Device and method for improving heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of fuel cell

Abstract

The invention discloses a device and a method for improving heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell. The device comprises an electric pile, a radiator, a water collector, a sprayer, a thermoelectric generator, a controller 1, a controller 2 and a controller 3. Water generated by the fuel cell is recycled through the water collector, and then the water is used for spray cooling or the cold end of the thermoelectric generator for power generation. At different moments, by controlling the spraying object of the sprayer, on one hand, the temperature of the radiator can be rapidly reduced through spraying, the purpose of maintaining the reaction temperature of the fuel cell stack is achieved, and the heat dissipation efficiency is improved; and the heat in the radiator is supplied to the hot end of the thermoelectric generator, so that electric energy is generated, the heat energy of the electric pile is utilized more reasonably, and the effective net output power of the fuel cell is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of hydrogen fuel cell engines, and in particular to a device and method for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] At present, in the application of hydrogen fuel cell engine systems, the most widely used heat dissipation technology is water cooling, which absorbs and removes the heat generated by the fuel cell system through circulating cooling water. The heat in the hydrogen fuel cell system is generally transferred to the circulating cooling water through a water cooling plate or a heat exchanger, and then passes through a cooling device, such as a water-cooled radiator, to maintain a stable operating temperature of the fuel cell system. As the operating power of the fuel cell system gradually increases, the heat generated by the stack reaction increases, the system temperature also increases, and the amount of water and water vapor generated thereby also increases. In order to cope with the increasingly high heat dissipation requirements of the stack, the existing technology usually only focuses on how to improve the heat dissipation technology. There is a lack of effective utilization of the heat generated by the stack, and the water and water vapor generated after the stack reaction are simply discharged directly from the engine system, and no consideration is given to how to reasonably utilize them from the perspective of the entire fuel cell system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In response to the above technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a device and method for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of fuel cells, making full use of the heat and high-temperature water vapor generated after the stack reaction, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the stack and the overall net output power of the fuel cell system.

[0004] The present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] A device for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell, comprising a fuel cell stack, a radiator, a water collector, a sprayer, a thermoelectric generator, a controller 1, a controller 2, and a controller 3. Water and water vapor generated by the fuel cell stack during the reaction process are collected and stored by the water collector. The radiator is used to cool the fuel cell stack. The water collector provides the collected water to the sprayer through a pipeline. The sprayer can only spray one of the radiator and the cold end of the thermoelectric generator at the same time. The radiator and the hot end of the thermoelectric generator can perform heat exchange. The controller 1 is used to control the spraying object of the sprayer. The controller 2 is used to control the heat exchange process between the radiator and the hot end of the thermoelectric generator. The controller 3 is used to control the heat exchange process between an external water supply tank and the water collector.

[0006] Furthermore, the controller 1 and the controller 2 are integrated into one controller.

[0007] Furthermore, controller 1 selects the spray target of the sprayer based on the radiator temperature. When the radiator temperature is higher than a set temperature, controller 1 controls the sprayer to spray toward the radiator. When the radiator temperature is lower than a set temperature, controller 1 controls the sprayer to spray toward the cold end of the thermoelectric generator. The set temperature is the maximum temperature of the radiator that maintains normal operation of the fuel cell stack.

[0008] Furthermore, the radiator contains circulating cooling water and coolant. The circulating cooling water cools the fuel cell stack and then exchanges heat with the coolant. After the heat exchange, the coolant can enter the hot end of the thermoelectric generator. When the sprayer sprays toward the radiator, the controller 2 controls the coolant in the radiator to stop flowing toward the hot end of the thermoelectric generator, and the thermoelectric generator stops working. When the sprayer sprays toward the cold end of the thermoelectric generator, the controller 2 controls the coolant in the radiator to flow toward the hot end of the thermoelectric generator.

[0009] Furthermore, the radiator contains only circulating cooling water, which can enter the hot end of the thermoelectric generator after cooling the fuel cell stack; when the sprayer sprays the radiator to cool it, the circulating cooling water in the radiator does not enter the hot end of the thermoelectric generator; when the temperature of the radiator is lower than the set temperature, the sprayer sprays the cold end of the thermoelectric generator, and at the same time the circulating cooling water in the radiator enters the hot end of the thermoelectric generator to maintain the temperature of the hot end. The thermoelectric generator generates electricity under the joint action of the hot end and the cold end.

[0010] Furthermore, an external water supply tank provides circulating cooling water for the radiator, and the water supply tank can supply water to the water collector through a connecting pipe. A controller 3 is provided on the connecting pipe, and the controller 3 controls the amount of water supplied from the water tank to the water collector according to the radiator temperature and the amount of water in the water collector.

[0011] Furthermore, the controller 1 can control the spray volume of the sprayer according to the amount of water in the water collector and the temperature of the radiator.

[0012] A method for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell, the method comprising the following steps:

[0013] Step 1: Build a fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack, a radiator, a water collector, a sprayer, a thermoelectric generator, controller 1, controller 2, and controller 3;

[0014] Step 2: Water and water vapor generated during operation of the fuel cell stack are collected by a water collector, and the water in the water collector is supplied to the sprayer through a pipeline; the radiator is used to cool the fuel cell stack to maintain normal operation of the stack, and the controller 1 detects the temperature of the stack in real time;

[0015] Step 3: When the temperature of the radiator is higher than the set temperature, the controller 1 issues a command and the sprayer sprays the radiator to cool it down; when the temperature of the radiator is lower than the set temperature, the controller 1 issues a command and the sprayer sprays the cold end of the thermoelectric generator to cool it down. At the same time, the radiator and the hot end of the thermoelectric generator begin to exchange heat, and the thermoelectric generator generates electricity under the joint action of the hot and cold ends.

[0016] Furthermore, in step three, the set temperature is set according to the maximum temperature at which the radiator maintains the normal operation of the fuel cell stack.

[0017] Furthermore, in step three, the radiator contains circulating cooling water and coolant. The circulating cooling water cools the fuel cell stack and then exchanges heat with the coolant. After the heat exchange, the coolant can enter the hot end of the thermoelectric generator. When the sprayer sprays toward the radiator, the controller 2 controls the coolant in the radiator to stop flowing toward the hot end of the thermoelectric generator, and the thermoelectric generator stops working. When the sprayer sprays toward the cold end of the thermoelectric generator, the controller 2 controls the coolant in the radiator to flow toward the hot end of the thermoelectric generator.

[0018] In another scheme, in step three, the radiator contains only circulating cooling water. After the circulating cooling water cools the fuel cell stack, it can enter the hot end of the thermoelectric generator. When the sprayer sprays the radiator to cool it, the circulating cooling water in the radiator does not enter the hot end of the thermoelectric generator; when the temperature of the radiator is lower than the set temperature, the sprayer sprays the cold end of the thermoelectric generator, and at the same time, the circulating cooling water in the radiator enters the hot end of the thermoelectric generator.

[0019] Furthermore, in step three, the external water supply tank provides circulating cooling water for the radiator, and the water supply tank can supply water to the water collector through a connecting pipe. A controller 3 is provided on the connecting pipe. The controller 3 controls the amount of water supplied from the water tank to the water collector according to the radiator temperature and the amount of water in the water collector.

[0020] Furthermore, in step 2, the controller 1 may control the spray volume of the sprayer according to the amount of water in the water collector and the temperature of the radiator.

[0021] The advantages of the present invention are as follows: 1. In the prior art, water generated during fuel cell operation is usually directly discharged, while the present invention effectively recovers it, saving water resources. 2. During fuel cell operation, a large amount of heat is generated. This heat is dissipated primarily through three pathways: radiation heat dissipation from the fuel cell stack, exhaust heat dissipation from the fuel cell stack, and cooling and dissipation of the fuel cell stack by a radiator. Active cooling and dissipation by the radiator accounts for more than 50% of the total required heat dissipation. The present invention effectively improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the radiator by spraying the radiator without changing the radiator structure, allowing the fuel cell to operate in a high-power operating range for a longer period of time. It also effectively utilizes the water generated during fuel cell operation, saving operating costs. 3. While improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the radiator, the present invention also effectively utilizes the heat in the radiator. The collected water is used to cool the cold end of the thermoelectric generator. The heat in the radiator is then supplied to the hot end of the thermoelectric generator, which generates electricity, thereby recovering the heat in the radiator and improving the net output power of the fuel cell. 4. During the operation of the thermoelectric generator, the heat exchange between the hot end of the thermoelectric generator and the radiator can also cool the radiator and improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the radiator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The disclosure of the present invention will become more easily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these drawings are merely used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1 A block diagram of a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] Figure 1 A block diagram of a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1As shown, an apparatus and method for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell include a fuel cell stack, a radiator, a water collector, a sprayer, a thermoelectric generator, a controller 1, a controller 2, and a controller 3. Water generated by the fuel cell stack during the reaction is collected and stored by the water collector, the radiator cools the fuel cell stack, and the water collector provides the collected water to the sprayer through a pipeline. The sprayer can only spray one of the radiator and the cold end of the thermoelectric generator at the same time. The radiator and the hot end of the thermoelectric generator can perform heat exchange. The controller 1 is used to control the spraying object of the sprayer, and the controller 2 is used to control the heat exchange process between the radiator and the hot end of the thermoelectric generator.

[0027] Controller 1 selects the spray target based on the radiator temperature. When the radiator temperature is above a set point, controller 1 controls the sprayer to spray toward the radiator. When the radiator temperature is below the set point, controller 1 controls the sprayer to spray toward the cold end of the thermoelectric generator. The set point is the maximum radiator temperature required to maintain normal operation of the fuel cell stack. Controller 1 also controls the spray volume based on the water level in the water collector and the radiator temperature to ensure that the radiator reaches a temperature that maintains normal operation of the fuel cell stack as quickly as possible.

[0028] The radiator contains circulating cooling water and coolant. The circulating cooling water cools the stack and then undergoes heat exchange with the coolant. After this heat exchange, the coolant enters the hot end of the thermoelectric generator. When the sprayer sprays the radiator, controller 2 controls the coolant in the radiator to stop flowing to the hot end of the thermoelectric generator, causing the generator to stop operating. When the sprayer sprays the cold end of the thermoelectric generator, controller 2 controls the coolant in the radiator to flow to the hot end of the thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator generates electricity through the combined action of the hot and cold ends. A water tank is located outside the radiator. The water tank can be replenished to the water collector via a connecting pipe. This connecting pipe is also equipped with controller 3. Controller 3 controls the water tank to replenish the water to the water collector based on the radiator temperature and the water level in the water collector, ensuring that the water level in the water collector meets the sprayer's cooling function. The radiator and water tank are connected, and a water pump is installed between the radiator and the water tank to circulate water between the radiator and the water tank.

[0029] Example 2

[0030] The components and control method of the fuel cell system are essentially the same as those in Example 1, with the only difference being that the radiator contains only circulating cooling water. This circulating cooling water cools the fuel cell stack before entering the hot end of the thermoelectric generator. When the radiator temperature is higher than a set temperature, the sprayer sprays the radiator to cool it, and the circulating cooling water in the radiator does not enter the hot end of the thermoelectric generator, which then does not operate. When the radiator temperature is lower than the set temperature, the sprayer sprays the cold end of the thermoelectric generator to cool it, while the circulating cooling water in the radiator enters the hot end of the thermoelectric generator to maintain the hot end temperature. The thermoelectric generator, through the combined action of the hot and cold ends, generates electricity, which is stored in the battery.

[0031] The above is a further detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with specific / preferred embodiments, and the specific implementation of the present invention should not be considered to be limited to these descriptions. Those skilled in the art of the art to which the present invention belongs may make several substitutions or modifications to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and such substitutions or modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell, comprising a fuel cell stack, a radiator, a water collector, a sprayer, a thermoelectric generator, a controller 1, a controller 2, and a controller 3, characterized in that: The water and water vapor generated by the fuel cell stack during the reaction process are collected and stored by the water collector. The radiator is used to cool the fuel cell stack. The water collector provides the collected water to the sprayer through a pipeline. The sprayer can only spray one of the radiator and the cold end of the thermoelectric generator at the same time. The radiator and the hot end of the thermoelectric generator can perform heat exchange. The controller 1 is used to control the spraying object of the sprayer, the controller 2 is used to control the heat exchange process between the radiator and the hot end of the thermoelectric generator, and the controller 3 is used to control the heat exchange process between the external water supply tank and the water collector.

2. The device for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller 1 and the controller 2 are integrated into one controller.

3. A device for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The controller 1 selects the spraying object of the sprayer according to the temperature of the radiator. When the radiator temperature is higher than the set temperature, the controller 1 controls the sprayer to spray toward the radiator. When the radiator temperature is lower than the set temperature, the controller 1 controls the sprayer to spray toward the cold end of the thermoelectric generator. The set temperature is the maximum temperature of the radiator when maintaining normal operation of the fuel cell.

4. A device for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The radiator contains circulating cooling water and coolant. The circulating cooling water cools the fuel cell stack and then exchanges heat with the coolant. After the heat exchange, the coolant can enter the hot end of the thermoelectric generator. When the sprayer sprays toward the radiator, the controller 2 controls the coolant in the radiator to stop flowing toward the hot end of the thermoelectric generator, and the thermoelectric generator stops working. When the sprayer sprays toward the cold end of the thermoelectric generator, the controller 2 controls the coolant in the radiator to flow toward the hot end of the thermoelectric generator.

5. The device for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The radiator contains only circulating cooling water. After the circulating cooling water cools the fuel cell stack, it can enter the hot end of the thermoelectric generator. When the sprayer sprays the radiator to cool it, the circulating cooling water in the radiator does not enter the hot end of the thermoelectric generator. When the temperature of the radiator is lower than the set temperature, the sprayer sprays the cold end of the thermoelectric generator, and at the same time, the circulating cooling water in the radiator enters the hot end of the thermoelectric generator.

6. The device for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The external water supply tank provides circulating cooling water for the radiator, and the water supply tank can supply water to the water collector through a connecting pipe. A controller 3 is provided on the connecting pipe. The controller 3 controls the amount of water supplied from the water tank to the water collector according to the radiator temperature and the water amount in the water collector.

7. A method for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: Step 1: constructing a device for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; Step 2: Water and water vapor generated during operation of the fuel cell stack are collected by a water collector, and the water in the water collector is supplied to the sprayer through a pipeline; the radiator is used to cool the fuel cell stack to maintain normal operation of the stack, and the controller 1 detects the temperature of the stack in real time; Step 3: When the temperature of the radiator is higher than the set temperature, the controller 1 issues a command and the sprayer sprays the radiator to cool it down; when the temperature of the radiator is lower than the set temperature, the controller 1 issues a command and the sprayer sprays the cold end of the thermoelectric generator to cool it down. At the same time, the radiator and the hot end of the thermoelectric generator begin to exchange heat, and the thermoelectric generator generates electricity under the joint action of the hot and cold ends.

8. The method for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell according to claim 7, characterized in that: The set temperature is set according to the maximum temperature at which the radiator maintains the normal operation of the fuel cell stack.

9. A method for improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effective net output power of a fuel cell according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The controller 1 can control the spraying amount of the sprayer according to the amount of water in the water collector and the temperature of the radiator.

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