the turbine outlet (32) and the outside of the turbine generator (100), the turbine (3) being fixedly arranged on the rotor shaft (21), the turbine (3) being configured to drive the rotor shaft (21) to rotate when gas in the turbine inlet flow channel (11) flows into the turbine (3), so that the generator (2) generates electricity.

2. The turbine generator (100) for a fuel cell (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the generator (2) and the inner wall of the turbine housing (1) are opposed to each other and spaced apart, so as to form the turbine outlet flow channel (12) between the outer wall of the generator (2) and the inner wall of the turbine housing (1).

3. The turbine generator (100) for a fuel cell (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The turbine outlet flow channel (12) is arranged around the generator (2) along the circumference of the generator (2).

4. The turbine generator (100) for a fuel cell (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: A flow guide structure (121) is provided in the turbine outlet flow channel (12), and the flow guide structure (121) is used to guide the gas flowing into the turbine outlet flow channel (12) toward the outlet end of the turbine outlet flow channel (12).

5. The turbine generator (100) for a fuel cell (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: A driving structure is provided in the turbine outlet flow channel (12), and the driving structure is used to drive the gas flowing into the turbine outlet flow channel (12) to flow toward the outlet end of the turbine outlet flow channel (12).

6. The turbine generator (100) for a fuel cell (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: An outlet shroud (4), the outlet shroud (4) having a connecting flow channel (41), a shroud inlet (42) and a shroud outlet (43); along the axial direction of the turbine generator (100), the outlet shroud (4) is fixed to the end of the turbine casing (1); the shroud outlet (43) is located on the side of the shroud inlet (42) away from the turbine casing (1); the connecting flow channel (41) is connected between the shroud inlet (42) and the shroud outlet (43) to connect the shroud inlet (42) and the shroud outlet (43); the shroud inlet (42) is connected to the turbine outlet flow channel (12).

7. The turbine generator (100) for a fuel cell (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The outlet air guide cover (4) comprises: an air guide cover end wall (44) and an air guide cover side wall (45); the air guide cover side wall (45) is annular; the air guide cover side wall (45) is arranged around the air guide cover end wall (44) along the circumferential edge of the air guide cover end wall (44) so ​​that the air guide cover end wall (44) and the air guide cover side wall (45) jointly define the connecting flow channel (41); the air guide cover outlet (43) is formed at the end of the air guide cover side wall (45) away from the air guide cover end wall (44); a guide portion (441) protruding toward the connecting flow channel (41) is formed in the middle of the air guide cover end wall (44); the air guide cover inlet (42) is formed on the air guide cover end wall (44); and along the radial direction of the air guide cover end wall (44), the air guide cover inlet (42) is located on the outside of the guide portion (441).

8. The turbine generator (100) for a fuel cell (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The surface of the flow guide portion (441) facing the flow guide cover side wall (45) is an arc-shaped flow guide surface.

9. The turbine generator (100) for a fuel cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The generator (2) further comprises a motor housing (22), wherein the motor housing (22) comprises a first end wall (221) and a second end wall (222) which are opposite to and spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the turbine generator (100), wherein the first end wall (221) and the second end wall (222) are both provided with ball bearings (223), and the rotor shaft (21) extends in the axial direction of the turbine generator (100) and passes through the ball bearings (223).

10. The turbine generator (100) for a fuel cell (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that: Also includes: A sealing cover (5) and an elastic member (6), along the axial direction of the turbine generator (100), the first end wall (221) is located between the second end wall (222) and the turbine (3), the second end wall (222) is formed with a mounting hole (224), the ball bearing (223) on the second end wall (222) is arranged in the mounting hole (224), the sealing cover (5) is fixed to the second end wall (222) and is located on a side of the second end wall (222) away from the first end wall (221), the sealing cover (5) is covered in the mounting hole (224), the elastic member (6) is arranged in the mounting hole (224), and the elastic member (6) abuts between the sealing cover (5) and the corresponding ball bearing (223).

11. A fuel cell (10), characterized in that: A turbine generator (100) for a fuel cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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