Fluid separator and fuel cell system having the same
By designing a liquid separator including inner and outer tubes and flow smoothing elements in the fuel cell system, the problem of insufficient liquid separation efficiency in the prior art is solved, and the liquid separation performance and separation degree are improved while reducing pressure loss.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380081532.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-11-28
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-08
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, the separation performance of the liquid separator in the fuel cell system is insufficient, and it is difficult to effectively separate liquids, especially water, in the case of reducing pressure losses.
A liquid separator is designed, including a separation stage with a housing and a flow guide area, the inner and outer tubes are arranged in the axial direction, the inner tube is adjacent to the outer tube and is located downstream of the outer tube in the flow direction, the vortex generator generates vortex in the fluid conduit, the separation zone is located radially outside of the inner and outer tubes and is arranged inclined, combined with the flow gentle element to reduce vortex, and the separation zone is connected to the liquid discharge port.
It is achieved to improve the liquid separation performance, especially the separation efficiency of water, while reducing pressure loss, and can increase the separation degree in a modular manner, suitable for the cathode air path or exhaust port of the fuel cell system.
Smart Images
Figure CN120282828A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid separator for separating a liquid (in particular water) from a fluid flow (in particular an air flow of a fuel cell system), and a fuel cell system having such a liquid separator. Background Art
[0002] EP 1167743 B1 discloses a water separator configured as a swirl separator. The water separator includes an inner tube and an outer tube, which are arranged one after another in the axial direction, wherein the inner tube extends axially into the outer tube and the outer tube includes a water discharge opening arranged tangentially in the swirl direction. Summary of the Invention
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved liquid separator for separating a liquid (in particular water) from a fluid flow (in particular an air flow of a fuel cell system).
[0004] Another object is to provide a fuel cell system having such a liquid separator.
[0005] The above object is solved according to one aspect of the present invention by a liquid separator for separating a liquid (in particular water) from a fluid flow (in particular an air flow of a fuel cell system), the liquid separator including at least one separation stage having a housing and a flow-conducting region connected to a fluid conduit having a first diameter, wherein the flow-conducting region includes at least one inner tube and at least one outer tube arranged relative to each other in the axial direction, wherein the inner tube abuts the outer tube and is arranged downstream of the outer tube in the flow direction, wherein a swirl generator for generating a swirl of the fluid flow is arranged in the fluid conduit, wherein a separation region is arranged radially outside the inner tube and the outer tube and is connected to a liquid discharge opening, in particular a water discharge opening, which extends obliquely to the axial direction and extends with its discharge opening preferably opposite to the flow direction, wherein the outer tube includes an inflow region and a conical and / or tulip-shaped region immediately following in the flow direction, wherein the inflow region is connected to the fluid conduit, wherein the conical region includes a downstream second diameter, wherein the inner tube is embodied conically and includes an upstream third diameter, and wherein a flow smoothing region having at least one flow smoothing element is arranged between the separation region and the liquid discharge opening.
[0006] According to other aspects of the present invention, at least one conical region is embodied at least partially cylindrically.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, the object is solved by a fuel cell system having a cathode supply path and a cathode exhaust path of a fuel cell unit and having at least one liquid separator.
[0008] Advantageous embodiments and advantages of the present invention result from the other claims, the description and the drawings.
[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a separator for separating a liquid (in particular water) from a fluid flow (in particular an air flow of a fuel cell system) is proposed, the separator comprising at least one separation stage having a housing and a diversion zone, the diversion zone being connected to a fluid conduit having a first diameter. The diversion zone comprises at least one inner tube and at least one outer tube, which are arranged axially relative to one another. The inner tube adjoins the outer tube and is arranged downstream of the outer tube in the flow direction. A vortex generator for generating a vortex of the fluid flow is arranged in the fluid conduit. A separation zone is arranged radially outside the inner tube and the outer tube and is connected to a liquid outlet, which extends inclined to the axial direction and extends with its outlet opening preferably in a direction opposite to the flow direction. The outer tube comprises an inflow zone and a conical and / or tulip-shaped zone following directly in the flow direction, wherein the inflow zone is connected to the fluid conduit. The conical zone comprises a downstream second diameter. The inner tube is embodied conically and / or tulip-shaped and comprises an upstream third diameter. In this case, a flow smoothing zone having at least one flow smoothing element is arranged between the separation zone and the liquid outlet.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one conical zone is embodied at least partially cylindrically.
[0011] Advantageously, the proposed component can be used for separating a liquid from an air or gas flow, for example, in the cathode air path or the exhaust port of a fuel cell system. For example, the water produced by the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell system is present in a two-phase flow and is conveniently separated by a water separator.
[0012] Advantageously, the liquid separator can be configured as a vortex separator, in which, in the intended state, the liquid outlet extends inclined to the axial direction and extends with its outlet opening preferably in a direction opposite to the flow direction. Advantageously, the interior of the liquid separator comprises an inner tube and an outer tube, which are arranged directly adjacent to one another axially, wherein the inner tube has a smaller diameter at the transition to the outer tube. The diversion zones inside the outer tube and the inner tube are thus configured for vortex separation.
[0013] A fluid flow, in particular air, is supplied to a separation stage by a fluid conduit having a first diameter, and a swirl generator for generating swirls in the fluid flow is arranged in the fluid conduit. The fluid flows through a flow guiding region inside an outer tube, and the outer tube flares in a funnel shape in the flow direction with a conical and / or tulip-shaped region, which has an outlet diameter, i.e., a second diameter. An inner tube is arranged so as to be in close proximity to the outer tube and is also constructed in a conical and / or tulip shape and flares in a funnel shape in the flow direction, however, wherein the inlet diameter, the third diameter, and the outlet diameter are all smaller than the outlet diameter of the outer tube. For this arrangement of the outer tube and the inner tube, a deceleration region is formed in the inner tube. Radially outside the conical regions of the outer tube and the inner tube, a separation region is arranged inside the housing of the liquid separator, and the separated liquid is collected in the separation region and can be supplied to a liquid discharge port through a flow smoothing region.
[0014] The flow smoothing region includes at least one flow smoothing element, by means of which the swirls of the fluid flow are reduced so that the separated liquid can conveniently reach the liquid discharge port. For example, the flow smoothing element can be formed as ribs, which are arranged transversely to the swirls of the fluid flow and thus block the swirls. Alternatively, the flow smoothing element can be embodied as a grid, which is arranged between the separation region and the flow smoothing region and blocks the swirls of the fluid flow as a permeable separation wall.
[0015] Therefore, by using this liquid separator, improved separation performance can be achieved because the liquid portion that appears as a wall film in the fluid flow after the first separation stage is beneficially separated and can flow out. The liquid separator is different from the prior art in that it provides improved functional separation performance with reduced pressure loss.
[0016] The proposed liquid separator includes a separation stage having an outer tube and an inner tube. Advantageously, a plurality of separation stages can be arranged one after another in a modular manner so as to achieve increased separation in this way. Therefore, the liquid separator can include, for example, two separation stages or four separation stages connected in series.
[0017] The liquid separator can advantageously operate, for example, in a fuel cell system of a vehicle, either horizontally mounted or vertically mounted. In addition, the liquid separator can operate at an angle to the horizontal plane.
[0018] Advantageously, the liquid separator can be formed of a plastic material and can be produced, for example, by conventional injection molding methods. Preferably, at least the liquid discharge port is made of a plastic material.
[0019] According to another advantageous embodiment, the liquid separator is produced by a 3D printing method or as a sintered metal part.
[0020] The vortex generator can advantageously be embodied in one piece together with the fluid conduit. In this way, the liquid separator can be produced inexpensively. As an alternative, it is also possible that the vortex generator is replaceably arranged in the fluid conduit and can be replaced as required.
[0021] The separation stages of the liquid separator can advantageously be produced as modular components and then combined with one or more of the other liquid separators in the case of a multi-stage liquid separator. In this case, the housings of the individual separation stages can be connected, for example, by welding or gluing.
[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the liquid separator, the third diameter can be smaller than the first diameter and the first diameter smaller than the second diameter. With such dimensions, the fluid flow in the inner tube can be decelerated in a suitable manner so that beneficial liquid separation, in particular water separation, is achieved in the conical and / or tulip-shaped region of the outer tube and in the continuation in the separation region radially outside the conical and / or tulip-shaped regions of the inner and outer tubes.
[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the liquid separator, the flow smoothing element can be configured as ribs, where the ribs extend along the inner wall of the flow smoothing region towards the liquid discharge opening. In particular, for the intended installation, the ribs can extend at the bottom of the inner wall. The ribs can advantageously be arranged transversely to the vortex of the fluid flow. In this way, the vortex of the fluid flow is reduced so that the separated liquid can conveniently reach the drainage part.
[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the liquid separator, the flow smoothing element can be configured as a grid which is arranged around the outer tube in an annular shape and separates the separation region from the flow smoothing region. In particular, seen in the flow direction, the flow smoothing element can be convexly curved. Alternatively, the flow smoothing element can also be designed as a grid which is arranged between the separation region and the flow smoothing region. For example, the grid can be arranged as an open ring around the outer tube. In this way, the vortex of the fluid flow can be reduced so that the separated liquid can conveniently reach the drainage part.
[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the liquid separator, the ratio of the second diameter to the third diameter has a value of at least 1 and at most 3, preferably at least 1.5 and at most 2. Thus, the ratio of the outlet diameter of the conical and / or tulip-shaped region of the outer tube to the inlet diameter of the inner tube can be advantageously set such that in this way a beneficial influence on the flow can be achieved and thus the separation rate of the liquid can be increased.
[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the liquid separator, the axial distance between the inner tube and the outer tube can take values between -20 mm and +20 mm, where a negative distance means that the inner tube 12 sinks into the outer tube 22. In particular, this distance can preferably take the value of 0 mm. The inner tube can thus slightly sink into the outer tube or at most have a minimum distance to the outer tube, such that in this way a beneficial effect on the convection can be achieved and thus the separation rate of the liquid can be increased.
[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the liquid separator, the ratio of the length of the inner tube to the length of the outer tube can take values of at least 0.1 and at most 1, preferably at least 0.3 and at most 0.4. Compared to the outer tube, the inner tube advantageously has a reduced or greatly reduced length, such that in this way a beneficial effect on the convection can be achieved and thus the separation rate of the liquid can be increased.
[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the liquid separator, the half-angle of the cone of the conical inner tube can take values between -10° and +20°. The conical shape of the inner tube can thus be embodied such that it widens from a funnel shape to tapers from a funnel shape, such that in this way a beneficial effect on the convection can be achieved and thus the separation rate of the liquid can be increased.
[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the liquid separator, the half-angle of the cone of the conical region of the outer tube can take values between -10° and +20°. The conical shape of the outer tube can also be constructed in such a way that it widens from a funnel shape to tapers from a funnel shape, such that in this way a beneficial effect on the convection can be achieved and thus the separation rate of the liquid can be increased.
[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the liquid separator, the half-angle of the cone of the inlet region of the outer tube can take values between 0° and +10°. The conical shape of the inlet region of the outer tube can thus vary in a reduced angular range, such that in this way a beneficial effect on the convection can be achieved and thus the separation rate of the liquid can be increased.
[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the liquid separator, for the intended installation, the inclination of the liquid-discharging flank of the flow smoothing region relative to the direction of gravity can take values between 0° and 60°. Preferably 30°. In this way, during the intended operation of the liquid separator, the separated liquid can be conveniently discharged.
[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the liquid separator, for the intended horizontal installation, the flank of the flow smoothing region can be inclined towards the axial direction in the flow direction. For the intended vertical installation, the liquid-discharging flank can be inclined away from the axial direction in the flow direction. In this way, during the intended operation of the liquid separator, the separated liquid can be conveniently discharged.
[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, especially in the case of a vertically installed liquid separator, the drain opening is arranged at the geodetically lowest position of the hub of the swirl generator. For example, due to manufacturing, especially when manufactured as an injection-molded part, in the case where the hub is recessed inwardly or contains a hollow space, the drain opening prevents liquid from accumulating on the inner side of the hub. Due to the thermal behavior of the liquid, especially the volume expansion of water at low temperatures, it is necessary to prevent liquid accumulation. The drain opening is provided with as small a diameter as possible, which on the one hand prevents bypass flow through the hub of the swirl generator to the swirl generator, and on the other hand is so large that surface tension enables the liquid to drain through the opening. Preferably, the opening, especially the opening for draining water, includes a diameter of at least 2 mm, or for a non-circular cross-section area, includes a surface area having a value equivalent to the surface area of a 2-mm diameter. In the case of a small liquid separator, the drain opening can include a diameter up to the inner diameter of the hub.
[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the liquid separator can include at least two separation stages, wherein the outer tube and the inner tube are arranged adjacent to each other in turn alternately in the flow direction. Advantageously, a plurality of separation stages can be arranged one after another in a modular manner so as to achieve an increased degree of separation in this way. Thus, the liquid separator can include, for example, two separation stages or four separation stages connected in series.
[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment, in the case where the separation stages are immediately adjacent to each other in the flow direction, each of them can be embodied identically or at least mostly identically. Advantageously, a plurality of identical or at least mostly identical separation stages can be arranged one after another in a modular manner so as to achieve an increased degree of separation in this way. Thus, the liquid separator can include, for example, two separation stages or four separation stages connected in series. The housings of the respective separation stages can be welded or adhesively connected to each other so as to achieve the sealing of the fluid conduit.
[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell system is proposed, which has a cathode air supply path and a cathode exhaust path of a fuel cell unit and has at least one liquid separator.
[0037] Advantageously, the liquid separator can be used to separate liquid, especially water, from an air or gas flow, for example, in the cathode air path or the exhaust port of a fuel cell system. For example, the water generated by the reaction of H2 and O2 in the fuel cell system exists in a two-phase flow and is conveniently separated by the water separator.
[0038] In another aspect of the present invention, the liquid separator can be inserted into the anode air path of a fuel cell system. Description of the Drawings
[0039] Further advantages result from the following description of the drawings. In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated. The drawings, the description and the claims contain many combined features. A person skilled in the art will conveniently consider these features individually and will also combine them into more convenient combinations. By way of example, it is shown that:
[0040] Figure 1 is a longitudinal section through a horizontally operating liquid separator with a separation stage according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0041] Figure 2 is according to Figure 1 a schematic illustration of exemplary geometric dimensions and sizes of the liquid separator;
[0042] Figure 3 is a side view of a horizontally operating liquid separator with two separation stages according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0043] Figure 4 is through according to Figure 3 the longitudinal section of the liquid separator;
[0044] Figure 5 is a longitudinal section through a horizontally operating liquid separator with four separation stages according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0045] Figure 6 is according to Figure 1 the isometric inner view of the inner tube of the liquid separator in the flow direction;
[0046] Figure 7 is according to Figure 1 the isometric inner view of the outer tube of the liquid separator opposite to the flow direction;
[0047] Figure 8 is a longitudinal section through a vertically operating liquid separator with a separation stage according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0048] Figure 9 is a longitudinal section through a vertically operating liquid separator with two separation stages according to another embodiment of the invention; and
[0049] Figure 10 is a simplified diagram of a fuel cell system having a cathode supply path and a cathode exhaust path. Detailed Description
[0050] In the figures, the same or similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. These figures only show examples and should not be construed as restrictive.
[0051] Figure 1Shows a longitudinal section of a horizontally operating liquid separator according to an embodiment of the present invention, which in the embodiment is a water separator 10 with a separation stage 50.
[0052] The water separator 10 is used to separate water from a fluid flow, in particular the air flow of a fuel cell system. The water separator 10 includes a separation stage 50 having a housing 11 and a diversion zone 18, and the diversion zone 18 is connected to a fluid conduit 36 having a first diameter D1. The diversion zone 18 includes an inner tube 12 and an outer tube 22, which are arranged relative to each other in the axial direction 82. The inner tube 12 abuts the outer tube 22 and is arranged downstream of the outer tube 22 in the flow direction 80. The fluid flow is supplied to the fluid conduit 36 through an inlet 38 and leaves the water separator 10 at an outlet 40 of the fluid conduit 36 at the other end of the housing 11.
[0053] In the fluid conduit 36, a swirl generator 26 for generating a swirl of the fluid flow is arranged. The swirl generator 26 can be embodied as a single piece together with the fluid conduit 36 or can be replaceable. The diversion zone 18 is thus embodied for swirlingly separating water from the fluid flow.
[0054] A separation zone 24 is arranged radially outside the inner tube 12 and the outer tube 22 and is connected to a water outlet 30, and the water outlet 30 extends obliquely to the axial direction 82 and extends in such a way that its outlet opening is opposite to the flow direction 80.
[0055] The outer tube 22 includes an inflow zone 21 and a conical zone 23 immediately following in the flow direction 80. The inflow zone 21 is connected to the fluid conduit 36. The conical zone 23 widens in the flow direction 80 in a funnel shape (in particular a tulip shape) and includes a downstream second diameter D2 as the outlet diameter, which is larger than the first diameter D1 of the fluid conduit 36.
[0056] The inner tube 12 is embodied conically and includes an upstream third diameter D3 as the inlet diameter. The third diameter D3 is smaller than the outlet diameter D1, so that the inner tube 12 also widens in a funnel shape in the flow direction.
[0057] Between the separation zone 24 and the water outlet 30, a flow smoothing zone 20 having at least one flow smoothing element 28 is arranged. The flow smoothing element 28 is designed as a rib 32 and extends along the inner wall of the flow smoothing zone 20 to the water outlet 30. In particular, in the case of the expected installation, the rib 32 extends at the bottom of the inner wall.
[0058] In the case of the expected horizontal installation, the side surface 42 of the flow smoothing zone 20 is inclined towards the axial direction 82 in the flow direction 80.
[0059] The water separator 10 can be fastened, for example, in a fuel cell system 100 using a plurality of mounting flanges 44, and only one of the mounting flanges 44 is visible in Figure 1 this.
[0060] A fluid flow, in particular air, is supplied to the separation stage 50 through a fluid conduit 36 having a first diameter D1, and a swirl generator 26 that generates swirl in the fluid is arranged in the fluid conduit 36. The fluid flows through a flow guiding region 18 inside an outer tube 22, and the outer tube 22 flares in a funnel shape through a tapered region 23 in the flow direction 80, having an outer diameter of a second diameter D2. An inner tube 12 is arranged adjacent to the outer tube 22 and is also of a tapered construction, and flares in a funnel shape in the flow direction 80, however, where the inlet diameter, a third diameter D3, and the outlet diameter D1 are all smaller than the outlet diameter D2 of the outer tube 22. For this arrangement of the outer tube 22 and the inner tube 12, a deceleration region 14 is formed in the inner tube 12. A separation region 24 is arranged inside the housing 11 of the water separator 10, at the tapered region 23 of the outer tube 22 and radially outside the inner tube 12, and the separated water is collected in the separation region 24 and can be supplied to a water discharge port 30 through a flow smoothing region 20.
[0061] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the geometric dimensions of the water separator 10 according to Figure 1 is shown.
[0062] Figure 2 The ranges of the dimensions and ratios specified in this provide particularly advantageous embodiments of the water separator 10 according to the invention, which have a separation stage 50 for beneficial separation. However, good water separation can also be achieved using different dimensions and ratios.
[0063] It has been found advantageous when the ratio of the second diameter D2 to the third diameter D3 is at least 1 and at most 3, preferably at least 1.5 and at most 2.
[0064] The housing 11 includes an inner diameter D4. The swirl generator 26 includes a swirl generator hub 27 having a diameter D5.
[0065] Furthermore, the axial distance X1 between the inner tube 12 and the outer tube 22 can advantageously be between -20 mm and +20 mm. In this case, a negative distance X1 means that the inner tube 12 is recessed into the outer tube 22. The distance X1 can preferably be 0 mm.
[0066] The ratio of the length X2 of the inner tube 12 to the length X3 of the outer tube 22 being at least 0.1 and at most 1, preferably at least 0.3 and at most 0.4, has also been found to be beneficial.
[0067] The half angle A1 of the cone of the tapered inner tube 12 can advantageously be between -10° and +20°.
[0068] Advantageously, the half - angle A2 of the cone of the conical region 23 of the outer tube 22 can take values between - 10° and + 20°.
[0069] The half - angle A3 of the cone of the inlet region 21 of the outer tube 22 can advantageously take values between 0° and + 10°.
[0070] Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of the water separator 10 can have, for example Figure 2 the following dimensions defined therein:
[0071] Half - angle of the cone of the inner tube 12: A1 = 8.5°,
[0072] Half - angle of the cone of the conical region 23 of the outer tube 22: = 19.5°,
[0073] Half - angle of the cone of the inlet region 21 of the outer tube 22: A3 = 1.4°,
[0074] Diameter of the fluid line 36: D1 = 52 mm,
[0075] Outlet diameter of the outer tube 22: D2 = 68 mm,
[0076] Inlet diameter of the inner tube 12: D3 = 42 mm,
[0077] Diameter of the housing 11: D4 = 100 mm,
[0078] Diameter of the vortex generator hub 27: D5 = 15.4 mm,
[0079] Diameter of the drain pipe 30: D6 = 15 mm,
[0080] Total length of the water separator 10: L1 = 200 mm,
[0081] Distance from the outer tube 22 to the fluid line 36: L2 = 38 mm,
[0082] Length of the conical region 23: L3 = 21.7 mm,
[0083] Distance from the vortex generator hub 27 to the conical region 23: L4 = 55.3 mm,
[0084] Transition radius from the inlet region 21 to the conical region 23: R1 = 75 mm,
[0085] Distance from the outer tube 22 to the inner tube 12: X1 = 0 mm,
[0086] Length of the inner tube 12: X2 = 21 mm,
[0087] Length of the outer tube 22: X3 = 29.5 mm.
[0088] In the case of proper installation, the inclination of the water-discharging flank 42 of the flow smoothing zone 20 with respect to the direction of gravity 60 can advantageously be between 0° and 60°, preferably 30°. This matches the corresponding installation situation.
[0089] In Figure 3 FIG. shows a side view of a horizontally operating water separator 10 having two separation stages 50 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 A longitudinal section through the water separator 10 is shown.
[0090] In this embodiment, two separation stages 50 are arranged in the water separator 10, wherein the outer tube 22 and the inner tube 12 are arranged adjacent to each other alternately in sequence in the flow direction 80. The separation stages 50 arranged in sequence in the flow direction 80 are each identically embodied. Upstream of the first separation stage 50, a vortex generator 26 is arranged in the fluid conduit. On the other hand, no additional vortex generator 26 is arranged upstream of the second separation stage 50. Each separation stage 50 includes its own drain pipe 30. For two separation stages 50 arranged in sequence, a higher degree of separation for water separation can be achieved.
[0091] Figure 5 A longitudinal section through a horizontally operating water separator 10 having four separation stages 50 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. For four separation stages 50 arranged in sequence, an even higher degree of separation for water separation can be achieved.
[0092] Figure 6 Shows according to Figure 1 An isometric inner view of the inner tube 12 of the water separator 10 in the flow direction 80. Only a part of the water separator 10 is shown here, which has the inner tube 12 and the fluid conduit 36 with a discharge port 40 immediately downstream.
[0093] In the lower region of the housing 11, the flow smoothing zone 20 with a laterally downwardly extending side 42 can be seen. For the purpose of breaking the vortex, ribs 32 as flow smoothing elements 28 extend at the bottom of the inner wall of the flow smoothing zone 20.
[0094] The housing 11 includes three mounting flanges 44 for fastening, which are arranged in a triangle.
[0095] Figure 7 Shows in this case according to Figure 1 An isometric inner view of the outer tube 22 of the water separator 10 opposite to the flow direction 80. Another part of the water separator 10 having the outer tube 22 and the vortex generator 26 is located behind what is shown here.
[0096] In the lower region of the housing 11, the water discharge opening 30 and the ribs 32 arranged in the flow smoothing zone 20 can be seen.
[0097] Furthermore, it can be seen how the outer tube 22 flares in a funnel shape from the inflow zone 21 over the conical zone 23.
[0098] In Figure 8 a longitudinal section through a vertically operating water separator 10 with a separation stage 50 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
[0099] The main construction of the water separator 10 is the same as Figure 1 that illustrated for the horizontally operating embodiment. Only the flow smoothing zone 20 with the water discharge opening 30 is arranged differently. For a vertical installation as desired, the drainage side 42 is inclined away from the axial direction 82 in the flow direction 80, since in this way a particularly compact construction can be achieved.
[0100] The flow smoothing element 28 is configured as a grid 34, which is arranged annularly around the outer tube 22 and separates the separation zone 24 from the flow smoothing zone 20. In particular, when viewed in the flow direction 80, the grid 34 is convexly curved. Alternatively, the grid 34 can also be arranged around the outer tube 22 in a circular ring shape.
[0101] For the vertical installation or operation of the water separator 10, the drain opening 29 is arranged at the geodetically lowest position of the hub 27 of the swirl generator 26. The drain opening 29 prevents the accumulation of liquid inside the hub. The drain opening 29 is provided with a small cross-section, which on the one hand prevents the bypass flow through the swirl generator hub 27 to the swirl generator 26 and on the other hand is so large that the surface tension can cause the liquid to drain through the opening 29. Preferably, the opening 29, in particular the opening 29 for the drain pipe, has a diameter of at least 2 mm.
[0102] Figure 9 A longitudinal section through a vertically operating water separator 10 with two separation stages 50 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown.
[0103] In this embodiment, two separation stages 50 are arranged in the water separator 10, wherein the outer tube 22 and the inner tube 12 are arranged adjacent to each other in turn alternately in the flow direction 80. The separation stages 50 arranged in turn in the flow direction 80 are each embodied identically. In front of the first separation stage 50, the swirl generator 26 is arranged in the fluid conduit. Each separation stage 50 includes its own drain pipe 30. For two separation stages 50 arranged in turn, a higher degree of separation for water separation can be achieved.
[0104] Figure 10 Fig. Figure 10 shows a simplified schematic view of a generally known fuel cell system 100 having a fuel cell unit 120 with a cathode supply path 122 and a cathode exhaust path 124. Through the cathode supply path 122, ambient air is supplied to the fuel cell unit 120, filtered by the cleaning stage 102 and sucked in and compressed by a compressor or pump 110. The compressed air is cooled in the heat exchanger 104 and provided with a defined humidity by the humidifier 106.
[0105] In the fuel cell unit 120, oxygen in the air reacts with hydrogen to produce water, which is discharged from the fuel cell unit 120 as an air / water mixture through the cathode exhaust path 124. The cathode exhaust air can transfer a part of the water to the cathode supply air via the humidifier 106. Downstream of the humidifier 106, a water separator 10 is connected, which can be embodied according to the foregoing embodiments. The separated water is discharged into the drain path 130, while the dry cathode exhaust air is supplied to the turbine of the compressor or the pump 110. It is particularly advantageous to position the water separator 10 upstream of the turbine of the compressor or the pump 110.
[0106] Other water separators 10 are arranged in the fuel cell system 100.
[0107] List of reference numerals
[0108] 10 Water separator
[0109] 11 Housing
[0110] 12 Inner tube
[0111] 14 Deceleration zone
[0112] 16 Cross-section
[0113] 18 Flow guiding zone
[0114] 20 Flow smoothing zone
[0115] 21 Inflow zone
[0116] 22 Outer tube
[0117] 23 Conical zone
[0118] 24 Separation zone
[0119] 26 Vortex generator
[0120] 27 Vortex generator hub
[0121] 28 Flow smoothing element
[0122] 29 Opening of the drain pipe
[0123] 30 Water discharge outlet
[0124] 31 Axial direction
[0125] 32 Rib
[0126] 34 Mesh
[0127] 36 Fluid conduit
[0128] 38 Inlet
[0129] 40 Outlet
[0130] 42 Side
[0131] 44 Mounting flange
[0132] 50 Separation stage
[0133] 60 Gravity direction
[0134] 80 Flow direction
[0135] 82 Axial direction
[0136] 100 Fuel cell system
[0137] 102 Cleaning stage
[0138] 104 Heat exchanger
[0139] 106 Humidifier
[0140] 110 Pump
[0141] 120 Fuel cell unit
[0142] 122 Cathode gas supply path
[0143] 124 Cathode exhaust path
[0144] 130 Drain line
[0145] Half angle of the cone of the inner tube A1
[0146] Half angle of the cone of the conical region of the outer tube A2
[0147] Half angle of the cone of the inlet region of the outer tube A3
[0148] Diameter of the fluid conduit at the inlet D1
[0149] Outlet diameter of the outer tube D2
[0150] Inlet diameter of the inner tube D3
[0151] Diameter of the housing D4
[0152] Diameter of the hub of the vortex generator D5
[0153] Diameter of the drain pipe D6
[0154] Total length of the L1 water separator
[0155] Distance from the L2 outer pipe to the fluid conduit
[0156] Length of the L3 conical zone
[0157] Distance from the fluid conduit to the conical zone
[0158] Transition radius from the inlet zone to the conical zone
[0159] Distance from the outer pipe to the inner pipe
[0160] Length of the X2 inner pipe
[0161] Length of the X3 outer pipe
Claims
1. A liquid separator (10) for separating a liquid from a fluid stream, the liquid separator (10) comprising: a housing (11); a guiding region (18) which is arranged inside the housing (11) and comprises an inner tube (12) and an outer tube (22) adjacent to the inner tube (12), the inner tube (12) being arranged downstream of the outer tube (22) in the flow direction (80); a fluid conduit (36) which is connected to the guiding region (18) and has a first diameter (D1), the fluid conduit (36) comprising a vortex generator (26) for generating a vortex of the fluid stream; a separation region (24) which is arranged radially outside the inner tube (12) and the outer tube (22); a fluid discharge port (30) which is connected to the separation region (24) and extends obliquely to the axial direction (82); wherein the outer tube (22) comprises an inflow region (21) and a conical and / or tulip-shaped region (23), the conical and / or tulip-shaped region (23) being downstream of the inflow region (21) in the flow direction (80), the inflow region (21) being connected to the fluid conduit (36), and the conical and / or tulip-shaped region (23) comprising a downstream second diameter (D2), and wherein the inner tube (12) is conical and / or tulip-shaped and comprises an upstream third diameter (D3); and a flow smoothing region (20) which is arranged between the separation region (24) and the liquid discharge port (30) and comprises a flow smoothing element (28) for smoothing the fluid stream.
2. The liquid separator according to claim 1, wherein, The upstream third diameter (D3) is smaller than the first diameter (D1), and wherein the first diameter (D1) is smaller than the downstream second diameter (D2).
3. The liquid separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flow smoothing element (28) comprises ribs (32) which extend along the inner wall of the flow smoothing region (20) to the liquid discharge port (30).
4. The liquid separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flow smoothing element (28) comprises a grid (34) which is arranged annularly around the outer tube (22) and separates the separation region (24) from the flow smoothing region (20).
5. The liquid separator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The ratio of the downstream second diameter (D2) to the upstream third diameter (D3) ranges from at least 1 to at most 3.
6. The liquid separator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The axial distance (X1) between the inner tube (12) and the outer tube (22) ranges from -20 mm to +20 mm, a negative distance (X1) meaning that the inner tube (12) is recessed into the outer tube (22).
7. The liquid separator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The ratio of the length (X2) of the inner tube (12) to the length (X3) of the outer tube (22) ranges from at least 0.1 to at most 1.
8. The liquid separator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The half angle (A1) of the cone of the conical inner tube (12) ranges from -10° to +20°.
9. The liquid separator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The half angle (A2) of the cone of the conical region (23) of the outer tube (22) ranges from -10° to +20°.
10. The liquid separator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The half angle (A3) of the cone of the inflow region (21) of the outer tube (22) ranges from 0° to +10°.
11. The liquid separator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The inclination of the liquid discharge side surface (42) of the flow smoothing region (20) with respect to the gravity direction (60) ranges from 0° to 60°.
12. The liquid separator according to claim 11, wherein, In the case of horizontal installation, the liquid discharge side surface (42) of the flow smoothing region (20) is inclined towards the axial direction (82) in the flow direction (80), and wherein, in the case of vertical installation, the liquid discharge side surface (42) is inclined away from the axial direction (82) in the flow direction (80).
13. The liquid separator according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Another guiding region (18), which is arranged inside the housing (11) and is connected to the guiding region (18) and downstream of the guiding region (18) in the flow direction (80). The another guiding region (18) includes another inner tube (12) and another outer tube (22) adjacent to the another inner tube (12). The another inner tube (12) is arranged downstream of the another outer tube (22) in the flow direction (80), wherein, the fluid conduit (36) is connected to the another guiding region (18); Another separation region (24), which is arranged radially outside of the another inner tube (12) and the another outer tube (22); Another fluid discharge port (30), which is connected to the another separation region (24) and extends obliquely to the axial direction (82); and Another flow smoothing region (20), which is arranged between the another separation region (24) and the another liquid discharge port (30) and includes another flow smoothing element (28) for smoothing the fluid flow.
14. A fuel cell system (100) comprising: A cathode air supply path (122) and a cathode exhaust path (124) of a fuel cell unit (120); And The liquid separator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, and the liquid separator (10) is used to separate water from the air flow in the cathode air supply path (122) or the cathode exhaust path (124).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Intake system with water separator
EP1167743B1