Fuel cell hydrogen supply system, fuel cell, and vehicle

CN120613411BActive Publication Date: 2026-10-16BEIQI FOTON MOTOR CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510573076.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-30
Publication Date
2026-10-16
Estimated Expiration
2045-04-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

然而,引射器的成本较高

Benefits of technology

[0016] Therefore, this disclosure, through the design of a first and second chamber with variable volumes and a partition plate, enables the recovery of unreacted hydrogen in the discharge pipe, thereby reducing the cost of the fuel cell hydrogen supply system, simplifying the structure of the fuel cell hydrogen supply system, and improving the stability and reliability of the fuel cell hydrogen supply system.

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell hydrogen supply system, a fuel cell and a vehicle. The fuel cell hydrogen supply system comprises a hydrogen inlet pipe, a discharge pipe and a recovery structure comprising a recovery tank, wherein a partition plate is movably arranged in the recovery tank, the partition plate divides the recovery tank into a first chamber and a second chamber with variable volumes, and the volume of one of the first chamber and the second chamber increases when the volume of the other decreases; and the fuel cell hydrogen supply system is arranged such that when one of the first chamber and the second chamber is in communication with the discharge pipe, the other is in communication with the hydrogen inlet pipe. The fuel cell hydrogen supply system has low cost, simple structure and is stable and reliable.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more specifically, to a fuel cell hydrogen supply system, a fuel cell, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, in fuel cell hydrogen supply systems, a small amount of hydrogen enters the stack and is discharged unreacted. Currently, ejectors are generally used to recover this unreacted hydrogen. However, ejectors are relatively expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a fuel cell hydrogen supply system that is low in cost, simple in structure, and stable and reliable.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides a fuel cell hydrogen supply system, including: a hydrogen inlet pipe; Discharge pipe; and The recovery structure includes a recovery tank, in which a partition plate is movably disposed, dividing the recovery tank into a first chamber and a second chamber with variable volumes, wherein when the volume of one of the first chamber and the second chamber increases, the volume of the other chamber decreases; the fuel cell hydrogen supply system is configured such that when one of the first chamber and the second chamber is connected to the discharge pipe, the other chamber is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe.

[0005] Optionally, the fuel cell hydrogen supply system includes a first mode and a second mode that can be switched between each other. In the first mode, the first chamber is connected to the discharge pipe and the second chamber is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe. In the second mode, the second chamber is connected to the discharge pipe and the first chamber is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe.

[0006] Optionally, the fuel cell hydrogen supply system includes a controller and a first gas pressure sensor. The first gas pressure sensor is installed in the recovery tank and is used to detect the gas pressure in the first chamber or the second chamber. The controller is used to control the fuel cell hydrogen supply system to switch between a first mode and a second mode when the gas pressure value detected by the first gas pressure sensor is greater than a preset gas pressure value.

[0007] Optionally, the separator is movably disposed within the recycling tank.

[0008] Optionally, the recycling structure includes a drive unit for moving the separator plate, and the drive unit is electrically connected to the controller.

[0009] Optionally, the recovery structure includes a first air inlet pipe, a first air outlet pipe, a second air inlet pipe, and a second air outlet pipe; each of the first air inlet pipe, the first air outlet pipe, the second air inlet pipe, and the second air outlet pipe is equipped with a switching valve, and the switching valve is electrically connected to the controller; The first chamber is connected to the exhaust pipe via a first inlet pipe and to the hydrogen inlet pipe via a first outlet pipe; the second chamber is connected to the exhaust pipe via a second inlet pipe and to the hydrogen inlet pipe via a second outlet pipe.

[0010] Optionally, the fuel cell hydrogen supply system further includes a second gas pressure sensor, which is disposed at the outlet of the discharge pipe, and the controller is also electrically connected to the second gas pressure sensor.

[0011] Optionally, the fuel cell hydrogen supply system includes a gas-liquid separator disposed on the discharge pipe, the gas-liquid separator being located upstream of the recovery tank and including a gas-liquid separation membrane having permeable pores, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of hydrogen molecules and smaller than the diameter of nitrogen molecules.

[0012] Based on the above-mentioned solution, this disclosure also provides a fuel cell, including a fuel cell stack and a fuel cell hydrogen supply system as described above, wherein the hydrogen inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the fuel cell stack and the outlet pipe is connected to the outlet of the fuel cell stack.

[0013] Based on the above-described solution, this disclosure also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned fuel cell.

[0014] Through the above technical solution, in the fuel cell hydrogen supply system provided in this disclosure, when the hydrogen inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are connected to the fuel cell stack, hydrogen enters the stack for reaction. A small amount of unreacted hydrogen will remain in the outlet pipe, which can enter the first chamber and / or the second chamber. Since one of the first and second chambers is connected to the outlet pipe while the other is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe, that is, the hydrogen inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are not simultaneously connected to the first chamber or simultaneously connected to the second chamber. Instead, when the first chamber is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe, the second chamber is connected to the outlet pipe, or vice versa.

[0015] When the first chamber is connected to the discharge pipe, hydrogen gas from the discharge pipe enters the first chamber. The partition plate then moves under pressure, increasing the volume of the first chamber and decreasing the volume of the second chamber. This arrangement allows hydrogen gas from the second chamber to enter the hydrogen inlet pipe, thus enabling the recovery of unreacted hydrogen gas from the discharge pipe. Similarly, when the second chamber is connected to the discharge pipe, hydrogen gas from the discharge pipe enters the second chamber. The partition plate then moves under pressure, increasing the volume of the second chamber and decreasing the volume of the first chamber. This arrangement allows hydrogen gas from the first chamber to enter the hydrogen inlet pipe, thus enabling the recovery of unreacted hydrogen gas from the discharge pipe.

[0016] Therefore, this disclosure, through the design of a first and second chamber with variable volumes and a partition plate, enables the recovery of unreacted hydrogen in the discharge pipe, thereby reducing the cost of the fuel cell hydrogen supply system, simplifying the structure of the fuel cell hydrogen supply system, and improving the stability and reliability of the fuel cell hydrogen supply system.

[0017] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fuel cell provided by an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1-Electric stack; 2-Hydrogen inlet pipe; 21-Proportional valve; 22-Third gas pressure sensor; 3-Recovery structure; 31-Recovery tank; 301-First chamber; 302-Second chamber; 32-Separator plate; 321-Seal; 33-First gas inlet pipe; 34-First gas outlet pipe; 35-Second gas inlet pipe; 36-Second gas outlet pipe; 4-Discharge pipe; 41-Outlet; 5-Switch valve; 6-First gas pressure sensor; 7-Second gas pressure sensor; 8-Check valve; 10-Gas-liquid separator; 101-First port; 102-Second port; 103-Gas-liquid separation membrane; 104-Exhaust pipe; 105-Drain pipe; 106-Regulating valve; 107-Discharge pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0021] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the terms "first," "second," etc., used herein are for distinguishing one element from another and do not have sequential or material significance. Furthermore, in the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise explained, the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The above definitions are for explanation and illustration only and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, a fuel cell hydrogen supply system is provided, including: a hydrogen inlet pipe 2; an outlet pipe 4; and a recovery structure 3, including a recovery tank 31. A partition plate 32 is movably disposed in the recovery tank 31, dividing the recovery tank 31 into a first chamber 301 and a second chamber 302 with variable volumes. When the volume of one of the first chamber 301 and the second chamber 302 increases, the volume of the other decreases. The fuel cell hydrogen supply system is configured such that when one of the first chamber 301 and the second chamber 302 is connected to the outlet pipe 4, the other is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2.

[0023] Through the above technical solution, in the fuel cell hydrogen supply system provided in this disclosure, when the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 4 are connected to the fuel cell stack 1, hydrogen enters the stack 1 for reaction. A small amount of unreacted hydrogen will exist in the outlet pipe 4, and the hydrogen in the outlet pipe 4 can enter the first chamber 301 and / or the second chamber 302. Since one of the first chamber 301 and the second chamber 302 is connected to the outlet pipe 4, the other is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2. That is to say, at this time, the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 4 are not simultaneously connected to the first chamber 301 or simultaneously connected to the second chamber 302. Instead, when the first chamber 301 is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2, the second chamber 302 is connected to the outlet pipe 4, or when the first chamber 301 is connected to the outlet pipe 4, the second chamber 302 is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2.

[0024] When the first chamber 301 is connected to the discharge pipe 4, hydrogen gas in the discharge pipe 4 enters the first chamber 301. The partition plate 32 then moves under pressure, increasing the volume of the first chamber 301 and decreasing the volume of the second chamber 302. This arrangement allows hydrogen gas in the second chamber 302 to enter the hydrogen inlet pipe 2, thus enabling the recovery of unreacted hydrogen gas in the discharge pipe 4. Similarly, when the second chamber 302 is connected to the discharge pipe 4, hydrogen gas in the discharge pipe 4 enters the second chamber 302. The partition plate 32 then moves under pressure, increasing the volume of the second chamber 302 and decreasing the volume of the first chamber 301. This arrangement allows hydrogen gas in the first chamber 301 to enter the hydrogen inlet pipe 2, thus enabling the recovery of unreacted hydrogen gas in the discharge pipe 4.

[0025] Therefore, by designing a first chamber 301 and a second chamber 302 with variable volumes and a partition plate 32, this disclosure can achieve the recovery of unreacted hydrogen in the discharge pipe 4, thereby reducing the cost of the fuel cell hydrogen supply system, simplifying the structure of the fuel cell hydrogen supply system, and improving the stability and reliability of the fuel cell hydrogen supply system.

[0026] Furthermore, since the ejectors in related technologies cannot be adapted to both gaseous and liquid hydrogen supply systems due to differences in hydrogen supply pressure, this disclosure replaces the ejector with the aforementioned recovery structure. Because this disclosure recovers hydrogen by increasing the volume of one of the first chamber 301 and the second chamber 302 while decreasing the volume of the other, the difference in hydrogen supply pressure has virtually no impact on the recovery tank. Therefore, the hydrogen supply system of this disclosure can be used as both a gaseous and liquid hydrogen supply system, which improves the versatility of the hydrogen supply system and further reduces its cost.

[0027] In this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, a proportional valve 21 can be installed on the hydrogen inlet pipe 2. After the hydrogen is pressure regulated (reduced) by the proportional valve 21, it enters the fuel cell stack 1 to participate in the reaction, ensuring a safe and stable supply of hydrogen in the fuel cell.

[0028] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell hydrogen supply system may include a first mode and a second mode that can be switched between each other. In the first mode, the first chamber 301 is connected to the exhaust pipe 4 and is not connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 (i.e., disconnected). The second chamber 302 is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 and is not connected to the exhaust pipe 4. In the second mode, the second chamber 302 is connected to the exhaust pipe 4 and is not connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2. The first chamber 301 is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 and is not connected to the exhaust pipe 4. In this way, in the first mode, the volume of the second chamber 302 gradually decreases, so that the hydrogen in the second chamber 302 is gradually recovered into the hydrogen inlet pipe 2. When the volume of the second chamber 302 decreases to a preset volume value, it can switch to the second mode. In the second mode, the volume of the first chamber 301 gradually decreases, so that the hydrogen in the first chamber 301 is gradually recovered into the hydrogen inlet pipe 2. When the volume of the first chamber 301 decreases to a preset volume value, it can switch back to the first mode. This process is repeated, so that the hydrogen in the exhaust pipe 4 can be continuously and continuously recovered into the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 through the recovery tank 31. In this way, the hydrogen supply system of this disclosure can continuously supply hydrogen to the fuel cell stack 1, and can also continuously recover unreacted hydrogen in the fuel cell stack 1. On the one hand, it can improve the hydrogen recovery efficiency. On the other hand, the hydrogen supply and recovery of the hydrogen supply system are carried out simultaneously, which is beneficial to increasing the driving range of vehicles equipped with fuel cells and improving the user experience.

[0029] In some embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, the recovery structure 3 may include a first inlet pipe 33, a first outlet pipe 34, a second inlet pipe 35, and a second outlet pipe 36, each equipped with a switching valve 5. The switching valves 5 can be electrically connected to a controller, allowing the controller to control the opening and closing of each switching valve 5. The first chamber 301 is connected to the discharge pipe 4 via the first inlet pipe 33 and to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 via the first outlet pipe 34. The second chamber 302 is connected to the discharge pipe 4 via the second inlet pipe 35 and to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 via the second outlet pipe 36. Thus, in a first mode, the first inlet pipe 33 and the second outlet pipe 36 are open, while the second inlet pipe 35 and the first outlet pipe 34 are closed; in a second mode, the second inlet pipe 35 and the first outlet pipe 34 are open, while the first inlet pipe 33 and the second outlet pipe 36 are closed. In the above technical solution, the switching valve 5 can be configured as a shut-off valve. Since the first air inlet pipe 33, the first air outlet pipe 34, the second air inlet pipe 35 and the second air outlet pipe 36 are all equipped with the switching valve 5, the first air inlet pipe 33, the first air outlet pipe 34, the second air inlet pipe 35 and the second air outlet pipe 36 can be opened or closed by opening or closing the switching valve 5, which is convenient for operation.

[0030] In this disclosure, in the first mode, since the first inlet pipe 33 and the second outlet pipe 36 are open, and the second inlet pipe 35 and the first outlet pipe 34 are closed, unreacted hydrogen gas discharged from the discharge pipe 4 can enter the first chamber 301 of the recovery tank 31 through the first inlet pipe 33. At this time, as the amount of hydrogen gas in the first chamber 301 increases, the gas pressure in the first chamber 301 increases, causing the partition plate 32 to move towards the second chamber 302, so that the hydrogen gas located in the second chamber 302 of the recovery tank 31 enters the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 through the second outlet pipe 36, and then enters the fuel cell stack 1. Similarly, in the second mode, since the second inlet pipe 35 and the first outlet pipe 34 are open, and the first inlet pipe 33 and the second outlet pipe 36 are closed, the unreacted hydrogen gas discharged from the discharge pipe 4 can enter the second chamber 302 of the recovery tank 31 through the second inlet pipe 35. At this time, as the amount of hydrogen gas in the second chamber 302 increases, the gas pressure in the second chamber 302 increases, causing the partition plate 32 to move towards the first chamber 301, so that the hydrogen gas in the first chamber 301 of the recovery tank 31 can enter the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 through the first outlet pipe 34, and then enter the fuel cell stack 1.

[0031] In this disclosure, the partition plate 32 is movably disposed within the recycling tank 31. Specifically, the partition plate 32 can be movably disposed within the recycling tank 31, or the partition plate 32 can be adjusted in length and rotatably disposed within the recycling tank 31. When the partition plate 32 is adjusted in length and rotatably disposed within the recycling tank 31, one end of the partition plate 32 is rotatably connected to the recycling tank 31, and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the recycling tank 31. During the rotation of the partition plate 32 relative to the recycling tank 31, it will expand and contract, thereby changing the volume of the first chamber 301 and the second chamber 302.

[0032] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, the partition plate 32 is movably disposed in the recovery tank 31. Since the partition plate 32 can move within the recovery tank 31, the size of the first chamber 301 and the second chamber 302 can be adjusted by moving the partition plate 32, which is beneficial for simplifying the structure. In addition, when hydrogen gas is introduced into one of the first chamber 301 and the second chamber 302, while hydrogen gas is not introduced into the other, the partition plate 32 will move towards the direction of the chamber without hydrogen gas, so that the hydrogen gas in the chamber without hydrogen gas can be pressurized and smoothly enter the hydrogen inlet pipe 2, thereby improving the hydrogen recovery efficiency. In addition, the movable partition plate 32 simplifies the complexity of its movement and allows for gradual changes in the volume of the first chamber 301 and the second chamber 302, preventing them from increasing or decreasing in volume instantaneously. This improves the reliability of the recycling tank 31. Furthermore, the movable partition plate 32 facilitates the sealing between the partition plate 32 and the recycling tank 31. Since the movement of the movable partition plate 32 is relatively simple and straightforward, and its movement path is clear and straightforward, it is sufficient to install a seal between the inner wall of the partition plate 32 and the recycling tank 31. This avoids difficulties in dynamic sealing between the partition plate 32 and the recycling tank 31 caused by the complex movement path of the partition plate during rotation.

[0033] In this invention, the partition plate 32 can be moved, for example, by relying solely on the pressure difference between its two sides. When the first chamber 301 is connected to the discharge pipe 4, hydrogen gas from the discharge pipe 4 enters the first chamber, increasing the pressure inside the first chamber 301. Since the second chamber 302 is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 at this time, no hydrogen gas flows into the second chamber 302. Thus, the pressure of the partition plate 32 on the first chamber 301 side is greater than the pressure in the second chamber 302, thereby enabling the partition plate 32 to move towards the second chamber 302. Similarly, when the second chamber 302 is connected to the discharge pipe 4, hydrogen gas from the discharge pipe 4 enters the second chamber 302, increasing the pressure inside the second chamber 302. Since the first chamber 301 is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 at this time, no hydrogen gas flows into the first chamber 301. Thus, the pressure of the partition plate 32 on the second chamber 302 side is greater than the pressure in the first chamber 301, thereby enabling the partition plate 32 to move towards the first chamber 301.

[0034] Of course, the partition 32 can also be connected to the drive unit, for example, see reference. Figure 1 As shown, the recovery structure 3 may include a driving element (not shown) for driving the partition plate 32 to move, for example. Thus, compared to relying solely on the pressure difference between the two sides of the partition plate 32 to achieve movement, this disclosure, through the driving force of the driving element, can, on the one hand, increase the moving speed of the partition plate, and on the other hand, make the partition plate 32 move more stably within the recovery tank 31. Therefore, on the one hand, the hydrogen recovery efficiency is improved, and on the other hand, it facilitates the stable switching between the first and second modes mentioned above. The driving element may be a cylinder, or any other structure capable of driving the partition plate 32 to move within the recovery tank 31; this disclosure does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 As shown, a seal 321 may be provided on the partition plate 32 to provide a seal between the partition plate 32 and the inner wall of the recovery tank 31. The seal 321 may be constructed as an O-ring or any other suitable structure, and this disclosure does not impose any specific limitations on it.

[0036] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 1As shown, the fuel cell hydrogen supply system may include a controller (not shown) and a first gas pressure sensor 6. The first gas pressure sensor 6 is installed in the recovery tank 31 and is used to detect the gas pressure in the first chamber 301 or the second chamber 302. The controller is used to control the fuel cell hydrogen supply system to switch between a first mode and a second mode when the gas pressure value detected by the first gas pressure sensor 6 is greater than a preset gas pressure value. Specifically, in the first mode, the first air pressure sensor 6 can detect the air pressure in the first chamber 301. As the volume of the first chamber 301 increases, the air pressure in the first chamber 301 also increases. When the first air pressure sensor 6 detects that the air pressure value in the first chamber 301 is greater than a preset air pressure value, the controller can switch the first mode to the second mode. In the second mode, the first air pressure sensor 6 can detect the air pressure in the second chamber 302. As the volume of the second chamber 302 increases, the air pressure in the second chamber 302 also increases. When the first air pressure sensor 6 detects that the air pressure value in the second chamber 302 is greater than a preset air pressure value, the controller can switch the second mode back to the first mode. Thus, by utilizing the cooperation between the controller and the first air pressure sensor 6, automatic switching between the first mode and the second mode can be achieved. The specific value of the preset air pressure value is not limited here; this disclosure can be adapted as needed.

[0037] In this disclosure, the first gas pressure sensor 6 can be located at the middle position of the recovery tank 31 or at any other position where the gas pressure inside the recovery tank 31 can be measured. When the partition plate 32 moves to the position where the first gas pressure sensor 6 is located in the first chamber 301, the first gas pressure sensor 6 can detect the gas pressure value of the first chamber 301. Similarly, when the partition plate 32 moves to the position where the first gas pressure sensor 6 is located in the second chamber 302, the first gas pressure sensor 6 can detect the gas pressure value of the second chamber 302. This disclosure does not make a specific limitation in this regard. In addition, the number of first gas pressure sensors 6 can be one, two or more. This disclosure does not make a specific limitation in this regard. For example, one gas pressure sensor 6 can be set in the first chamber 301 and the second chamber 302 respectively, so that the gas pressure values ​​of the first chamber 301 and the second chamber 302 can be detected simultaneously.

[0038] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 1As shown, the fuel cell hydrogen supply system may further include a second gas pressure sensor 7, which is located at the outlet 41 of the discharge pipe 4. The outlet 41 can be connected to the first inlet pipe 33 and the second inlet pipe 35. The controller is also electrically connected to the second gas pressure sensor 7. The second gas pressure sensor 7 is used to detect the pressure of the gas in the discharge pipe 4. By setting it up in this way, the gas pressure detected by the first gas pressure sensor 6 and the pressure detected by the second gas pressure sensor 7 can be compared. When the first gas pressure sensor 6 detects that the gas pressure in the first chamber 301 or the second chamber 302 is the same as the gas pressure at the outlet 41 detected by the second gas pressure sensor 7, that is, when the gas pressure in the first chamber 301 or the second chamber 302 is the same as the gas pressure in the discharge pipe 4, the detected pressure values ​​of the first gas pressure sensor 6 and the second gas pressure sensor 7 are both preset gas pressure values. At this time, the controller switches between the first mode and the second mode. In this way, the second gas pressure sensor 7 can be used for calibration and comparison with the first gas pressure sensor 6 to improve the reliability and stability of the switching between the first mode and the second mode.

[0039] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, both the first intake pipe 33 and the second intake pipe 35 can be equipped with a one-way valve 8. The one-way valve 8 is used to allow gas in the discharge pipe 4 to enter the first chamber 301 or the second chamber 302. In the above technical solution, when the gas in the discharge pipe 4 moves towards the first chamber 301 or the second chamber 302, the one-way valve 8 automatically opens, allowing the gas to enter the first chamber 301 or the second chamber 302; and when the gas in the first chamber 301 or the second chamber 302 moves towards the discharge pipe 4, the one-way valve 8 closes, effectively preventing the gas from flowing in the opposite direction. Here, "in the opposite direction" refers to the direction from the first chamber 301 or the second chamber 302 of the recovery tank to the discharge pipe 4.

[0040] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell hydrogen supply system may include a gas-liquid separator 10. The gas-liquid separator 10 includes a first port 101 and a second port 102. The first port 101 is connected to the discharge pipe 4, and the second port 102 is connected to the first air inlet pipe 33 and the second air inlet pipe 35. The gas-liquid separator 10 is provided to separate liquid water from unreacted hydrogen, preventing liquid water from entering the fuel cell stack 1 and ensuring the normal operation of the fuel cell system.

[0041] Since nitrogen gas permeating from the cathode side to the anode side of fuel cell stack 1 gradually accumulates at the anode and is also discharged from the anode outlet 41 (i.e., outlet 41 of discharge pipe 4), it is necessary to separate the nitrogen gas from the unreacted hydrogen gas. Based on this, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, referring to... Figure 1As shown, the gas-liquid separator 10 may include a gas-liquid separation membrane 103. The gas-liquid separation membrane 103 has pores with a diameter larger than the diameter of hydrogen molecules and smaller than the diameter of nitrogen molecules. The gas-liquid separation membrane 103 may be located near the top of the gas-liquid separator 10. The gas-liquid separation membrane 103 may be made of polyimide, silicone rubber, or polysiloxane. This allows the gas-liquid separation membrane 103 to prevent nitrogen from passing through while ensuring the smooth passage of hydrogen, thereby separating nitrogen and improving the utilization rate of hydrogen.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the gas-liquid separator 10 may also include a third port and a fourth port. An exhaust pipe 104 may be provided at the third port, and a drain pipe 105 may be provided at the fourth port. Both the exhaust pipe 104 and the drain pipe 105 may be equipped with regulating valves 106. The fourth port is located at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 10, and the third port is located above the fourth port. With this arrangement, after the hydrogen gas discharged from the exhaust pipe 4 enters the gas-liquid separator 10, liquid water accumulates at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 10. The liquid water can be discharged by opening the regulating valve 106. As the gas diffuses upward, the nitrogen gas will move upward. When the nitrogen gas reaches the gas-liquid separation membrane 103, it is blocked. At this time, the nitrogen gas can be discharged by opening the regulating valve 106 at the exhaust pipe 104.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 As shown, a third gas pressure sensor 22 is provided on the hydrogen inlet pipe 2. The third gas pressure sensor 22 is arranged between the proportional valve 21 and the fuel cell stack 1 along the axial direction of the hydrogen inlet pipe 2, so as to detect the pressure of the gas in the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 after being regulated by the proportional valve 21, so as to more accurately regulate the pressure of hydrogen in the hydrogen inlet pipe 2.

[0044] In some embodiments, the aforementioned fuel cell hydrogen supply system may also have an initial mode and a third mode. In the initial mode, the first chamber 301 is not connected to either the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 or the outlet pipe 4, and the second chamber 302 is not connected to either the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 or the outlet pipe 4. In the third mode, the first chamber 301 is connected to the outlet pipe 4 but not to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2, and the second chamber 302 is connected to the outlet pipe 4 but not to the hydrogen inlet pipe 2.

[0045] Based on the above-described scheme, this disclosure also provides a fuel cell, including a fuel cell stack 1 and a fuel cell hydrogen supply system as described above. The hydrogen inlet pipe 2 can be connected to the inlet of the fuel cell stack 1, and the outlet pipe 4 can be connected to the outlet of the fuel cell stack 1. Thus, hydrogen gas can enter the fuel cell stack 1 through the hydrogen inlet pipe 2 for reaction, and the reacted substances can be discharged through the outlet pipe 4. This fuel cell possesses all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned fuel cell hydrogen supply system, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0046] Based on the above-described solution, this disclosure also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned fuel cell. The vehicle provided by this disclosure also possesses the aforementioned characteristics, and to avoid repetition, will not be described further here.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the working principle of the fuel cell hydrogen supply system of this disclosure is detailed below: First, the hydrogen supply system is in initial mode. By opening the switch valve 5 on the hydrogen inlet pipe 2, gaseous hydrogen or vaporized liquid hydrogen enters the hydrogen inlet pipe 2. After the pressure is regulated by the proportional valve 21, it enters the fuel cell stack 1. Unreacted hydrogen (containing a small amount of nitrogen) in the fuel cell stack 1 is discharged through the exhaust pipe 4 and enters the gas-liquid separator 10 to separate hydrogen, nitrogen, and liquid water. Then, the hydrogen supply system is switched to third mode. By opening the switch valves 5 on the first air inlet pipe 33 and the second air inlet pipe 35, the hydrogen separated by the gas-liquid separator 10 passes through the first air inlet pipe 33 and the second air inlet pipe 35. The hydrogen enters the recovery tank 31 (i.e., recovery structure 3). Specifically, the hydrogen separated by the gas-liquid separator 10 enters the first chamber 301 through the first inlet pipe 33, and the hydrogen separated by the gas-liquid separator 10 enters the second chamber 302 through the second inlet pipe 35. As the reaction in the fuel cell stack 1 continues, the recovery tank 31 is gradually filled with hydrogen. At this time, the gas pressure in the first chamber 301 and the second chamber 302 is basically equal, and the partition plate is positioned to divide the recovery tank 31 equally, that is, in the middle of the recovery tank 31. At this time, the pressure value of the first gas pressure sensor 6 reaches the start-up pressure value. When the pressure value of the first gas pressure sensor 6 reaches the start-up pressure value, the controller controls the partition plate 32 to move via the drive component, switching the hydrogen supply system to the first mode. The first gas pressure sensor detects the gas pressure value of the first chamber 301, and the hydrogen in the second chamber 302 is recycled into the hydrogen inlet pipe 2. When the gas pressure value detected by the first gas pressure sensor 6 is the preset pressure value, the controller controls the partition plate 32 to move in the reverse direction via the drive component, switching the hydrogen supply system to the second mode. The first gas pressure sensor detects the gas pressure value of the second chamber 302, and the hydrogen in the first chamber 301 is recycled into the hydrogen inlet pipe 2. When the gas pressure value detected by the first gas pressure sensor 6 is the preset pressure value, the hydrogen supply system switches back to the first mode. This process is repeated to achieve continuous switching between the first and second modes.

[0048] The starting pressure and preset pressure values ​​can be set according to actual needs. The minimum volume of both chamber 301 and chamber 302 can be zero; this disclosure does not impose any restrictions on this. The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0049] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0050] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A fuel cell hydrogen supply system, characterized in that, include: Hydrogen inlet pipe; Discharge pipe; as well as The recovery structure includes a recovery tank, in which a partition plate is movably disposed, dividing the recovery tank into a first chamber and a second chamber with variable volumes, wherein when the volume of one of the first chamber and the second chamber increases, the volume of the other chamber decreases; the fuel cell hydrogen supply system is configured such that when one of the first chamber and the second chamber is connected to the discharge pipe, the other chamber is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe; The fuel cell hydrogen supply system includes a first mode and a second mode that can be switched between each other. In the first mode, the first chamber is connected to the exhaust pipe, and the second chamber is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe. In the second mode, the second chamber is connected to the exhaust pipe, and the first chamber is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe. The fuel cell hydrogen supply system includes a controller and a first gas pressure sensor. The first gas pressure sensor is installed in the recovery tank and is used to detect the gas pressure in the first chamber or the second chamber. The controller is used to control the fuel cell hydrogen supply system to switch between a first mode and a second mode when the gas pressure value detected by the first gas pressure sensor is greater than a preset gas pressure value. The recovery structure includes a first air inlet pipe, a first air outlet pipe, a second air inlet pipe, and a second air outlet pipe; each of the first air inlet pipe, the first air outlet pipe, the second air inlet pipe, and the second air outlet pipe is equipped with a switching valve, and the switching valve is electrically connected to the controller; The first chamber is connected to the exhaust pipe via a first inlet pipe and to the hydrogen inlet pipe via a first outlet pipe; the second chamber is connected to the exhaust pipe via a second inlet pipe and to the hydrogen inlet pipe via a second outlet pipe.

2. The fuel cell hydrogen supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separator is movably disposed within the recycling tank.

3. The fuel cell hydrogen supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The recycling structure includes a drive unit for moving the separator plate, and the drive unit is electrically connected to the controller.

4. The fuel cell hydrogen supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel cell hydrogen supply system also includes a second gas pressure sensor, which is located at the outlet of the discharge pipe, and the controller is also electrically connected to the second gas pressure sensor.

5. The fuel cell hydrogen supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel cell hydrogen supply system includes a gas-liquid separator disposed on the discharge pipe, the gas-liquid separator being located upstream of the recovery tank and including a gas-liquid separation membrane having permeable pores, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of hydrogen molecules and smaller than the diameter of nitrogen molecules.

6. A fuel cell, characterized in that, The system includes a fuel cell stack and a fuel cell hydrogen supply system according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the hydrogen inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the fuel cell stack and the outlet pipe is connected to the outlet of the fuel cell stack.

7. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the fuel cell described in claim 6.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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