Water-cooled steam-water separator of fuel cell

Abstract

The invention discloses a water-cooled steam-water separator for a fuel cell, and relates to the technical field of fuel cell equipment, the water-cooled steam-water separator comprises a condensing box arranged at an anode inlet of the fuel cell, a cooling assembly for cooling mixed gas is arranged in the condensing box, and a gas inlet for the mixed gas to enter is formed in the condensing box; and a gas outlet for mixed gas to flow out is formed in the condensing box. Mixed gas enters the condensing box through the gas inlet, the cooling assembly in the condensing box condenses the mixed gas in the condensing box, so that the mixed gas is subjected to water-vapor separation during cooling, and the condensed mixed gas is discharged from the condensing box through the gas outlet and enters an anode of a fuel cell stack for working. And the water vapor content in the mixed gas entering the anode of the fuel cell stack is reduced, so that the efficiency of the fuel cell is higher, and the practicability is higher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to a water-cooled steam-water separator for a fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the most promising and popular fuel cell technologies. It has many advantages such as no pollution, high energy conversion rate, short charging time, low operating temperature and low noise. It is widely used in many fields such as vehicles and cogeneration.

[0003] Hydrothermal management of fuel cells has always been a key issue in this field. During operation, it is particularly necessary to control the humidity and liquid water volume at the anode inlet to ensure reasonable humidification inside the fuel cell while reducing the risk of flooding.

[0004] For example, the announcement number CN113471502B disclosed a fuel cell stack on May 3, 2022, including a cooling fan and multiple air-cooled fuel cell units connected in series and composed of stacked bipolar plates, membrane electrodes and sealing rings; the bipolar plates are square or semicircular, and the hydrogen inlet and hydrogen outlet are arranged at both ends of the same side of the outside of the corresponding bipolar plates or one end of the outside diameter; on the anode side of the bipolar plate, the sealing ring is arranged along the edge of the bipolar plate, the hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet, and the anode flow channel is arranged in the area surrounded by the anode side sealing ring, which is a parallel serpentine flow channel; on the cathode side of the bipolar plate, the sealing rings are respectively arranged along the edges of the hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet, and the cathode flow channel is arranged in the area of ​​the anode flow channel corresponding to the cathode side, and is composed of the gap between the array-arranged protrusions; the cooling fan is arranged between the hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet. When the mixed gas of the above disclosed fuel cell pair enters the cell stack through the anode, the water vapor in the mixed gas cannot be fully filtered out, thereby making the working efficiency of the cell stack lower. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a water-cooled water separator for fuel cells that reduces the water vapor content of mixed gases. This system uses a cooling assembly within a condenser tank to condense the mixed gas entering the condenser tank, thereby reducing the water vapor content of the mixed gas entering the anode of the fuel cell stack, thereby increasing fuel cell efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problems is: a water-cooled steam-water separator for a fuel cell, comprising a condenser box arranged at the anode inlet of the fuel cell, a cooling assembly for cooling the mixed gas provided in the condenser box, a gas inlet for the mixed gas to enter, and a gas outlet for the mixed gas to flow out.

[0007] The cooling assembly includes a water-cooling plate arranged in the condensation box, a water-cooling pipeline is provided on the water-cooling plate, one end of the water-cooling plate extends outside the condensation box, and the end of the water-cooling plate extending outside the condensation box is provided with a water-cooling inlet and a water-cooling outlet connected to the water-cooling pipeline.

[0008] An inlet fan is provided at the gas inlet to allow gas to enter, and an outlet fan is provided at the gas outlet.

[0009] A swirl plate is provided at the gas inlet.

[0010] The water cooling pipeline is wavy on the water cooling plate, and the water cooling plate is a closed plate.

[0011] The gas inlet and the gas outlet are respectively arranged on both sides of the water cooling plate. The axial direction of the gas inlet is perpendicular to the water cooling plate, and the axial direction of the gas outlet is perpendicular to the water cooling plate.

[0012] The airflow generated by the inlet fan and the outlet fan moves in a direction perpendicular to the water cooling plate, and the inlet fan and the outlet fan are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the water cooling plate.

[0013] The water cooling plate is arranged in the condensation box, and the width of the water cooling plate is the same as the width of the inner wall of the condensation box. A distance is set between the water cooling plate and the bottom wall of the condensation box.

[0014] A drain port is provided on the bottom wall of the condensation tank.

[0015] The height of the gas inlet in the condensation box is lower than the height of the gas outlet. The inlet fan is located above the gas inlet, and the outlet fan is arranged below the gas outlet.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0017] The mixed gas enters the condenser through the gas inlet. The cooling assembly in the condenser condenses the mixed gas in the condenser, thereby separating water vapor from the mixed gas during cooling. The condensed mixed gas is discharged from the condenser through the gas outlet and enters the anode of the fuel cell stack for operation, thereby reducing the water vapor content in the mixed gas entering the anode of the fuel cell stack, thereby making the fuel cell more efficient and more practical.

[0018] Cooling water enters the water cooling pipe through the water cooling inlet and is discharged through the water cooling outlet. The mixed gas in the condensation box collides with the water cooling plate, and the water vapor in the mixed gas condenses on the water cooling plate. The condensed water vapor accumulates into water droplets, which flow from the water cooling plate and fall into the condensation box, thereby reducing the water vapor content in the mixed gas.

[0019] An inlet fan is provided at the gas inlet. The low pressure caused by the rotation of the inlet fan is attracted and blown toward the components by the inlet fan. Due to the addition of the inlet fan, the cross-sectional area and the impact speed of the gas hitting the water-cooled plate are greatly increased, thereby increasing the water separation efficiency. An outlet fan is provided at the gas outlet. The mixed gas bypasses the water-cooled plate and flows toward the gas outlet. A part of the mixed gas is attracted by the low pressure caused by the rotation of the outlet fan and is blown toward the water-cooled plate by the outlet fan. Due to the addition of the outlet fan, the cross-sectional area and the impact speed of the gas hitting the water-cooled plate are greatly increased, thereby further increasing the water separation efficiency.

[0020] A swirl plate is provided at the gas inlet. The mixed gas enters the condensation box through the gas inlet, passes through and hits the inlet swirl plate first, and a part of the liquid droplets adhere to the surface of the inlet swirl plate to form a liquid film, thereby isolating the liquid water. The remaining gas is pushed forward and hits the water cooling plate. Due to the addition of the water cooling pipeline, the temperature of the mixed gas that hits and passes through the water cooling plate is reduced, so that a part of the gaseous water condenses into droplets, thereby increasing the droplets adhering to the wall and improving the water separation efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the water-cooled steam-water separator of the fuel cell of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 side view.

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the gas flow at the gas inlet when the water-cooled steam-water separator of the fuel cell is working.

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the gas flow at the gas outlet of the fuel cell water-cooled steam-water separator when it is working.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings: 100-condensation box, 1-water cooling inlet, 2-water cooling outlet, 3-gas inlet, 4-drain outlet, 5-gas outlet, 6-water cooling pipeline, 7-inner wall, 8-water cooling plate, 9-inlet swirl plate, 10-inlet fan, 11-outlet fan, 12-nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0027] The specific implementation of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0028] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the water-cooled steam-water separator of the fuel cell includes a condenser box 100 arranged at the anode inlet of the fuel cell. The condenser box 100 is provided with a cooling component for cooling the mixed gas. The condenser box 100 is provided with a gas inlet 3 for the mixed gas to enter, and a gas outlet 5 for the mixed gas to flow out. Specifically, the condenser box 100 is a box body of any shape, such as a square or cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, both the gas inlet 3 and the gas outlet 5 are provided. The entire condenser box 100 is a square box body. The condenser box 100 is provided with an inner wall 7. After the cooling component cools the gas entering the condenser box 100, water vapor accumulates into a liquid film on the inner wall 7 until water droplets are formed on the inner wall 7 and fall on the lower part of the condenser box 100.

[0029] When in use, the entire device is installed between the fuel cell mixed gas and the anode. The mixed gas enters the condensation box 100 through the gas inlet 3. The cooling component in the condensation box 100 condenses the mixed gas in the condensation box 100, so that the mixed gas is separated from water vapor during cooling. The condensed mixed gas is discharged from the condensation box 100 through the gas outlet 5 and enters the anode of the fuel cell stack to work, thereby reducing the water vapor content in the mixed gas entering the anode of the fuel cell stack, thereby making the fuel cell more efficient and more practical.

[0030] The cooling assembly includes a water-cooled plate 8 arranged in the condenser box 100, and a water-cooled pipe 6 is provided on the water-cooled plate 8. One end of the water-cooled plate 8 extends outside the condenser box 100. The end of the water-cooled plate 8 extending outside the condenser box 100 is provided with a water-cooled inlet 1 and a water-cooled outlet 2 connected to the water-cooled pipe 6. Cooling water enters the water-cooled pipe 6 through the water-cooled inlet 1 and is discharged through the water-cooled outlet 2. The mixed gas entering the condenser box 100 collides with the water-cooled plate 8, and the water vapor in the mixed gas is condensed on the water-cooled plate 8. The condensed water vapor accumulates into water droplets, which flow from the water-cooled plate 8 and fall into the condenser box 100, thereby reducing the water vapor content in the mixed gas and realizing the gas-water separation of the mixed gas. Specifically, the water-cooled plate 8 and the condenser box 100 are connected by bolts, so as to facilitate the convenient disassembly and assembly of the water-cooled plate 8 in the condenser box 100. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the water-cooled plate 8 and the condenser box 100 are directly welded to achieve stable installation of the water-cooled plate 8 in the condenser box 100.

[0031] Specifically, the condenser 100 is connected to an external cooling water source, and the cooling water is transported to the water cooling pipe 6 through the water cooling inlet 1 through the pressurized work of the water pump. The cooling water flows in the cooling pipe 6 until the cooling water is discharged from the water cooling outlet 2, thereby realizing the cooling of the water-cooled plate 8.

[0032] An inlet fan 10 is provided at the gas inlet 3. The low-pressure attraction caused by the rotation of the inlet fan 10 is blown toward the component by the inlet fan 10. Due to the addition of the inlet fan 10, the cross-sectional area and the impact speed of the gas hitting the water-cooled plate 8 are greatly increased, thereby increasing the water separation efficiency. An outlet fan 11 is provided at the gas outlet 5. The mixed gas bypasses the water-cooled plate 8 and flows toward the gas outlet 5. A part of it is attracted by the low-pressure attraction caused by the rotation of the outlet fan 11 and is blown toward the water-cooled plate 8 by the outlet fan 11. Due to the addition of the outlet fan 11, the cross-sectional area and the impact speed of the gas hitting the water-cooled plate are greatly increased, thereby further increasing the water separation efficiency.

[0033] A swirl plate 9 is provided at the gas inlet 3. The mixed gas enters the condensation box 10 through the gas inlet 3, passes through and hits the inlet swirl plate 9 first, and a part of the liquid droplets adhere to the surface of the inlet swirl plate 9 to form a liquid film, thereby isolating the liquid water. A part of the remaining gas is pushed forward and hits the water-cooled plate 8. Due to the addition of the water-cooling pipeline 6, the temperature of the mixed gas hitting and passing through the water-cooled plate is reduced, so that a part of the gaseous water condenses into droplets, thereby increasing the droplets adhering to the wall surface, thereby improving the water separation efficiency.

[0034] The water-cooling pipe 6 is wavy in the water-cooling plate 8, thereby increasing the flow time of the cooling water in the water-cooling pipe 6, thereby increasing the condensation efficiency of the cooling water. Specifically, the water-cooling plate 8 is a closed plate, thereby ensuring that the mixed gas contacts the surface of the water-cooling plate 8, thereby ensuring that the mixed gas is stably condensed.

[0035] The gas inlet 3 and the gas outlet 5 are respectively arranged on both sides of the water-cooled plate 8, so as to ensure that the gas entering the condensation box 100 through the gas inlet 3 contacts the water-cooled plate 8 to the maximum extent, thereby ensuring that the mixed gas is fully in contact with the water-cooled plate 8 for condensation. The axial gas flow direction of the gas inlet 3 is perpendicular to the water-cooled plate 8, so as to ensure that when the mixed gas enters the condensation box 100, the mixed gas directly collides with the water-cooled plate 8 for condensation, thereby increasing the condensation efficiency. The axial direction of the gas outlet 5 is perpendicular to the water-cooled plate 8, so that the condensed mixed gas is quickly discharged from the condensation box 100 after condensation, preventing the mixed gas from being contaminated by condensed water again in the condensation box 100.

[0036] The airflow generated by the inlet fan 10 and the outlet fan 11 moves in a direction perpendicular to the water-cooled plate 8, thereby ensuring that the inlet fan 10 and the outlet fan 1 drive the mixed gas and contact the water-cooled plate 8 for condensation. The inlet fan 10 and the outlet fan 11 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the water-cooled plate 8, thereby ensuring the stable flow of gas on both sides of the water-cooled plate 8. In this embodiment, four inlet fans 10 and four outlet fans 11 are provided, and the inlet fans 10 and the outlet fans 11 are distributed in a rectangular shape.

[0037] The water-cooling plate 8 is arranged in the condensation box 100, and the width of the water-cooling plate 8 is the same as the width of the inner wall of the condensation box 100. There is a distance between the water-cooling plate 8 and the bottom wall of the condensation box 100, so as to ensure that the gas can only move from the inlet to the outlet from the lower side of the water-cooling plate 8, thereby ensuring that the mixed gas can stably contact the water-cooling plate 8 to achieve condensation.

[0038] A drain port 4 is provided on the bottom wall of the condensation box 100. Gaseous water condenses into liquid droplets, which adhere to the wall surface of the water-cooled plate 8. As the thickness of the liquid film increases, the liquid droplets flow down the wall surface under the action of gravity and flow out from the drain port 4. The water falling into the condensation box 100 is discharged through the drain port 4 to prevent the accumulation of condensed water from causing secondary pollution to the mixed gas. Specifically, a slope can also be provided on the bottom wall of the condensation box 100, and the drain port 4 is provided at the lowest point of the slope, so as to realize the rapid discharge of condensed water.

[0039] Reference Figure 3 and 4 The height of the gas inlet 3 in the condensation box 100 is lower than the height of the gas outlet 5, which increases the time the gas stays in the condensation box 100, thereby increasing the condensation effect of the mixed gas. The inlet fan 10 is located above the gas inlet 3, so that the mixed gas moves upward under the action of the swirl plate 9, and is blown into contact with the water-cooled plate 8 by the inlet fan 10 for condensation. The outlet fan 11 is set below the gas outlet 5, so that before the mixed gas flows out, the outlet fan 11 ensures that the mixed gas is blown onto the water-cooled plate 8 for condensation.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 and 4 Furthermore, a nozzle 12 is provided at the gas inlet 3. By providing the nozzle 12, the fluid entering the gas inlet 3 is accelerated, thereby ensuring that the mixed gas passing through the gas inlet 3 is accelerated to hit the wall surface, thereby ensuring that the mixed gas quickly contacts the wall surface of the water-cooled plate 8, thereby increasing the water separation efficiency of the gas.

[0041] In summary, when the present invention is in use, external cooling water is pressurized by a water pump and enters the water-cooling pipeline 6 through the water-cooling inlet 1. The cooling water flows in the cooling pipeline 6 of the water-cooling plate 8. The water-cooling plate 8 condenses the gas in the condensation box 100. The condensed cooling water flows out of the water-cooling plate 8 through the water-cooling outlet 2 of the cooling pipeline 6. The cooling water then circulates in the cooling pipeline 6 of the water-cooling plate 8, thereby cooling the mixed gas. The mixed gas containing water vapor enters the gas inlet 3 of the condensation box 100 through the nozzle 12.

[0042] The nozzle 12 is provided to accelerate the gas entering the gas inlet 3. When the gas enters the condensation box 100 through the gas inlet 3, the gas passes through and hits the inlet swirl plate 9. Some liquid droplets adhere to the surface of the inlet swirl plate 9 to form a liquid film, thereby isolating the liquid water. The remaining gas is partially pushed forward and hits the water-cooled plate 8.

[0043] Cooling water flows in the cooling pipe 6 on the water-cooled plate 8. When the mixed gas collides with the water-cooled plate 8, the cooling water in the cooling pipe 6 absorbs the heat of the water vapor in the mixed gas, and the water vapor then cools the water-cooled plate 8. The condensed water accumulates on the water-cooled plate 8 into water droplets. Due to the action of gravity, the condensed water droplets fall to the lower part of the condensation box 100.

[0044] When the mixed gas is on one side of the gas inlet 3 of the water-cooled plate 8, the low pressure caused by the rotation of the inlet fan 10 attracts the gas and the gas is blown toward the components by the inlet fan 10. The addition of the inlet fan 10 greatly increases the cross-sectional area and impact speed of the gas hitting the water-cooled plate.

[0045] The mixed gas bypasses the water-cooled plate 8 and flows toward the gas outlet 5. A portion of the mixed gas is attracted by the low pressure caused by the rotation of the outlet fan 11 and is blown toward the water-cooled plate 8 by the outlet fan 11. The outlet fan 11 increases the cross-sectional area and impact speed of the gas hitting the water-cooled plate.

[0046] The condensed gas is discharged from the condensation box 100 through the gas outlet 5, and the water falling in the condensation box 100 flows out through the drain port 4, thereby preventing the accumulation of condensed water from causing secondary pollution to the mixed gas.

[0047] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water-cooled steam-water separator for a fuel cell, characterized in that: The invention comprises a condensation box (100) arranged at the anode inlet of a fuel cell, wherein a cooling assembly for cooling a mixed gas is provided in the condensation box (100), a gas inlet (3) for the mixed gas to enter is provided on the condensation box (100), and a gas outlet (5) for the mixed gas to flow out is provided on the condensation box (100).

2. The fuel cell water-cooled steam-water separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling assembly comprises a water-cooling plate (8) arranged in a condensing box (100), a water-cooling pipeline (6) being provided on the water-cooling plate (8), one end of the water-cooling plate (8) extending outside the condensing box (100), and a water-cooling inlet (1) and a water-cooling outlet (2) being connected to the water-cooling pipeline (6) being provided on the end of the water-cooling plate (8) extending outside the condensing box (100).

3. The fuel cell water-cooled steam-water separator according to claim 2, characterized in that: An inlet fan (10) is provided at the gas inlet (3), and an outlet fan (11) is provided at the gas outlet (5).

4. The water-cooled steam-water separator for fuel cells according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A swirl plate (9) is provided at the gas inlet (3).

5. The water-cooled steam-water separator for fuel cells according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water cooling pipeline (6) is wavy on the water cooling plate (8), and the water cooling plate (8) is a closed plate.

6. The water-cooled steam-water separator for fuel cells according to claim 4, characterized in that: The gas inlet (3) and the gas outlet (5) are respectively arranged on both sides of the water-cooling plate (8), the axial direction of the gas inlet (3) is perpendicular to the water-cooling plate (8), and the axial direction of the gas outlet (5) is perpendicular to the water-cooling plate (8).

7. The water-cooled steam-water separator for fuel cells according to claim 6, characterized in that: The airflow movement direction generated by the inlet fan (10) and the outlet fan (11) is perpendicular to the water cooling plate (8), and the inlet fan (10) and the outlet fan (11) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the water cooling plate (8).

8. The water-cooled steam-water separator for fuel cells according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water-cooling plate (8) is arranged in the condensation box (100), and the width of the water-cooling plate (8) is the same as the width of the inner wall of the condensation box (100), and the water-cooling plate (8) is connected to the bottom wall of the condensation box (100).

9. The water-cooled steam-water separator for fuel cells according to claim 8, characterized in that: A drain port (4) is provided on the bottom wall of the condensation box (100).

10. The water-cooled steam-water separator for fuel cells according to claim 9, characterized in that: The height of the gas inlet (3) in the condensation box (100) is lower than the height of the gas outlet (5), the inlet fan (10) is located above the gas inlet (3), and the outlet fan (11) is arranged below the gas outlet (5).

Images