Fuel cell device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a fuel cell apparatus. The fuel cell device includes: a fuel cell; and a power distribution unit disposed on the fuel cell. The power distribution unit includes: a housing; the power assembly is arranged in the shell; a bus bar connected to the power component; and an electrically insulating thermal pad disposed between the bus bar and the housing to transfer heat from the bus bar to the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell device. Background Art

[0002] The fuel cell device includes a fuel cell and a power distribution unit (eg, a high voltage junction box). The power distribution unit can be used to distribute the power generated in the fuel cell to high voltage components located around the fuel cell.

[0003] However, components included in the power distribution unit, such as diodes, may generate heat, which may degrade the performance of the power distribution unit. Summary of the invention

[0004] The following summary presents a simplified summary of certain features. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical elements.

[0005] Systems, devices, and methods for fuel cell devices are described. The fuel cell device may include: a fuel cell; and a power distribution unit disposed on the fuel cell. The power distribution unit may include: a housing; a power assembly disposed in the housing; a bus bar connected to the power assembly; and a heat pad disposed between the bus bar and the housing, the heat pad being configured to transfer heat from the bus bar to the housing, wherein the heat pad is electrically insulating.

[0006] These and other features and advantages are described in greater detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate examples of the present disclosure and, together with the embodiments, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a vehicle including a fuel cell device;

[0009] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A plan view of an example of a power distribution unit shown in;

[0010] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A bottom view of an example of a power distribution unit shown in FIG.

[0011] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of a busbar, a thermal pad, and a housing according to an example;

[0012] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of a busbar, a thermal pad, and a housing according to another example;

[0013] Figure 3Cis a cross-sectional view of a busbar, a thermal pad, and a housing according to yet another example;

[0014] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between components included in a power distribution unit;

[0015] Figure 5A is a top perspective view of a power distribution unit according to an example, Figure 5B is a plan view of a power distribution unit according to an example;

[0016] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D is a view for explaining a first bus bar and a first thermal pad;

[0017] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D is a view for explaining a second bus bar and a second thermal pad;

[0018] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D is a view for explaining a third busbar and a fourth busbar and a third thermal pad and a fourth thermal pad;

[0019] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B is a perspective view for explaining a fifth busbar and a fifth thermal pad;

[0020] Fig. 10A It is a partial stereogram of the area where the first busbar, the second busbar, the fourth busbar and the fifth busbar are arranged. Fig. 10B This is a top-down perspective view of the positive main relay. Fig. 10C yes Fig. 10A A partial side view of

[0021] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal pad, busbar, and housing; and

[0022] Fig.12 is a graph showing the temperature of a power distribution unit over time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various examples are shown. However, the examples may be embodied in a variety of different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are provided so that the present disclosure will be more thorough and complete and will more fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0024] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “under” another element, the element may be directly on / under the other element, or one or more intervening elements may also be present. When an element is referred to as being “on” or “under” another element, “under” and “on” the other element may be included based on the other element.

[0025] In addition, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are used only to distinguish one subject or element from another subject or element, and do not necessarily require or involve any physical or logical relationship or order between the subjects or elements. Relational terms such as "upper / upper part / above" and "lower / lower part / below" are used to distinguish one subject or element from another subject or element, and do not require a specific orientation of the related subjects or elements.

[0026] Hereinafter, a fuel cell device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of description, the fuel cell device will be described using a Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis), but other coordinate systems may also be used to describe the fuel cell device. In a Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are perpendicular to each other, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis discussed herein may be oblique to each other.

[0027] The fuel cell device provided herein substantially eliminates one or more problems or disadvantages of the related art. The present disclosure provides a fuel cell device with improved cooling performance. However, the purpose to be achieved by the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned purpose, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other purposes not mentioned herein from the following description. Other advantages, purposes and features of the present disclosure will be described in part in the following description, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art in part after reviewing the following description, or can be learned from the practice of the present disclosure. The purposes and other advantages of the present disclosure can be realized and achieved by the written description and claims and the structures specifically pointed out in the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to as a “fuel cell vehicle”) including a fuel cell device 100 .

[0029] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A plan view of an example of a power distribution unit (PDU) (high voltage junction box or junction box) 120 is shown in FIG. Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A bottom view of an example of a power distribution unit 120 is shown in FIG.

[0030] The fuel cell apparatus 100 according to an example may include a fuel cell 110 and a power distribution unit 120 .

[0031] The fuel cell 110 may be configured to generate electricity. The fuel cell 110 may be, for example, a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (and / or a proton exchange membrane fuel cell) (PEMFC), or another power source for driving a fuel cell vehicle 10 including the fuel cell device 100. However, the examples are not limited to any particular form of the fuel cell 110 or the fuel cell 110 or the fuel cell vehicle itself.

[0032] The fuel cell 110 may include a cell stack (not shown) and / or current collectors (or current collecting terminals) (not shown).

[0033] The battery stack may include a plurality of unit cells stacked one after another in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) or a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction, which may be a traveling direction (or driving direction) of the fuel cell vehicle 10.

[0034] The power distribution unit 120 may be provided on the fuel cell 110. The power distribution unit 120 may be configured to receive power generated in / by the fuel cell 110 through a terminal block (not shown), and distribute the power to nearby components (e.g., loads around / connected to the power distribution unit 120 in the fuel cell vehicle 10) that require power to operate the fuel cell vehicle 10 (e.g., loads around / connected to the power distribution unit 120 in the fuel cell vehicle 10) (e.g., through cables). To this end, a heater and a current collector in the fuel cell 110 may be connected to the power distribution unit 120. For example, the power distribution unit 120 may be a component located at the highest position among the components provided in the engine compartment of the fuel cell vehicle 10.

[0035] The power distribution unit 120 may include a housing 122, power components, bus bars BS (BS1 to BS5), and thermal pads TP (TP1 to TP5). Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the figure, the area in the housing 122 where the power components can be arranged is exemplarily indicated by a dotted line.

[0036] The housing 122 may be configured to accommodate various components of the power distribution unit 120 , such as a power assembly, a bus bar BS, and / or a thermal pad TP.

[0037] The bus bar BS may be electrically connected to the power components. The bus bar BS may be configured to transmit power within the power distribution unit 120. Additionally or alternatively, the bus bar BS may electrically connect various connectors C1 to C7 to the power components, and / or may electrically connect the power components to each other.

[0038] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of a bus bar BS, a thermal pad TP and a housing 122 according to an example, Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of a bus bar BS, a thermal pad TP, and a housing 122 according to another example, Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of a bus bar BS, a thermal pad TP, and a housing 122 according to still another example.

[0039] Reference FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C, the heat pad TP can be disposed between the bus bar BS and the housing 122 to be configured to transfer heat from the bus bar BS to the housing 122, and can be electrically insulated. According to the arrangement of the components shown, the heat generated by the power components can be discharged from the bus bar BS through the housing 122 to the outside of the power distribution unit 120 via the heat pad TP.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the thermal pad TP may be elastic. Figure 3B As shown in , at least a portion of the bus bar BS or the housing 122 may press the thermal pad TP in the z-axis direction, i.e., the third direction. That is, the bus bar BS, the thermal pad TP, and the housing 122 may overlap with each other in the third direction (e.g., the z-axis direction), and the thermal pad TP may overlap with at least one of the bus bar BS and the housing 122 in a horizontal direction (at least one of the first direction and the second direction) intersecting the third direction.

[0041] For example, Figure 3B As shown in , the thermal pad TP may overlap each of the bus bar BS and the case 122 in a horizontal direction.

[0042] The first thickness V1 of the heat pad TP overlapping the bus bar BS in the third direction may be about 20% to 40%, for example, about 30%, of the thickness T of the heat pad TP. For example, the first thickness V1 may be 0.75 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the second thickness V2 of the heat pad TP overlapping the housing 122 in the third direction may be about 20% to 40%, for example, about 30%, of the thickness T of the heat pad TP. For example, the second thickness V2 may be 0.75 mm.

[0043] The housing 122 may include a body BD and a cooling passage 124 .

[0044] The body BD may define a space configured to accommodate components of the power distribution unit 120 , such as a bus bar BS, a thermal pad TP, and a power component.

[0045] like Figure 2B As shown in FIG. 1 , the cooling channel 124 may be formed by the body BD and / or may be provided at the lower side of the housing 122. The cooling channel 124 may be configured to dissipate heat generated in the power distribution unit 120. The cooling channel 124 may be configured to dissipate heat using a cooling medium such as air or liquid flowing in the cooling channel 124. For example, when viewed from below, the cooling channel 124 may have a shape such as Figure 2B The shapes shown in FIG. 1 are shapes of shapes, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0046] like Figure 3C As shown in FIG. 1 , in an example, the heat pad TP may overlap with the cooling channel 124 in a third direction, and the body BD is interposed between the heat pad TP and the cooling channel 124. The third direction may be Figure 3CThe vertical direction in .

[0047] like Figure 3B As shown in the example, the body BD may include a first portion DP1 and a second portion DP2. The first portion DP1 may be defined as a portion directly contacting the thermal pad TP, and the second portion DP2 may be defined as a portion adjacent to the first portion DP1 and including a cooling channel 124 formed therein.

[0048] like Figure 3B As shown in FIG. 1 , the first portion DP1 of the body BD of the case 122 may have a shape protruding toward the thermal pad TP to contact the thermal pad TP when viewed from a side.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the first horizontal area HA1 of the heat pad TP may be greater than a zeroth horizontal area HA0 where the case 122 , the heat pad TP, and the bus bar BS overlap each other in the third direction.

[0050] Reference Figure 3B , the first horizontal area HA1 of the heat pad TP may be larger than the second horizontal area HA2 of the first portion DP1 protruding from the housing 122. Here, each of the zeroth to second horizontal areas HA0, HA1, and HA2 may be an area of ​​a plane formed by the x-axis and the y-axis. Each of the first and second horizontal areas may be an area of ​​a plane formed by a direction intersecting a direction in which the bus bar BS, the heat pad TP, and the housing 122 overlap each other.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, in the third direction in which the case 122, the thermal pad TP and the bus bar BS overlap each other, the thickness T of the thermal pad TP may be large enough to insulate the bus bar BS and the case 122 from each other, for example, may be 10 mm or more. However, examples are not limited thereto.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, reference Figure 3A , the thermal pad TP may include a first surface S1 and a second surface S2. The first surface S1 may correspond to a surface in contact with the bus bar BS, and / or the second surface S2 may correspond to a surface in contact with the housing 122. At least one of the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 may be an adhesive and / or include an adhesive.

[0053] Reference Figure 2A, the power distribution unit 120 may include a plurality of connectors C0 to C7. For example, the plurality of connectors may include a fuel cell main (FCMAIN) connector C0, a fuel cell air compressor module (FACM) connector C1, a coolant stack pump (CSP: coolant stack pump) and / or an air conditioning compressor (A / CON) (and / or a refrigerant compressor) connector C2, a cathode oxygen consumption (COD) heater connector C3, a cooling fan (C / FAN) connector C4, a control connector C5, a cooling connector (or cooling joint) C6, and / or a battery connector C7.

[0054] The FCMAIN connector C0 may be a connector that outputs a voltage required by a motor and / or an inverter (not shown) as a load. The FCMAIN connector C0 may include a positive main connector PC and a negative main connector NC.

[0055] The FACM connector C1 may be a connector that outputs a voltage required by the FACM.

[0056] Connector C2 may be a CSP connector that outputs the voltage required by a coolant superposition pump (CSP), or connector C2 may be an A / CON connector that outputs the voltage required by an A / CON. Alternatively, although Figure 2A Only one connector C2 is shown in FIG. 1 , but connector C2 may be a plurality of connectors, one of which is connected to the CSP and another is connected to the A / CON.

[0057] The COD heater connector C3 may be a connector that outputs a voltage required by a COD heater (not shown).

[0058] The C / FAN connector C4 may be a connector that outputs a voltage required by the cooling fan.

[0059] The control connector C5 may be a connector configured to supply power to operate the following main relays: a positive main relay (PR) and a negative main relay (NR).

[0060] The cooling connector C6 may be a port that connects the cooling channel 124 to the outside.

[0061] Positive and negative output terminals of a cell stack of fuel cells configured to generate electricity may be connected to the terminal block area TMA to be powered through the bus bar BS.

[0062] The battery connector C7 may be a connector connected to a battery.

[0063] Figure 2A The connectors C0 to C7 shown in FIG. 1 are illustrative only, and the examples are not limited to any particular type of connector or any particular location in which the connectors are disposed.

[0064] Hereinafter, a circuit configuration of the power distribution unit 120 and a position where the heat pad TP is disposed according to an example will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between components included in the power distribution unit 120. For better understanding, the location of the thermal pad TP is conceptually shown, and only parts related to the thermal pad TP are partially shown.

[0066] The power assembly may include a positive main relay PR, a negative main relay NR, fuses F1, F2 and F3 (to be described later) and a fuse connector FC. Additionally or alternatively, the power assembly may include wiring or switches (not shown).

[0067] For example, the diode D can be placed in Figure 2A In the first area A1 shown in FIG. 1 , the positive main relay PR, the negative main relay NR, the positive main connector PC, the negative main connector NC and the fuse connector FC can be respectively arranged in Figure 2A The second area A2, the third area A3, the fourth area A4, the fifth area A5 and the sixth area A6 shown in FIG. 1 are connected to the corresponding bus bar BS.

[0068] The positive main relay PR and the negative main relay NR can be configured to receive power from the fuel cell through the busbar BS connected to the terminal block area TMA. That is, the positive main relay PR can be connected to the positive output terminal of the battery stack of the fuel cell through the first busbar BS1 via the diode D through the first port PT1, and the negative main relay NR can be connected to the negative output terminal of the battery stack through the second busbar BS2 via the second port PT2.

[0069] The positive main connector PC and the negative main connector NC may be connected to a load via the FCMAIN connector C0.

[0070] The fuse connector FC can be connected to a fuse.

[0071] Hereinafter, the first to fifth bus bars BS1 to BS5 will be described.

[0072] The first busbar BS1 connects the positive main relay PR to the zeroth busbar BS02 to be described later, and the second busbar BS2 connects the negative main relay NR to the terminal block area TMA. Here, the terminal block area TMA connected to the second busbar BS2 is connected to the negative output terminal of the battery stack.

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, the third busbar BS3 connects the positive main connector PC to the fifth busbar BS5 through a fuse, and the fourth busbar BS4 connects the negative main connector NC to the fifth busbar BS5 through a fuse.

[0074] The fifth busbar BS5 is connected to each fuse F.

[0075] In this case, if FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The thermal pad TP shown in FIG. 1 , disposed between each of the first to fifth bus bars BS1 to BS5 and the case 122 , may transfer heat from each of the bus bars BS1 to BS5 to the case 122 .

[0076] That is, the first thermal pad TP1 may be disposed between the first bus bar BS1 and the housing 122, and / or the second thermal pad TP2 may be disposed between the second bus bar BS2 and the housing 122. Figure 4 , showing that the first thermal pad TP1 is disposed under the first bus bar BS1 connecting the diode D to the positive main relay PR, and showing that the second thermal pad TP2 is disposed under the second bus bar BS2 connecting the second port PT2 to the negative main relay NR.

[0077] The third thermal pad TP3 may be disposed between the third bus bar BS3 and the housing 122, and / or the fourth thermal pad TP4 may be disposed between the fourth bus bar BS4 and the housing 122. Figure 4 , showing that the third thermal pad TP3 is arranged under the third bus bar BS3 connecting the fuse F to the positive main connector PC, and showing that the fourth thermal pad TP4 is arranged under the fourth bus bar BS4 connecting the fuse F to the negative main connector NC.

[0078] The fifth thermal pad TP5 may be disposed between the fifth bus bar BS5 and the housing 122. The fifth thermal pad TP5 may be disposed under the fifth bus bar BS5 connecting the positive main relay PR to the third bus bar BS3 through the fuse F.

[0079] Hereinafter, an example of the power distribution unit 120 according to the above example will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example is not limited thereto. FIG. 5A to FIG. 11 In, with Figures 1 to 4 The same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

[0080] Figure 5A is a top perspective view of a power distribution unit according to an example, Figure 5B is a plan view of a power distribution unit according to an example. Figure 5A The direction of current flow is indicated by arrows.

[0081] Figure 5AThe distribution unit shown in the figure may include the above-mentioned first bus BS1 to fifth bus BS5 and connectors C0 to C7. In addition or alternatively, the distribution unit may further include zero busbars BS01 and BS02 arranged in the first area A1. One of the zero busbars (e.g., BS01) may be connected to the positive electrode of the diode D and the terminal block area TMA, and the other of the zero busbars (e.g., BS02) may be connected to the negative electrode of the diode D and the first busbar BS1.

[0082] The following will refer to Figure 5A Describes the path that current takes within a power distribution unit.

[0083] The current flows to the positive main relay PR (②) through the terminal block area TMA (⑧) via the zeroth busbars BS01 and BS02 (①) connected to the diode D. Then, the current flows from the positive main relay PR (③) via the fifth busbar BS5 (④) through the third busbar BS3 (⑤) to the positive main connector PC. Then, the current flows from the negative main connector NC (⑥) connected to the negative terminal of the load through the FCMAIN connector C0 to the negative main relay NR (⑦), and then flows to the terminal block area TMA.

[0084] The above-mentioned paths of current flow are only examples. The examples are not limited to any specific current flow paths. As described above, the power components are electrically connected to each other through the bus bar BS to form a current flow path.

[0085] Hereinafter, the area where the thermal pad TP is disposed will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D 2 is a view for explaining the first bus bar BS1 and the first thermal pad TP1 . Fig. 6A and Figure 6C is along Figure 6B A cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' shown in FIG. Fig.6D yes Figure 5A 0048] A partial cross-sectional view of a power distribution unit is shown in FIG. 1 , with fuse box 220 removed.

[0087] The power distribution unit may further include a fuse box 220, which may be disposed on the first busbar BS1 and / or may accommodate various fuses. Fig.6D , the fuse box 220 may be disposed in a region BS1A on the first bus bar BS1.

[0088] Reference FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D It can be seen that the first thermal pad TP1 is disposed between the first bus bar BS1 and the housing 122. In this case, Fig. 6A As shown in FIG. 1 , the cooling channel 124 may be arranged Figure 3BIn the second part DP2 shown in FIG. However, the example is not limited thereto. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling channel 124 may be as Figure 3C Settings as shown in .

[0089] As shown, since the fuse box 220 is disposed on the first busbar BS1, heat may not dissipate to the upper structure, but may dissipate in the direction indicated by the arrow AR1 through the first thermal pad TP1. Additionally or alternatively, heat may dissipate in the direction indicated by the arrow AR2.

[0090] like Fig. 6A As shown in , in the example, the sixth thermal pad TP6 may be further provided between the positive main relay PR and the cooling channel 124. Therefore, the heat generated by the positive main relay PR may be dissipated through the sixth thermal pad TP6 via the housing 122. Since the cooling channel 124 of the housing 122 overlaps with the sixth thermal pad TP6 in the vertical direction, the heat may be dissipated faster.

[0091] The sixth thermal pad TP6 may be different from the first to fifth thermal pads TP1 to TP5 only in placement. The sixth thermal pad TP6 may have the same characteristics as the first to fifth thermal pads TP1 to TP5, and thus repeated description will be omitted.

[0092] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D 2 is a view for explaining the second bus bar BS2 and the second thermal pad TP2. Fig. 7A and Fig.7D is along Figure 7C A cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' shown in FIG. Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A A partial perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second busbar BS2 is removed. Figure 7C yes Figure 5A A partial cross-sectional view of the power distribution unit 120 is shown in FIG.

[0093] Reference FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D , the second bus bar BS2 can connect the negative main relay NR to the terminal block area TMA. In this case, as shown, the second thermal pad TP2 can be provided between the second bus bar BS2 and the housing 122. For example, Fig. 7A As shown in FIG. 1 , the cooling channel 124 may be arranged Figure 3B In the second part DP2 shown in FIG. However, the example is not limited thereto. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling channel 124 may be as Figure 3C Settings as shown in .

[0094] As shown, the heat from the second bus bar BS2 can be dissipated to the outside through the second thermal pad TP2 via the housing 122. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , it can be seen that a portion of the fuse box 220 is cut to place the second thermal pad TP2.

[0095] like Fig. 7A As shown in , in the example, the seventh thermal pad TP7 may be further provided between the negative main relay NR and the cooling channel 124. Therefore, the heat generated by the negative main relay NR may be dissipated through the seventh thermal pad TP7 via the housing 122. Since the cooling channel 124 of the housing 122 overlaps with the seventh thermal pad TP7 in the vertical direction, the heat may be dissipated faster.

[0096] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D 1 is a view for explaining the third and fourth bus bars BS3 and BS4 and the third and fourth thermal pads TP3 and TP4. Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the third busbar BS3 and the third thermal pad TP3, Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the fourth busbar BS4 and the fourth thermal pad TP4, Figure 8C It is a top view of the third busbar BS3 and the fourth busbar BS4. Fig.8D yes Figure 8C A top perspective view in which the third busbar BS3 and the fourth busbar BS4 are removed.

[0097] Reference FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D , the third busbar BS3 may connect the first fuse F1 connected to the fifth busbar BS5 to the positive main connector PC. The heat from the third busbar BS3 may be dissipated to the outside through the third thermal pad TP3 provided between the third busbar BS3 and the housing 122. The fourth busbar BS4 may connect the second fuse F2 and the third fuse F3 to the negative main connector NC. The heat from the fourth busbar BS4 may be dissipated to the outside through the fourth thermal pad TP4 provided between the fourth busbar BS4 and the housing 122.

[0098] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B It is a perspective view for explaining the fifth bus bar BS5 and the fifth thermal pad TP5.

[0099] Reference Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The fifth busbar BS5 connects the positive main relay PR to each fuse (eg, F1 , F2 , and F3 ), and heat from the fifth busbar BS5 may be dissipated to the outside through a fifth thermal pad TP5 disposed between the fifth busbar BS5 and the housing 122 .

[0100] Fig. 10A is a partial stereogram of the area where the first busbar BS1, the second busbar BS2, the fourth busbar BS4 and the fifth busbar BS5 are arranged. Fig. 10B This is a bottom-up perspective view of the positive main relay PR. Fig. 10C yes Fig. 10A Partial side view of .

[0101] As described above, each of the sixth thermal pad TP6 and the seventh thermal pad TP7 may be thermally conductive and electrically insulating. Fig. 10C As shown in FIG. 1 , the sixth thermal pad TP6 may dissipate heat from the positive main relay PR to the cooling channel 124 of the housing 122 in the third arrow direction AR3 .

[0102] Additionally or alternatively, if the fuel cell device 100 according to the example is installed in a fuel cell vehicle 10, for example, Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , if the sixth thermal pad TP6 is elastic, the sixth thermal pad TP6 can absorb the vehicle 10 in the following manner: Fig. 10C The seventh thermal pad TP7 can also play the same role as the sixth thermal pad TP6.

[0103] Each of the sixth thermal pad TP6 and the seventh thermal pad TP7 may be disposed adjacent to a bolt BT that fixes the power assembly to the housing 122. Fig. 10B As shown in , the sixth heat pad TP6 may be disposed adjacent to the through holes TH1 to TH4 through which the bolts BT pass to fix the positive main relay PR to the housing 122. The components fixed by the bolts BT may be most affected by the vibration of the fuel cell vehicle 10. In view of this, the sixth heat pad TP6 and the seventh heat pad TP7, which may be elastic, may be disposed close to the components fixed by the bolts BT to more effectively absorb the vibration of the fuel cell vehicle 10 in the vertical direction.

[0104] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal pad TP, the bus bar BS and the housing 122.

[0105] Fig.11 The thermal pad TP shown in may correspond to one of the first to fifth thermal pads TP1 to TP5 , and the bus bar BS may correspond to one of the first to fifth bus bars BS1 to BS5 .

[0106] Additionally or alternatively, if the fuel cell device 100 is installed in a fuel cell vehicle 10 (e.g., Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , if the heat pad TP is elastic, the heat pad TP can absorb the fuel cell vehicle 10 in the Fig.11 The vibration is transmitted in the fifth arrow direction AR5 shown in FIG.

[0107] Hereinafter, the effects of the fuel cell device will be described.

[0108] like Figure 3B As shown in , in an example, since the heat pad TP overlaps at least one of the bus bar BS and the housing 122 in a horizontal direction (eg, at least one of the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction), the heat transfer efficiency of the heat pad TP may be maximized.

[0109] like Figure 3B As shown in , the zeroth to second horizontal areas HA0, HA1, and HA2 and the thickness T may be determined in consideration of sufficient insulation distance and electrical disconnection between the bus bar BS and the housing 122. That is, when the first horizontal area HA1 is larger than the zeroth horizontal area HA0 and the second horizontal area HA2 and the thickness T is sufficiently large, sufficient insulation distance and electrical disconnection between the bus bar BS and the housing 122 may be ensured. Therefore, electrical stability may be ensured.

[0110] like Figure 3B As shown in , if the body BD of the housing 122 protrudes toward the thermal pad TP and directly contacts the thermal pad TP, the heat transfer efficiency between the thermal pad TP and the housing 122 may be improved, so that the heat may be dissipated to the outside through the housing 122 more quickly.

[0111] Fig.12 2 is a graph showing the change in temperature of the power distribution unit 120 over time. The vertical axis in the graph represents temperature, and the horizontal axis in the graph represents time.

[0112] Reference Fig.12 It can be seen that the temperature of the power distribution unit 120 increases over time. Figure 5A As shown in , since current flows in the power distribution unit 120, heat may be generated within the allowable operating range according to the output conditions / operating environment of the fuel cell vehicle 10. Among the components included in the power distribution unit 120, the bus bar BS, the main relays PR and NR, and the fuse are the main heat sources. Fig.12 As shown in , the temperature tends to gradually increase depending on the direction of current flow. In some cases, if the temperature exceeds the allowable temperature limit of the component, it is necessary to cool the component. However, if a conventional air cooling method or a water cooling method is used to cool the heat generating components of the power distribution unit 120, the heat generating components that are not located on the path of the cooling fluid flowing in the power distribution unit 120 may not be properly cooled, and may be damaged or have a shortened service life.

[0113] In contrast, according to an example, the thermal pad TP is disposed under the bus bar BS, which is a main heat source within the power distribution unit 120 , thereby dissipating heat to the outside through the housing 122 .

[0114] Additionally or alternatively, since the cooling channel 124 of the housing 122 is disposed below the thermal pad TP, the heat dissipation effect can be maximized.

[0115] For example, you can use Figure 5BThe data shown in the pre-confirms the local heating area in the distribution unit 120 through heat distribution analysis and temperature rise analysis, and a heat pad TP can be set in the corresponding area, so that the temperature of the local heating area in the distribution unit 120 can be effectively reduced, thereby preventing thermal damage to the component (for example, abnormal operation of the component due to fusion or melting). Therefore, the service life of the distribution unit 120 can be extended, and the performance of the distribution unit 120 caused by the deterioration of the component can be prevented. In this way, since the damage to the components of the distribution unit 120 is minimized, the components in the battery stack and the engine compartment of the vehicle can be protected. In addition, the user of the fuel cell device or the surrounding environment of the user can be protected.

[0116] A fuel cell device may include: a fuel cell; and a power distribution unit disposed on the fuel cell, wherein the power distribution unit may include: a housing; a power component disposed in the housing; a bus bar connected to the power component; and an electrically insulating thermal pad disposed between the bus bar and the housing to transfer heat from the bus bar to the housing.

[0117] In an example, the thermal pad may be elastic.

[0118] In an example, the bus bar, the thermal pad, and the housing may overlap with each other in a first direction, and the thermal pad may overlap with at least one of the bus bar and the housing in a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0119] In an example, the housing may include: a body defining a space for accommodating the power component; and a cooling channel provided at a lower side of the housing.

[0120] In an example, the thermal pad may overlap the cooling channel in a vertical direction, with the body interposed between the thermal pad and the cooling channel.

[0121] In an example, the body may include a first portion contacting the thermal pad, and a second portion formed adjacent to the first portion and including a cooling channel formed in the second portion.

[0122] In an example, the housing may have a shape that protrudes toward the thermal pad to contact the thermal pad when viewed from the side.

[0123] In an example, the horizontal area of ​​the thermal pad may be greater than the horizontal area of ​​the portion protruding from the housing.

[0124] In an example, the thickness of the thermal pad in the direction in which the housing, the thermal pad and the busbar overlap each other may be 10 mm or more.

[0125] In an example, a horizontal area of ​​the thermal pad may be larger than a horizontal area where the housing, the thermal pad, and the busbar overlap each other in the first direction.

[0126] In an example, the thermal pad may include a first surface in contact with the bus bar and a second surface in contact with the housing, and at least one of the first surface and the second surface may be an adhesive.

[0127] In an example, the power assembly may include a positive main relay and a negative main relay configured to receive power from a fuel cell. The busbar may include: a first busbar connected to the positive main relay; and a second busbar connected to the negative main relay, and the thermal pad may include: a first thermal pad disposed between the first busbar and the housing; and a second thermal pad disposed between the second busbar and the housing.

[0128] In an example, the fuel cell device may further include: a fuse box disposed on the first bus bar to accommodate a fuse.

[0129] In an example, the busbars may include: a third busbar connected to a positive main connector connected to a load; and a fourth busbar connected to a negative main connector connected to the load, and the thermal pad may include: a third thermal pad disposed between the third busbar and the shell; and a fourth thermal pad disposed between the fourth busbar and the shell.

[0130] In an example, the busbar may include a fifth busbar connected to the fuse, and the thermal pad may include a fifth thermal pad disposed between the fifth busbar and the housing.

[0131] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present disclosure are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosure as claimed.

[0132] The fuel cell device according to the above examples may be applied to vehicles, aircraft, ships, stationary power generation systems, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0133] As is apparent from the above description, the fuel cell device according to the example can quickly dissipate heat from the power distribution unit to the outside, thereby extending the service life of the power distribution unit, preventing the performance of the power distribution unit from being degraded due to the deterioration of the components, and protecting the battery stack and the components in the engine compartment of the vehicle. In addition, the user of the fuel cell device or the user's surrounding environment can be protected, and small vibrations of the vehicle can be absorbed.

[0134] However, the effects achievable through the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above description.

[0135] The above-mentioned various examples may be combined with each other without departing from the scope of the present disclosure unless the above-mentioned various examples are incompatible with each other.

[0136] Additionally or alternatively, for any element or process not described in detail in any of the various examples, reference may be made to the description of the element or process in another example having the same reference numeral, unless otherwise specified.

[0137] Although the present disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to examples, these examples are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the basic features of the examples described herein. For example, the various configurations described in the examples may be modified and applied. In addition, the differences in such modifications and applications shall be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fuel cell device, comprising: Fuel cells; as well as A power distribution unit is arranged on the fuel cell, Wherein, the power distribution unit comprises: case; A power component is arranged in the housing; a busbar connected to the power assembly; and A heat pad is disposed between the bus bar and the housing, the heat pad transfers heat from the bus bar to the housing, and the heat pad is electrically insulating.

2. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal pad is elastic.

3. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein: The busbar, the thermal pad and the housing overlap each other in a first direction, and The thermal pad overlaps at least one of the bus bar and the case in a direction intersecting the first direction.

4. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing comprises: a main body defining a space for accommodating the power component; and A cooling channel is arranged on one side of the shell.

5. The fuel cell device according to claim 4, wherein: The thermal pad overlaps the cooling channel in a vertical direction, and the body is interposed between the thermal pad and the cooling channel.

6. The fuel cell device according to claim 4, wherein: The subject includes: a first portion in contact with the thermal pad; and A second portion is disposed adjacent to the first portion and includes the cooling channel disposed in the second portion.

7. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a protrusion that contacts the thermal pad.

8. The fuel cell device according to claim 7, wherein: The first horizontal area of ​​the thermal pad is larger than the second horizontal area of ​​the protrusion of the housing, and Each of the first horizontal area and the second horizontal area is an area of ​​a plane formed by a direction intersecting a direction in which the bus bar, the thermal pad, and the case overlap with each other.

9. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the thermal pad in the direction in which the housing, the thermal pad and the busbar overlap each other is greater than 10 mm.

10. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing, the thermal pad and the busbar overlap each other in a first direction, and an area of ​​the thermal pad in a plane perpendicular to the first direction is larger than an area where the housing, the thermal pad and the busbar overlap each other.

11. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal pad comprises: a first surface in contact with the busbar; and a second surface in contact with the housing, At least one of the first surface and the second surface is an adhesive.

12. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein: The power assembly includes a positive main relay and a negative main relay receiving power from the fuel cell, and the bus bar includes: A first busbar connected to the positive main relay; and The second busbar is connected to the negative main relay, and The thermal pad comprises: a first thermal pad, disposed between the first busbar and the housing; and The second thermal pad is arranged between the second busbar and the shell.

13. The fuel cell device according to claim 12, further comprising: A fuse box is arranged on the first busbar to accommodate a fuse.

14. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein: The busbar comprises: A third busbar connected to a positive main connector connected to a load; and a fourth busbar connected to a negative main connector connected to the load, and the thermal pad comprises: a third thermal pad, disposed between the third busbar and the housing; and A fourth thermal pad is arranged between the fourth busbar and the shell.

15. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein: The busbars include a fifth busbar connected to a fuse, and The thermal pad includes a fifth thermal pad disposed between the fifth bus bar and the housing.

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