Integrated cooling and humidifying device and method for fuel cell air system

Abstract

The invention relates to an integrated cooling and humidifying device and method for a fuel cell air system. The intercooler comprises an intercooler shell and is provided with an intercooler side air inlet, a cooling liquid outlet, a cooling liquid inlet and a heat exchange area. The humidifier comprises a humidifier shell mounted on the shell of the intercooler; a transition cavity; a first connecting shell; a second connecting shell; a third connecting shell; the air bypass valve and the back pressure valve are respectively arranged on the first connecting shell; the heap-out shut-off valve and the humidifying bypass valve are respectively mounted on the second connecting shell; and the reactor entering shut-off valve is mounted on the third connecting shell. The intercooler, the humidifier and the reactor inlet shut-off valve, the reactor outlet shut-off valve, the bypass valve, the humidifying bypass valve and the back pressure valve on the air pipeline are integrated, meanwhile, the arrangement of the valves on the cooling and humidifying device is optimized, pipelines are omitted, the system is more compact, the size is smaller, the overall weight is reduced, and the manufacturing and maintenance cost is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to an integrated cooling and humidifying device and method for a fuel cell air system. Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell system is a device that uses hydrogen as fuel and generates electricity through the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell includes a hydrogen system, an air system, and a cooling system. The air system is used to provide air at a certain pressure flow rate to the fuel cell stack and to exhaust the remaining air after the reaction. The air in the air system is pressurized by an air compressor. The air discharged from the air compressor is relatively dry and has a high temperature. The air entering the fuel cell stack reaction needs to have a specific temperature and humidity to ensure the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction and the life of the fuel cell stack. Therefore, the air is cooled and humidified before entering the fuel cell stack.

[0003] To cool and humidify incoming fuel cell air, existing fuel cell systems typically use an intercooler for cooling and a humidifier for humidification. However, this approach requires a humidifier, intercooler, and complex air piping and valves, resulting in a complex air system structure, large space requirements, high overall weight, and high manufacturing and maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To this end, the present invention provides an integrated cooling and humidification device and method for a fuel cell air system, which integrates an intercooler, a humidifier, and an inlet shut-off valve, an outlet shut-off valve, a bypass valve, a humidification bypass valve, a back-pressure valve, etc. on the air pipeline, and uses water generated by the fuel cell air system itself to control the air humidity without the need for external water supply; at the same time, the arrangement of valves on the cooling and humidification device is optimized, and the pipeline is eliminated, making the system more compact and smaller in size, reducing the overall weight and high manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides an integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system, comprising: An intercooler, comprising an intercooler housing, wherein the intercooler housing is provided with an intercooler-side air inlet, a coolant outlet, a coolant inlet, and a heat exchange area; a humidifier, comprising a humidifier housing mounted on the intercooler housing, the humidifier housing being provided with a humidifying area, the humidifying area comprising a wet channel and a dry channel; a transition cavity, disposed between the heat exchange zone and the humidification zone; a first connecting shell, mounted on the humidifier housing and provided with a first cavity 1 and a first cavity 2; a second connecting shell, mounted on the humidifier housing and provided with a second cavity 1 and a second cavity 2; a third connecting shell, mounted on the humidifier housing and provided with a third cavity; an air bypass valve and a back pressure valve, respectively installed on the first connecting shell; The stack shut-off valve and the humidification bypass valve are respectively installed in the second connecting shell; a stack entry shut-off valve installed in the third connecting shell, the humidification bypass valve being in communication with an air outlet of the stack entry shut-off valve; The first cavity 1 is connected to the transition cavity and the air inlet of the air bypass valve respectively, and the first cavity 2 is connected to the wet channel and the air inlet of the back pressure valve respectively; the first cavity 2 is also provided with a bypass air inlet, and the air outlet of the air bypass valve is connected to the bypass air inlet; The second cavity 1 is connected to the transition cavity and the air inlet of the humidification bypass valve respectively, and the second cavity 2 is connected to the wet channel and the air outlet of the stack shut-off valve respectively; The third cavity is connected to the dry channel and the air inlet of the stack entry shut-off valve respectively; Wherein, an inlet air path is formed in sequence along the intercooler side air inlet, the transition cavity, the dry channel, and the inlet shut-off valve; An air path for outflowing the stack is formed in sequence along the outflowing shut-off valve, the wet channel, and the back pressure valve; An air bypass passage is formed along the direction of the air bypass valve, the bypass air inlet, and the back pressure valve; A humidification bypass passage is sequentially formed along the direction of the humidification bypass valve and the stack entry shut-off valve.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the intercooler housing is mounted on one end of the humidifier housing along the first direction; The third connecting shell is installed at the other end of the humidifier housing along the first direction; The first connecting shell is installed at one end of the humidifier housing along the second direction; a second connecting shell, mounted on the other end of the humidifier housing along the second direction; The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the intercooler-side air inlet is provided at one end of the intercooler housing along the first direction; The coolant outlet and the coolant inlet are respectively arranged at one end of the intercooler housing along the second direction; The dry channel extends along a first direction, and the wet channel extends along a second direction; The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air bypass valve and the humidification bypass valve are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the transition cavity along the second direction; The air bypass valve and the back pressure valve are respectively arranged at one end of the first connecting shell away from the humidifier along the second direction; The stack shut-off valve and the humidification bypass valve are arranged at one end of the second connecting shell away from the humidifier along the second direction; The stack entry shut-off valve is arranged at one end of the third connecting shell away from the humidifier along the first direction; The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting shell, the second connecting shell and the third shell are respectively connected to the humidifier shell by bolts or welding, or are integrally formed with the humidifier shell. When connected by bolts, corresponding mounting contact surfaces are provided with sealing rings.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housings of the air bypass valve and the back pressure valve are respectively connected to the first connecting shell via bolts, and a sealing ring is provided on the contact surface; The housings of the humidification bypass valve and the stack-discharging shut-off valve are respectively connected to the second connecting shell via bolts, and sealing rings are provided on the contact surfaces; The shell of the stack entry shut-off valve and the third connecting shell are connected by bolts, and a sealing ring is provided on the contact surface.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air bypass valve, the back pressure valve, the stack inlet shut-off valve, the stack outlet shut-off valve, and the humidification bypass valve are all butterfly valves, poppet valves, or ball valves.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transition cavity is integrated into the humidifier housing and / or the intercooler housing.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dry channel and the wet channel include a plurality of hollow fiber membrane tubes that are arranged in parallel, arranged in an array closely and have hydrophilicity. The inner cavities of the plurality of hollow fiber membrane tubes are collectively configured as the dry channel, and the external spaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membrane tubes are collectively configured as the wet channel. Micropores are distributed on the tube walls of the hollow fiber membrane tubes. The high-humidity air in the air outlet path of the fuel cell stack flows through the wet channel, and moisture enters the tube from the outside of the hollow fiber membrane tube through the micropores, thereby humidifying the air in the air inlet path.

[0014] The present invention further provides a control method for an integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system, based on the integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system, comprising: In the air system of the fuel cell system, air is compressed by the air compressor and enters the intercooler from the air inlet on the intercooler side. At the same time, coolant enters the intercooler from the coolant inlet and exchanges heat with the air in the heat exchange area to cool the air. The coolant after heat exchange is discharged from the coolant outlet, and the cooled air passes through the connection interface between the intercooler and the humidifier and enters the humidifier. The remaining air after the reaction in the fuel cell stack is discharged from the fuel cell stack with moisture, and enters the humidifier through the stack shut-off valve and flows along the path of the stack air path; In the humidification zone of the humidifier, the water-containing air in the outgoing air path humidifies the air in the incoming air path; The air in the stack air path from the intercooler flows through the dry channel, and the high-humidity air in the stack air path from the fuel cell stack flows through the wet channel, thereby humidifying the air in the stack air path; The remaining air in the stack air path passes through the humidification area, then exits the humidifier from the back pressure valve and enters the tail exhaust of the fuel cell system; The humidified air in the inlet air path leaves the humidifier through the inlet shut-off valve and enters the fuel cell stack to undergo electrochemical reaction with hydrogen. When the air bypass valve is open, the air in the stack air path enters the air bypass path, passes through the bypass valve and the bypass air inlet, enters the humidifier, and mixes with the air in the stack air path that has passed through the humidification area. The mixed air is discharged through the back pressure valve and enters the tail exhaust of the fuel cell air system. When the humidification bypass valve is open, after the air is discharged from the air compressor, a portion of the air enters the humidification bypass passage through the humidification bypass valve, and finally mixes with the humidified air discharged from the stack shut-off valve, and enters the fuel cell stack to undergo an electrochemical reaction with hydrogen. By adjusting the opening of the humidification bypass valve, the ratio of the air entering the humidification bypass channel and the air entering the humidification area is controlled to achieve the purpose of adjusting the humidity of the air entering the stack.

[0015] The above technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages over the prior art: The integrated cooling and humidification device and method for a fuel cell air system described in this invention not only integrates the intercooler and humidifier, but also integrates various control valves, including the stack inlet and outlet shutoff valves, bypass valves, humidifier bypass valves, and back-pressure valves, along with the air ducting. This structural solution achieves a high level of integration, significantly improving system compactness and space utilization, and facilitating device miniaturization and ease of installation.

[0016] The present invention integrates the intercooler and the humidifier into an integrated design, omitting the original connecting pipe between the intercooler and the humidifier, thereby effectively reducing the pressure drop during the air circulation process and improving the air delivery efficiency.

[0017] The present invention integrates key control valves such as the stack inlet shut-off valve, stack outlet shut-off valve, bypass valve, humidification bypass valve, and back-pressure valve on the humidifier housing, eliminating the need for external independent connecting pipes. This not only reduces the overall volume of the system, but also further reduces the pressure loss of air circulation.

[0018] The present invention provides a humidification bypass passage so that the inlet air discharged after being treated by the intercooler can directly bypass the humidifier and enter the fuel cell stack under working conditions where humidification is not required, thereby avoiding unnecessary humidification of the air and improving the flexible adaptability of the system working conditions.

[0019] The present invention provides a humidification bypass valve on the humidification bypass passage, which can achieve precise adjustment of the air humidification degree by adjusting the opening of the stack shut-off valve and the humidification bypass valve, thereby meeting the air humidity control under different working requirements.

[0020] All valves, air inlets and outlets, and coolant inlets and outlets of the present invention are arranged on the side of the device, which not only effectively reduces the overall height of the device and facilitates the installation of equipment and the connection of pipelines, but also allows the specific installation position and inlet and outlet directions of the valves to be flexibly adjusted according to actual installation requirements, thereby enhancing the applicability of the system.

[0021] The present invention fully utilizes the water generated by the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell stack for humidification, without the need for external additional water supply, thereby improving the overall water resource utilization efficiency of the system and simplifying operation and maintenance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to make the contents of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below based on specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of an integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view and air path diagram of an integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional axial structural diagram of an integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the humidification zone channel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the fuel cell air system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Description of the accompanying drawings: 100, air inlet to the stack; 200, air outlet to the stack; 300, air bypass; 400, humidification bypass; 1. Intercooler; 1-1. Intercooler side air inlet; 1-2. Coolant outlet; 1-3. Coolant inlet; 1-4. Heat exchange area; 1-5. Intercooler housing; 2. Humidifier; 2-1. Bypass air inlet; 2-2. Humidification area; 2-2-1. Dry channel; 2-2-2. Wet channel; 2-2-3. Hollow fiber membrane tube; 2-3. Humidifier housing; 3. Air bypass valve; 4. Back pressure valve; 5. Inlet shut-off valve; 6. Outlet shut-off valve; 7. Humidification bypass valve; 8. Transition chamber; 9. First connecting shell; 9-1. First chamber 1; 9-2. First chamber 2; 10. Second connecting shell; 10-1. Second chamber 1; 10-2. Second chamber 2; 11. Third connecting shell; 11-1. Third chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments so that those skilled in the art can better understand the present invention and implement it. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0030] In the present invention, if there is a description of direction (up, down, left, right, front and back), it is only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of the present invention, and does not indicate or imply that the technical features referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation of the present invention.

[0031] In the present invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means more than two, "greater than," "less than," "exceeds," etc. are understood to exclude the number itself; "above," "below," "within," etc. are understood to include the number itself. In the description of the present invention, the use of "first" or "second" is solely for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and is not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, implicitly specifying the number of the indicated technical features, or implicitly specifying the order of the indicated technical features.

[0032] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly defined, terms such as "disposed," "installed," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; fixed connection or detachable connection or integral molding; mechanical connection or electrical connection or mutual communication; and internal connection between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0033] Example 1 Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, an integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to this embodiment includes: The intercooler 1 includes an intercooler housing 1-5, wherein the intercooler housing 1-5 is provided with an intercooler-side air inlet 1-1, a coolant outlet 1-2, a coolant inlet 1-3, and a heat exchange area 1-4; A humidifier 2 includes a humidifier housing 2-3 mounted on the intercooler housing 1-5, wherein the humidifier housing 2-3 is provided with a humidifying area 2-2, and the humidifying area 2-2 includes a wet channel 2-2-2 and a dry channel 2-2-1; A transition chamber 8 is provided between the heat exchange zone 1-4 and the humidification zone 2-2; The first connecting shell 9 is installed on the humidifier housing 2-3 and is provided with a first cavity 1 9-1 and a first cavity 2 9-2; The second connecting shell 10 is installed on the humidifier housing 2-3 and is provided with a second cavity 10-1 and a second cavity 2 10-2; The third connecting shell 11 is installed on the humidifier shell 2-3 and is provided with a third cavity 11-1; The air bypass valve 3 and the back pressure valve 4 are respectively installed in the first connecting shell 9; The stack shut-off valve 6 and the humidification bypass valve 7 are respectively installed in the second connecting shell 10; The stack entry shut-off valve 5 is installed in the third connecting shell 11 , and the humidification bypass valve 7 is connected to the air outlet of the stack entry shut-off valve 5 (through an external pipeline); The first cavity 1 9 - 1 is connected to the transition cavity 8 and the air inlet of the air bypass valve 3, respectively. The first cavity 2 9 - 2 is connected to the wet channel 2 - 2 - 2 and the air inlet of the back pressure valve 4, respectively. The first cavity 2 9 - 2 is also provided with a bypass air inlet 2 - 1. The air outlet of the air bypass valve 3 is connected to the bypass air inlet 2 - 1 (via an external pipe). The second cavity 10-1 is connected to the transition cavity 8 and the air inlet of the humidification bypass valve 7 respectively, and the second cavity 2 10-2 is connected to the wet channel 2-2-2 and the air outlet of the stack shut-off valve 6 respectively; The third cavity 11 - 1 is connected to the dry channel 2 - 2 - 1 and the air inlet of the stack entry shut-off valve 5 , respectively.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 As shown, an inlet air path 100 is formed in sequence along the intercooler side air inlet 1-1, the transition cavity 8, the dry channel 2-2-1, and the inlet stack shut-off valve 5; an outlet air path 200 is formed in sequence along the outlet stack shut-off valve 6, the wet channel 2-2-2, and the back pressure valve 4; an air bypass path 300 is formed in the direction of the air bypass valve 3, the bypass air inlet 2-1, and the back pressure valve 4; and a humidification bypass path 400 is formed in sequence along the humidification bypass valve 7 and the inlet stack shut-off valve 5.

[0035] The above configuration integrates intercooler 1 and humidifier 2, eliminating the existing connecting piping between them. This effectively reduces pressure drop during air circulation and improves air delivery efficiency. Key control valves, including the inlet and outlet shutoff valves 5 and 6, the bypass valve, the humidifier bypass valve 7, and the back-pressure valve 4, are integrated into the humidifier 2 housing, eliminating the need for independent external connecting piping. This not only reduces the overall system volume but also further minimizes pressure loss during air circulation.

[0036] It should be noted that, referring to Figure 5 As shown, the fuel cell air system includes the fuel cell stack, air compressor, cathode separator, and fuel cell air system exhaust. The air compressor inlet is connected to an air filter, flow sensor, and other components. An integrated cooling and humidification device is installed between the fuel cell stack and the air compressor. The inlet shutoff valve 5 and outlet shutoff valve 6 are connected to the fuel cell stack; the air compressor outlet is connected to the intercooler-side air inlet 1-1; the backpressure valve 4 is connected to the cathode separator; and the cathode separator is connected to the fuel cell air system exhaust.

[0037] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 As shown, the intercooler housing 1-5 is mounted on one end of the humidifier housing 2-3 along a first direction; the third connecting housing 11 is mounted on the other end of the humidifier housing 2-3 along the first direction; the first connecting housing 9 is mounted on one end of the humidifier housing 2-3 along a second direction; and the second connecting housing 10 is mounted on the other end of the humidifier housing 2-3 along the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

[0038] Specifically, the intercooler side air inlet 1-1 is arranged at one end of the intercooler housing 1-5 along the first direction; the coolant outlet 1-2 and the coolant inlet 1-3 are respectively arranged at one end of the intercooler housing 1-5 along the second direction; the dry channel 2-2-1 extends along the first direction, and the wet channel 2-2-2 extends along the second direction.

[0039] Specifically, the air bypass valve 3 and the humidification bypass valve 7 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the transition chamber 8 along the second direction; the air bypass valve 3 and the back pressure valve 4 are respectively arranged at one end of the first connecting shell 9 away from the humidifier 2 along the second direction; the stack discharge shut-off valve 6 and the humidification bypass valve 7 are arranged at one end of the second connecting shell 10 away from the humidifier 2 along the second direction; the stack entry shut-off valve 5 is arranged at one end of the third connecting shell 11 away from the humidifier 2 along the first direction.

[0040] It should be noted that all the above-mentioned valves, air inlets and outlets, and coolant inlets and outlets are arranged on the side of the device, which not only effectively reduces the overall height of the device and facilitates the installation of the equipment and the connection of the pipeline, but also allows the specific installation position and inlet and outlet directions of the valves to be flexibly adjusted according to actual installation requirements, thereby enhancing the applicability of the system.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first connecting shell 9, the second connecting shell 10 and the third shell are respectively connected to the humidifier shell 2-3 by bolts or welding, or are integrally formed with the humidifier shell 2-3. When connected by bolts, the corresponding mounting contact surfaces are provided with sealing rings; bolt connection facilitates the processing of the shell; when welding or integral molding is used for fixing, the use of sealing rings can be reduced.

[0042] In one embodiment, the housings of the air bypass valve 3 and the back pressure valve 4 are respectively connected to the first connecting shell 9 by bolts, and a sealing ring is provided on the contact surface; the housings of the humidification bypass valve 7 and the stack discharge shut-off valve 6 are respectively connected to the second connecting shell 10 by bolts, and a sealing ring is provided on the contact surface; the housing of the stack discharge shut-off valve 5 is connected to the third connecting shell 11 by bolts, and a sealing ring is provided on the contact surface.

[0043] In one embodiment, the air bypass valve 3 , the back pressure valve 4 , the stack inlet shutoff valve 5 , the stack outlet shutoff valve 6 , and the humidification bypass valve 7 are all butterfly valves, poppet valves, or ball valves. Different valve types can be combined based on the different functions and parameter requirements of each valve.

[0044] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3As shown, the transition cavity 8 is integrated into the humidifier housing 2-3 and / or the intercooler housing 1-5. Alternatively, it can also be arranged in a transition housing connected between the humidifier housing 2-3 and the intercooler housing 1-5.

[0045] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4 As shown, the dry channel 2-2-1 and the wet channel 2-2-2 include a plurality of hollow fiber membrane tubes 2-2-3 that are arranged in parallel, closely arrayed and hydrophilic. The inner cavities of the plurality of hollow fiber membrane tubes 2-2-3 are collectively configured as the dry channel 2-2-1, and the air in the inlet air path 100 from the intercooler 1 flows through the dry channel 2-2-1; the external spaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membrane tubes 2-2-3 are collectively configured as the wet channel 2-2-2, and micropores are distributed on the tube walls of the hollow fiber membrane tubes 2-2-3. High-humidity air in the outlet air path 200 from the fuel cell stack flows through the wet channel 2-2-2, and moisture enters the inside of the hollow fiber membrane tube 2-2-3 from the outside through the micropores on the tube walls of the hollow fiber membrane tubes 2-2-3, thereby humidifying the air in the inlet air path 100. During the specific installation, both ends of each hollow fiber membrane tube 2-2-3 are fixed by a mounting plate.

[0046] Example 2 This embodiment provides a control method for an integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system, based on the integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system described in Example 1, including: In the air system of the fuel cell system, air is compressed by the air compressor and enters the intercooler 1 from the air inlet on the intercooler side. At the same time, coolant enters the intercooler 1 from the coolant inlet 1-3 and exchanges heat with the air in the heat exchange area 1-4 to cool the air. The coolant after heat exchange is discharged from the coolant outlet 1-2. The cooled air passes through the connection interface between the intercooler 1 and the humidifier 2 and enters the humidifier 2. The remaining air in the fuel cell stack after the reaction carries a large amount of moisture and is discharged from the fuel cell stack. It enters the humidifier 2 through the outlet shut-off valve 6 and flows along the outlet air path 200. In the humidification zone 2-2 in the humidifier 2, the water-containing air in the outgoing air path 200 humidifies the air in the incoming air path 100; specifically, the air in the incoming air path 100 from the intercooler 1 flows through the dry channel 2-2-1, and the high-humidity air in the outgoing air path 200 from the fuel cell stack flows through the wet channel 2-2-2, and the moisture enters the tube from the outside through the micropores in the fiber membrane tube wall, thereby humidifying the air in the incoming air path 100.

[0047] The remaining air in the stack air path 200 passes through the humidification zone 2-2, then exits the humidifier 2 from the back pressure valve 4 and enters the tail exhaust of the fuel cell system; The humidified air in the stack air path 100 leaves the humidifier 2 through the stack shut-off valve 5 and enters the fuel cell stack to undergo an electrochemical reaction with hydrogen. When the air bypass valve 3 is open, the air in the stack air inlet 100 enters the air bypass passage 300, passes through the bypass valve and the bypass air inlet 2-1, enters the humidifier 2, and mixes with the air in the stack air outlet 200 that has passed through the humidification zone 2-2. The mixed air is then discharged through the back pressure valve 4 and enters the tail exhaust of the fuel cell air system. When the humidification bypass valve 7 is open, after the air is discharged from the air compressor, a portion of the air passes through the humidification bypass valve 7 and enters the humidification bypass passage 400. Finally, it mixes with the humidified air discharged from the stack shut-off valve 5 and enters the fuel cell stack to undergo an electrochemical reaction with hydrogen. By adjusting the opening of the humidification bypass valve 7, the ratio of the air entering the humidification bypass passage 400 and the air entering the humidification zone 2-2 is controlled to achieve the purpose of adjusting the humidity of the air entering the stack.

[0048] It should be noted that this embodiment makes full use of the water generated by the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell stack for humidification, without the need for additional external water supply, thereby improving the overall water resource utilization efficiency of the system and simplifying operation and maintenance. Through the humidification bypass passage 400, the air entering the stack after being treated by the intercooler 1 and discharged can directly bypass the humidifier 2 and enter the fuel cell stack under conditions where humidification is not required, thereby avoiding unnecessary humidification of the air and improving the flexible adaptability of the system working conditions. A humidification bypass valve 7 is provided on the humidification bypass passage 400, which can achieve precise adjustment of the air humidification degree by adjusting the opening of the stack shut-off valve 5 and the humidification bypass valve 7 to meet the air humidity control under different working requirements.

[0049] Finally, it should be noted that the above specific implementation methods are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not limiting. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention can be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, which should all be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system, characterized in that: include: An intercooler (1) comprises an intercooler housing (1-5), wherein the intercooler housing (1-5) is provided with an intercooler-side air inlet (1-1), a coolant outlet (1-2), a coolant inlet (1-3), and a heat exchange area (1-4); A humidifier (2) comprising a humidifier housing (2-3) mounted on the intercooler housing (1-5), the humidifier housing (2-3) being provided with a humidifying area (2-2), the humidifying area (2-2) comprising a wet channel (2-2-2) and a dry channel (2-2-1); A transition cavity (8) is provided between the heat exchange area (1-4) and the humidification area (2-2); A first connecting shell (9) is mounted on the humidifier housing (2-3) and is provided with a first cavity 1 (9-1) and a first cavity 2 (9-2); A second connecting shell (10) is mounted on the humidifier housing (2-3) and is provided with a second cavity 1 (10-1) and a second cavity 2 (10-2); A third connecting shell (11) is mounted on the humidifier shell (2-3) and is provided with a third cavity (11-1); An air bypass valve (3) and a back pressure valve (4) are respectively installed on the first connecting shell (9); The stack shut-off valve (6) and the humidification bypass valve (7) are respectively installed in the second connecting shell (10); The stack entry shutoff valve (5) is installed on the third connecting shell (11), and the humidification bypass valve (7) is connected to the air outlet of the stack entry shutoff valve (5); The first cavity 1 (9-1) is connected to the transition cavity (8) and the air inlet of the air bypass valve (3), respectively, and the first cavity 2 (9-2) is connected to the wet channel (2-2-2) and the air inlet of the back pressure valve (4), respectively; the first cavity 2 (9-2) is also provided with a bypass air inlet (2-1), and the air outlet of the air bypass valve (3) is connected to the bypass air inlet (2-1); The second cavity 1 (10-1) is respectively connected to the transition cavity (8) and the air inlet of the humidification bypass valve (7), and the second cavity 2 (10-2) is respectively connected to the wet channel (2-2-2) and the air outlet of the stack shut-off valve (6); The third cavity (11-1) is respectively connected to the dry channel (2-2-1) and the air inlet of the stack entry shut-off valve (5); Wherein, a stack air path (100) is formed in sequence along the intercooler side air inlet (1-1), the transition cavity (8), the dry channel (2-2-1), and the stack shut-off valve (5); An out-of-stack air path (200) is formed in sequence along the out-of-stack shut-off valve (6), the wet channel (2-2-2), and the back-pressure valve (4); An air bypass passage (300) is formed along the direction of the air bypass valve (3), the bypass air inlet (2-1), and the back pressure valve (4); A humidification bypass passage (400) is formed in sequence along the direction of the humidification bypass valve (7) and the stack entry shut-off valve (5).

2. The integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intercooler housing (1-5) is mounted on one end of the humidifier housing (2-3) along a first direction; The third connecting shell (11) is installed at the other end of the humidifier shell (2-3) along the first direction; The first connecting shell (9) is mounted on one end of the humidifier housing (2-3) along the second direction; A second connecting shell (10) is mounted on the other end of the humidifier housing (2-3) along the second direction; The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

3. An integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: The intercooler side air inlet (1-1) is arranged at one end of the intercooler housing (1-5) along the first direction; The coolant outlet (1-2) and the coolant inlet (1-3) are respectively arranged at one end of the intercooler housing (1-5) along the second direction; The dry channel (2-2-1) extends along a first direction, and the wet channel (2-2-2) extends along a second direction; The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

4. An integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The air bypass valve (3) and the humidification bypass valve (7) are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the transition cavity (8) along the second direction; The air bypass valve (3) and the back pressure valve (4) are respectively arranged at one end of the first connecting shell (9) away from the humidifier (2) along the second direction; The stack-out shut-off valve (6) and the humidification bypass valve (7) are arranged at one end of the second connecting shell (10) away from the humidifier (2) along the second direction; The stack entry shut-off valve (5) is arranged at one end of the third connecting shell (11) away from the humidifier (2) along the first direction; The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

5. An integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first connecting shell (9), the second connecting shell (10) and the third shell are respectively connected to the humidifier shell (2-3) by bolts or welding, or are integrally formed with the humidifier shell (2-3); when connected by bolts, corresponding mounting contact surfaces are provided with sealing rings.

6. An integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The housings of the air bypass valve (3) and the back pressure valve (4) are respectively connected to the first connecting shell (9) via bolts, and a sealing ring is provided on the contact surface; The respective shells of the humidification bypass valve (7) and the stack-discharging shut-off valve (6) are connected to the second connecting shell (10) via bolts, and sealing rings are provided on the contact surfaces; The shell of the stack entry shut-off valve (5) and the third connecting shell (11) are connected via bolts, and a sealing ring is provided on the contact surface.

7. The integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air bypass valve (3), the back pressure valve (4), the stack inlet shut-off valve (5), the stack outlet shut-off valve (6), and the humidification bypass valve (7) are all of butterfly valves, lift valves, or ball valves.

8. The integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transition cavity (8) is integrated into the humidifier housing (2-3) and / or the intercooler housing (1-5).

9. The integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dry channel (2-2-1) and the wet channel (2-2-2) include a plurality of hollow fiber membrane tubes (2-2-3) that are arranged in parallel, closely arranged in an array, and have hydrophilicity. The inner cavities of the plurality of hollow fiber membrane tubes (2-2-3) are collectively configured as the dry channel (2-2-1), and the outer spaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membrane tubes (2-2-3) are collectively configured as the wet channel (2-2-2). Micropores are distributed on the tube walls of the hollow fiber membrane tubes (2-2-3); wherein, high-humidity air in the outflow air path (200) of the fuel cell stack flows through the wet channel (2-2-2), and moisture enters the inside of the hollow fiber membrane tubes (2-2-3) from the outside through the micropores, thereby humidifying the air in the inflow air path (100).

10. A control method for an integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system, based on the integrated cooling and humidifying device for a fuel cell air system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: include: In the air system of the fuel cell system, air is compressed by the air compressor and enters the intercooler (1) from the air inlet (1-1) on the intercooler side. At the same time, coolant enters the intercooler (1) from the coolant inlet (1-3) and exchanges heat with the air in the heat exchange area (1-4) to cool the air. The coolant after heat exchange is discharged from the coolant outlet (1-2). The cooled air enters the humidifier (2) through the connection interface between the intercooler (1) and the humidifier (2). The remaining air after the reaction in the stack is discharged from the stack with moisture, and enters the humidifier (2) through the stack shut-off valve (6), and flows along the path of the stack air path (200); In the humidifying zone (2-2) of the humidifier (2), the water-containing air in the outgoing air path (200) humidifies the air in the incoming air path (100); The air in the stack air path (100) from the intercooler (1) flows through the dry channel (2-2-1), and the high-humidity air in the stack air path (200) from the fuel cell stack flows through the wet channel (2-2-2), thereby humidifying the air in the stack air path (100); The remaining air in the stack air path (200) passes through the humidification zone (2-2), is discharged from the humidifier (2) through the back pressure valve (4), and enters the tail exhaust of the fuel cell system; The humidified air in the stack air path (100) leaves the humidifier (2) through the stack shut-off valve (5) and enters the fuel cell stack to undergo an electrochemical reaction with hydrogen. When the air bypass valve (3) is opened, the air in the stack air path (100) enters the air bypass path (300), enters the humidifier (2) through the bypass valve and the bypass air inlet (2-1), and is mixed with the air in the stack air path (200) that has passed through the humidification area (2-2). The mixed air is discharged through the back pressure valve (4) and enters the tail exhaust of the fuel cell air system; When the humidification bypass valve (7) is opened, after the air is discharged from the air compressor, a portion of the air enters the humidification bypass passage (400) through the humidification bypass valve (7), and finally mixes with the humidified air discharged from the stack shut-off valve (5), and enters the fuel cell stack to undergo an electrochemical reaction with hydrogen; By adjusting the opening of the humidification bypass valve (7), the ratio of the air entering the humidification bypass passage (400) and the air entering the humidification zone (2-2) is controlled, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the humidity of the air entering the stack.

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