Injector / injector for fuel cell

Abstract

The invention relates to an injector / ejector for a fuel cell. An injector / ejector assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The assembly includes a body portion extending along a central longitudinal axis. A recirculation flow path is formed by and extends through the body portion. Each of the recirculation flow paths extends from a corresponding recirculation flow inlet to a corresponding recirculation flow outlet. The power flow path is formed by and extends through the body portion, and the reed encloses at least a portion of a corresponding recirculation flow outlet for each of the recirculation flow paths.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of fuel cells, and more particularly, to combining a recirculation flow from a fuel cell stack with a fuel motive flow. Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell is a device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction. Each fuel cell has two electrodes, a positive electrode and a negative electrode, called the cathode and anode. The reaction that produces electricity takes place at the electrodes. Each fuel cell also has an electrolyte, which transports charged particles from one electrode to the other, and a catalyst, which speeds up the reaction at the electrodes. Hydrogen is the basic fuel, but fuel cells also need oxygen. One advantage of fuel cells is that they generate electricity with very little pollution, that is, most of the hydrogen and oxygen used to generate electricity eventually combine to form a harmless byproduct, namely water. Summary of the invention

[0003] An ejector / ejector assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a main body portion extending along a central longitudinal axis. A recirculation flow path is formed by and extends through the main body portion. Each of the recirculation flow paths extends from a corresponding recirculation flow inlet to a corresponding recirculation flow outlet. A power flow path is formed by and extends through the main body portion, and a reed surrounds at least a portion of a corresponding recirculation flow outlet for each of the recirculation flow paths.

[0004] Another aspect of the present disclosure may be wherein the recirculation flow passage is positioned circumferentially around the body portion.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure may be wherein each of the reeds is attached to the body portion adjacent an upstream end of each of the reeds relative to a flow direction through the assembly.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure may be wherein the body portion includes a base portion having an outer peripheral surface separating each of the corresponding recirculation flow inlets from the corresponding recirculation flow outlet for each of the recirculation flow passages.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include ribs extending from a rib body portion that is fixed relative to the body portion. The ribs are located radially outward of a corresponding one of the reeds.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure may be wherein the reeds each taper from a base toward a distal end.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure may be wherein at least a portion of the motive flow passage extends along a central longitudinal axis.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure may be wherein the motive flow passage includes an outlet at a distal end of the body portion located downstream relative to a central longitudinal axis of the recirculation flow outlet.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure may be where a portion of the inlet to the motive flow path is transverse to the recirculation flow path.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure may be wherein the proximal end of each of the reeds is secured against movement relative to the body portion.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure can be wherein the reed includes six circumferentially spaced reeds surrounding the body portion.

[0014] A fuel cell system is disclosed herein. The system includes at least one fuel cell having an anode inlet and an anode outlet. A hydrogen storage tank is in fluid communication with the anode inlet. An ejector / ejector is in fluid communication with the hydrogen storage tank, the anode inlet, and the anode outlet. The ejector / ejector includes a main body extending along a central longitudinal axis. A recirculation flow path is formed by and extends through the main body, wherein each of the recirculation flow paths extends from a corresponding recirculation flow inlet to a corresponding recirculation flow outlet. A power flow path is formed by and extends through the main body, and a reed surrounds at least a portion of a corresponding recirculation flow outlet for each of the recirculation flow paths.

[0015] A method for operating a fuel cell system is disclosed herein. The method includes directing fuel from a fuel source to a motive flow path in a main body of an ejector / ejector assembly, wherein the main body extends along a central longitudinal axis. A recirculating flow from an anode outlet on the fuel cell is directed to one of a group of recirculating flow paths, which extend through the main body. The recirculating flow and the fuel from the fuel source are mixed downstream of the recirculating flow outlet and the motive flow outlet. A reed surrounds at least a portion of a corresponding recirculating flow outlet for each of the recirculating flow paths.

[0016] The present invention provides the following technical solutions.

[0017] Technical Solution 1. An injector / ejector assembly for a fuel cell, the assembly comprising:

[0018] a main body portion extending along a central longitudinal axis;

[0019] a plurality of recirculation flow passages formed with and extending through the body portion, wherein each of the plurality of recirculation flow passages extends from a corresponding recirculation flow inlet to a corresponding recirculation flow outlet;

[0020] a motive flow path formed by and extending through the body portion; and

[0021] A plurality of reeds surround at least a portion of the corresponding recirculation flow outlet for each of the plurality of recirculation flow passages.

[0022] Technical Solution 2. A component according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the plurality of recirculation flow paths are positioned circumferentially around the main body portion.

[0023] Technical Solution 3. A component according to Technical Solution 1, wherein each of the plurality of reeds is attached to the main body portion adjacent to an upstream end of each of the plurality of reeds relative to a flow direction passing through the component.

[0024] Technical Solution 4. A component according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the main body portion includes a base portion, the base portion having an outer peripheral surface, and the outer peripheral surface separates each of the corresponding recirculation flow inlets from the corresponding recirculation flow outlets for each of the multiple recirculation flow paths.

[0025] Technical Solution 5. The component according to Technical Solution 4 comprises a plurality of ribs extending from a rib body portion, wherein the rib body portion is fixed relative to the body portion, wherein the plurality of ribs are located radially outside a corresponding one of the plurality of reeds.

[0026] Technical Solution 6. A component according to Technical Solution 1, wherein each of the plurality of reeds tapers from a base toward a distal end.

[0027] Technical Solution 7. A component according to Technical Solution 1, wherein at least a portion of the power flow path extends along the central longitudinal axis.

[0028] Technical Solution 8. A component according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the motive flow path includes an outlet at a distal end of the main body portion located downstream relative to the central longitudinal axis of the recirculation flow outlet.

[0029] Technical Solution 9. A component according to Technical Solution 7, wherein a portion of the inlet to the motive flow path is transverse to the plurality of recirculation flow paths.

[0030] Technical solution 10. The assembly according to technical solution 1, wherein the proximal end of each of the plurality of reeds is fixed to prevent movement relative to the main body portion.

[0031] Technical Solution 11. A component according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the plurality of reeds include six circumferentially spaced reeds surrounding the main body portion.

[0032] Technical Solution 12. A fuel cell system comprising:

[0033] at least one fuel cell, the fuel cell comprising an anode inlet and an anode outlet;

[0034] a hydrogen storage tank in fluid communication with the anode inlet; and

[0035] an ejector / ejector, the ejector / ejector being in fluid communication with the hydrogen storage tank, the anode inlet, and the anode outlet, wherein the ejector / ejector comprises:

[0036] a main body portion extending along a central longitudinal axis;

[0037] a plurality of recirculation flow passages formed with and extending through the body portion, wherein each of the plurality of recirculation flow passages extends from a corresponding recirculation flow inlet to a corresponding recirculation flow outlet;

[0038] a motive flow path formed by and extending through the body portion; and

[0039] A plurality of reeds surround at least a portion of the corresponding recirculation flow outlet for each of the plurality of recirculation flow passages.

[0040] Technical Solution 13. A system according to Technical Solution 12, wherein the plurality of recirculation flow paths are positioned circumferentially around the main body portion.

[0041] Technical Solution 14. A system according to Technical Solution 12, wherein the main body portion includes a base portion, the base portion having an outer peripheral surface, and the outer peripheral surface separates each of the corresponding recirculation flow inlets from the corresponding recirculation flow outlets for each of the multiple recirculation flow paths.

[0042] Technical Solution 15. A system according to Technical Solution 14, wherein the outer peripheral surface defines a circular sealing surface having a channel.

[0043] Technical Solution 16. A system according to Technical Solution 12, wherein each of the plurality of reeds tapers from a base toward a distal end.

[0044] Technical Solution 17. A system according to Technical Solution 12, wherein at least a portion of the power flow path extends along the central longitudinal axis and includes an outlet at the distal end of the main body portion.

[0045] Technical Solution 18. A system according to Technical Solution 17, wherein a portion of the inlet to the motive flow path is transverse to the multiple recirculation flow paths.

[0046] Technical solution 19. A method for operating a fuel cell system, the method comprising:

[0047] a motive flow passage directing fuel from a fuel source to a body portion of the injector / ejector assembly, wherein the body portion extends along a central longitudinal axis;

[0048] directing a recirculation flow from an anode outlet on the fuel cell to one of a plurality of recirculation flow passages extending through the body portion; and

[0049] The recirculation flow and the fuel from the fuel source are mixed downstream of a recirculation flow outlet and a motive flow outlet, wherein a plurality of reeds surround at least a portion of the corresponding recirculation flow outlet for each of the plurality of recirculation flow passages.

[0050] Technical Solution 20. A method according to Technical Solution 19, wherein the multiple recirculation flow paths are circumferentially positioned around the power flow path in the main body portion, and the main body portion includes a base portion having an outer peripheral surface, and the outer peripheral surface separates each of the corresponding recirculation flow inlets from the corresponding recirculation flow outlets for each of the multiple recirculation flow paths. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Other features, advantages and details appear by way of example only in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 A fuel cell system is schematically illustrated.

[0053] Figure 2 The diagram shows Figure 1 A front perspective view of an injector / ejector assembly of a fuel cell system.

[0054] Figure 3 The diagram shows Figure 2 Rear perspective view of the injector / ejector assembly.

[0055] Figure 4 The diagram shows Figure 2 Front view of the injector / ejector assembly.

[0056] Figure 5 Picture shows Figure 2 Front view of the injector / ejector assembly.

[0057] Figure 6The figure shows the automatic Figure 2 Rear perspective view of the injector / ejector assembly.

[0058] Figure 7 The diagram shows Figure 2 A perspective view of a reed used with an ejector / ejector assembly.

[0059] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the Figure 2 Recirculation flow and motive flow of the ejector / ejector assembly.

[0060] Fig. 9 Illustration of the operation of a device having an ejector / ejector disclosed herein Figure 1 Example methods of fuel cell systems.

[0061] Fig.10 The diagram shows Figure 1 A front perspective view of another example injector / ejector assembly for a fuel cell system of FIG.

[0062] Fig.11 Picture shows Fig.10 Rear perspective view of the injector / ejector assembly.

[0063] Fig.12 The diagram shows Fig.10 A perspective view of a reed used with an injector / ejector assembly of a fuel cell system.

[0064] Fig.13 The figure shows the automatic Fig.10 A rear perspective view of an injector / ejector assembly of a fuel cell system.

[0065] Fig.14 A rear perspective view of a rib body portion having a plurality of ribs is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding parts and features.

[0067] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like components throughout the several views, a fuel cell system 20 and a method 100 for operating or controlling the fuel cell system 20 are shown and described herein.

[0068] Figure 1An example fuel cell system 20 is illustrated. The fuel cell system 20 includes a fuel cell stack 22 having an anode 24 and a cathode 26. Hydrogen is supplied to the anode 24 from a fuel source 28, such as a hydrogen fuel cell source, via an anode input line 30, and oxygen or air is supplied to the cathode 26 from a compressor 32 or other oxygen / air source via a cathode input line 34. The ejector / ejector 40 includes an ejector or injector portion and an ejector or ejector portion located downstream of the fuel source 28 and in fluid communication with the anode input line 30.

[0069] An anode exhaust line 42 extends from an outlet of the anode 24, and a cathode exhaust line 44 extends from an outlet of the cathode 26. The anode exhaust line 42 can carry away unused hydrogen from the anode 24, and the cathode exhaust line 44 can carry away unused oxygen / air from the cathode 26. In either or both of the exhaust lines 42, 44, water and other liquids or gases can be carried away from the fuel cell stack 22. An anode exhaust valve 46 can be disposed in the anode exhaust line 42, wherein a portion of the anode exhaust line 42 downstream of the anode exhaust valve 46 is coupled to the cathode exhaust line 44 and has an anode exhaust valve flow rate 50.

[0070] The recirculation line 52 extends from a first end connected to a portion of the anode exhaust line 42 upstream of the anode exhaust valve 46 to a second end connected to the ejector portion of the ejector / ejector 40. In this arrangement, at least a portion of the unused hydrogen introduced into the anode exhaust line 42 from the anode 24 can be directed back to the anode 24 via the recirculation line 52.

[0071] The fuel cell system 20 also includes a controller 54 in electrical communication with various portions of the fuel cell system 20 , such as the injector / ejector 40 , the anode exhaust valve 46 , and the compressor 32 , for executing the method 100 disclosed herein.

[0072] The electronic controller 54 may be embodied as one or more digital computers or mainframes, each having one or more processors, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), optical drives, magnetic drives, etc., high-speed clocks, analog-to-digital (A / D) circuits, digital-to-analog (D / A) circuits, and input / output (I / O) circuits, I / O devices and communication interfaces, and signal conditioning and buffering electronics. Computer-readable memory may include non-temporary / tangible media that participate in providing data or computer-readable instructions. The memory may be non-volatile or volatile. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other permanent memory. Example volatile media may include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which may constitute main memory. Other examples of embodiments of memory include floppy disks, hard disks, tapes or other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs and / or other optical media, as well as other possible storage devices, such as flash memory.

[0073] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown in , the ejector / ejector assembly 40 includes a main body portion 60 extending along a central longitudinal axis A. A plurality of recirculation flow passages 62 extend through the main body portion 60 from a recirculation flow inlet 64 adjacent the proximal end of the main body portion 60 to a recirculation flow outlet 66 adjacent the distal end of the main body portion 60. The recirculation flow inlet 64 and the recirculation flow outlet 66 are both defined on the periphery by the main body portion, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the recirculation flow outlet 66 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the recirculation flow inlet 64.

[0074] The proximal end of the main body portion 60 includes an outer peripheral surface 74 that separates the upstream end of the main body portion 60 from the downstream portion of the main body portion by engaging the passage wall 75 upstream of the ejector throat 77 ( Figure 8 ). In the illustrated example, the outer peripheral surface 74 defines a circular sealing surface.

[0075] The motive flow passage 68 extends through the main body portion 60 along the central longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated example, a portion of the motive flow passage 68 is transverse to the central longitudinal axis A and extends across at least one of the plurality of recirculation flow passages 62. In addition, with respect to the flow direction through the main body portion 60, the portion of the motive flow passage 68 transverse to the central longitudinal axis includes an upstream edge having a radius of curvature that tapers to a leading edge along the most upstream portion. The plurality of recirculation flow passages 62 are circumferentially positioned around the main body portion 60 and surround the motive flow passage 68. An outlet 69 of the motive flow passage 68 is located distal to the recirculation flow outlet 66.

[0076] A plurality of reeds 70 at least partially surround corresponding recirculation flow outlets 66 in the main body portion 60 to prevent backflow through the recirculation flow passage 62. In the illustrated example, the plurality of reeds 70 includes six reeds 70, each of which is attached to the main body portion 60 adjacent to the proximal or upstream end of the reed 70 relative to the flow direction through the main body portion 60. The reed 70 is located axially upstream (1.3 m) of the outlet 69 of the motive flow passage 68 relative to the longitudinal axis A. Figure 2 ).

[0077] like Figure 6 to Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the reed 70 includes a base or proximal end having an attachment opening 78 for engaging a fastener 80. The fastener 80 may be integral with the body portion 60, such as formed with the plurality of reeds during an overmolding process, or formed by a heat staking process. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the recirculation flow outlet 66 is elongated and tapers in width toward the distal end of the main body portion 60. Similarly, the width of the reed 70 tapers toward the distal end. One feature of the reed 70 and the recirculation flow passages 62 is the use of walls 71 between adjacent recirculation flow passages 62 to turn the recirculation gas flow in a direction parallel to the direction of flow of the motive gas through the motive flow passage 68. This reduces the amount of turning that the recirculation flow F encounters before mixing with the motive flow M from the fuel source 28.

[0078] Fig. 9 A method 100 of operating a fuel cell system 20 having an ejector / ejector 40 or an ejector / ejector 140 disclosed below is illustrated. At block 102, a motive flow M from a fuel source 28 is directed into a motive flow passage 68 and through a main body 60 ( Figure 8 ). In the illustrated example, motive flow M travels through motive flow passage 68 transverse to the flow direction of recirculation flow R before turning and traveling along the central longitudinal axis A of main body portion 60. Motive flow M exits motive flow passage 68 through outlet 69 at the distal end of main body portion 60 downstream of recirculation flow outlet 66 before entering passage 75.

[0079] At box 104, the recirculation flow R is directed from the anode outlet 24 on the fuel cell stack 22 to one of the recirculation flow passages 62 in the main body portion 60. The recirculation flow R travels through the passage 75 before entering the inlet 64 to the recirculation flow passage 62 in the main body portion 60. The recirculation flow R exits the main body portion 60 through the outlet 66 adjacent the reed 70. The rib 82 is located in the passage 75 to limit the opening of the reed 70 and reduce the contact area between the rib 82 and the wall of the passage 75, which can reduce the reaction time of the reed 70 to flow changes through at least one of the recirculation flow passage 62 or the motive flow passage 68.

[0080] At box 106, the recirculation flow R and the motive flow M mix downstream of their respective outlets 66, 69, wherein the plurality of reeds at least partially surround a corresponding one of the recirculation flow outlets 66. As the recirculation flow R and the motive flow M begin to mix downstream of the main body portion 60, they pass through the ejector throat 77 in the passage 75. The ejector throat 77 comprises a longitudinal section of the passage 75 having a reduced cross-sectional area when compared to a portion of the passage 75 including the ejector / ejector 40 and a portion of the passage 75 downstream of the ejector throat 77.

[0081] Figures 10 to 14 Another example ejector / ejector assembly 140 is illustrated. The ejector / ejector assembly 140 is similar to the ejector / ejector assembly 40 except for what is described below or shown in the drawings. Similar elements will include a "1" added in front.

[0082] like Figures 10 to 14 As shown in , the ejector / ejector assembly 140 includes a main body portion 160 extending along a central longitudinal axis A. A plurality of recirculation flow passages 162 extend through the main body portion 160 from a recirculation flow inlet 164 adjacent the proximal end of the main body portion 160 to a recirculation flow outlet 166 adjacent the distal end of the main body portion 160. The recirculation flow inlet 164 and the recirculation flow outlet 166 are both defined on the periphery by the main body portion 160, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the recirculation flow outlet 166 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the recirculation flow inlet 164.

[0083] The proximal end of the body portion 160 includes an outer peripheral surface 174 that separates the upstream end of the body portion 160 from the downstream portion of the body portion 160. In one example, the outer peripheral surface 174 includes a channel 175 for receiving a seal, such as an O-ring seal, to create a seal with a body portion contact surface 185 on the rib body portion 181 of the support rib 182. In the illustrated example, the outer peripheral surface 74 defines a circular sealing surface having a channel for receiving an O-ring.

[0084] A motive flow passage 168 extends through the main body portion 160 along the central longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated example, a portion of the motive flow passage 168 is transverse to the central longitudinal axis A and extends across at least one of the plurality of recirculation flow passages 162. In addition, relative to the direction of flow through the main body portion 160, the portion of the motive flow passage 168 transverse to the central longitudinal axis includes an upstream edge having a radius of curvature that tapers to a leading edge along the most upstream portion. The plurality of recirculation flow passages 162 are circumferentially positioned about the main body portion 160 and surround the motive flow passage 168. An outlet 169 of the motive flow passage 168 protrudes beyond the recirculation flow outlet 166.

[0085] A plurality of reeds 170 at least partially surround corresponding recirculation flow outlets 166 in the main body portion 160 to prevent backflow through the recirculation flow passage 162. In the illustrated example, the plurality of reeds 170 includes six reeds 170, each of which is attached to the main body portion 160 at a proximal or upstream end of the reed 170 relative to the flow direction through the main body portion 160. The reed 170 is located axially upstream (1.3 m) of the outlet 169 of the motive flow passage 168 relative to the longitudinal axis A. Fig.10 ). Also, in the illustrated example, the plurality of reeds 170 are shown in a fully open position.

[0086] The travel of the spring 170 is limited by a rib 182 that is integrally formed with a rib body portion 181 that forms a ring that surrounds and is fixed relative to the body portion 160. The rib body portion 181 includes a body portion contact surface 185 that is configured to form a seal with the outer peripheral surface 174 of the body portion 160. The rib body portion 181 also includes an outer peripheral surface 187 that has a channel 183 for receiving a seal, such as an O-ring seal, and the outer peripheral surface 187 is used to engage the passage wall 75 upstream of the ejector throat 77, similar to Figure 8 The injector / ejector 40 shown in FIG.

[0087] like Figure 12 to Figure 14 As shown in , the reed 170 includes a base or proximal end having an attachment opening 178 for engaging a fastener 180 on the body portion 160. Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the recirculation flow outlet 166 is elongated and tapers in width toward the distal end of the main body portion 160. Similarly, the width of the reed 170 tapers toward the distal end. One feature of the reed 170 and the recirculation flow passages 162 is the use of walls 171 between adjacent recirculation flow passages 162 to turn the recirculation gas flow in a direction parallel to the direction of flow of the motive gas through the motive flow passages 168. This reduces the amount of turning that the recirculation flow F encounters before mixing with the motive flow M from the fuel source 28.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the fuel cell system 20 is incorporated into a vehicle such as a motor vehicle or otherwise used in a vehicle. As used herein, "vehicle" is understood to mean a device configured to transport people, supplies, objects, etc. Non-limiting examples of motor vehicles (e.g., electric motor vehicles including batteries and fuel cell vehicles, etc.) include land vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, motorcycles, electric bicycles, buses, trains, etc.), air vehicles (e.g., airplanes, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc.), water vehicles (e.g., ships, watercraft, etc.) and amphibious vehicles (e.g., air cushion vehicles, etc.). In addition, the fuel cell system 20 can be used as part of a fixed power generation system.

[0089] The terms "one" and "an" do not indicate a limitation on quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. References to "an aspect" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in a suitable manner in various aspects.

[0090] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0091] Unless otherwise specified herein, the test standard is the most recent standard in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standard appears.

[0092] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0093] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof, and that equivalents may be substituted for its elements. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. An injector / ejector assembly for a fuel cell, the assembly comprising: a main body portion extending along a central longitudinal axis; a plurality of recirculation flow passages formed with and extending through the body portion, wherein each of the plurality of recirculation flow passages extends from a corresponding recirculation flow inlet to a corresponding recirculation flow outlet; a motive flow path formed by and extending through the body portion; as well as A plurality of reeds surround at least a portion of the corresponding recirculation flow outlet for each of the plurality of recirculation flow passages.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of recirculation flow passages are positioned circumferentially about the body portion.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of reeds is attached to the body portion adjacent an upstream end of each of the plurality of reeds relative to a flow direction through the assembly.

4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The body portion includes a base portion having an outer peripheral surface that separates each of the corresponding recirculation flow inlets from the corresponding recirculation flow outlet for each of the plurality of recirculation flow passages.

5. The assembly of claim 4, comprising a plurality of ribs extending from a rib body portion, the rib body portion being fixed relative to the body portion, wherein the plurality of ribs are located radially outward of a corresponding one of the plurality of reeds.

6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of reeds tapers from a base toward a distal end.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the motive flow path extends along the central longitudinal axis.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The motive flow passage includes an outlet at a distal end of the body portion located downstream relative to the central longitudinal axis of the recirculation flow outlet.

9. A fuel cell system comprising: at least one fuel cell, the fuel cell comprising an anode inlet and an anode outlet; a hydrogen storage tank in fluid communication with the anode inlet; and an ejector / ejector, the ejector / ejector being in fluid communication with the hydrogen storage tank, the anode inlet, and the anode outlet, wherein the ejector / ejector comprises: a main body portion extending along a central longitudinal axis; a plurality of recirculation flow passages formed with and extending through the body portion, wherein each of the plurality of recirculation flow passages extends from a corresponding recirculation flow inlet to a corresponding recirculation flow outlet; a motive flow path formed by and extending through the body portion; as well as A plurality of reeds surround at least a portion of the corresponding recirculation flow outlet for each of the plurality of recirculation flow passages.

10. A method of operating a fuel cell system, the method comprising: a motive flow passage directing fuel from a fuel source to a body portion of the injector / ejector assembly, wherein the body portion extends along a central longitudinal axis; directing a recirculation flow from an anode outlet on the fuel cell to one of a plurality of recirculation flow passages extending through the body portion; as well as The recirculation flow and the fuel from the fuel source are mixed downstream of a recirculation flow outlet and a motive flow outlet, wherein a plurality of reeds surround at least a portion of the corresponding recirculation flow outlet for each of the plurality of recirculation flow passages.

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