Humidification device and fuel cell system

Abstract

The present application proposes a humidification device for a fuel cell system, comprising: a tube member configured for connection on a cathode supply line for supplying air to a stack, and comprising a tube wall defining a flow channel for air and an orifice extending through the tube wall; and an ultrasonic atomizer disposed at the orifice of the tube member and configured to introduce water into the flow channel via the orifice by atomizing water from outside of the tube member when activated. The invention further provides a fuel cell system comprising the humidifying device. According to the humidification device, the relative humidity of air entering the cathode can be accurately controlled, so that the water content in the electric pile of the fuel cell system is accurately maintained at an expected level, and reliable and efficient operation of the fuel cell system is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a humidifying device for a fuel cell system and a fuel cell system including the humidifying device. Background Art

[0002] Fuel cell systems, which generate electricity through the electrochemical reaction of a fuel and an oxidant, are increasingly being used to provide electricity. A widely used fuel cell system is the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system, which uses hydrogen as fuel and oxygen as an oxidant. During PEMFC operation, hydrogen and air are supplied to the anode and cathode of the PEMFC stack, respectively. Hydrogen molecules entering the anode are adsorbed by a catalyst and ionized into hydrogen ions and electrons. The hydrogen ions are transferred to the cathode via the proton exchange membrane, while the electrons flow to the cathode through an external circuit to form an electric current. Oxygen in the air combines with the hydrogen ions and electrons at the cathode to form water molecules.

[0003] Maintaining an appropriate moisture content on the proton exchange membrane (PEM) is crucial for PEMFCs, as it directly impacts membrane performance. Only with an appropriate moisture content can good proton conductivity be ensured. By adjusting the relative humidity of the air entering the cathode, the moisture content in the stack can be controlled to maintain an appropriate moisture content on the proton exchange membrane, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of the fuel cell system. Therefore, precise control of the relative humidity of the air entering the cathode is desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a humidifying device for a fuel cell system to accurately control the relative humidity of the air entering the cathode.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present application, a humidification device for a fuel cell system is proposed, comprising: a pipe member configured to be connected to a cathode air supply line of the fuel cell system for supplying air to a fuel cell stack, and comprising a pipe wall defining a flow channel for air and an orifice extending through the pipe wall; and an ultrasonic atomizer, the ultrasonic atomizer being arranged at the orifice of the pipe member and being configured to, when started, introduce the water into the flow channel through the orifice by atomizing the water from the outside of the pipe member.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present application, a fuel cell system is proposed, which includes: a fuel cell stack; a cathode gas supply line configured to supply air to the fuel cell stack; and the aforementioned humidifying device, the pipe member of the humidifying device is connected to the cathode gas supply line, and the ultrasonic atomizer of the humidifying device is used to humidify the air.

[0007] The humidifying device according to the present application enables precise control of the relative humidity of the air entering the cathode, so as to precisely maintain the water content in the fuel cell stack at a desired level, thereby ensuring reliable and efficient operation of the fuel cell system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The above and other aspects of the present application will be more thoroughly understood and appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. In different drawings, the same components are represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, for the sake of brevity, not all components or parts of the fuel cell system according to the present application are shown or labeled in the drawings. It should be understood that the dimensions, proportional relationships and number of components of the components or parts in the drawings are not intended to limit the present application. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a fuel cell system including a humidifying device according to a first embodiment of the present application;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a humidifying device is shown;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another perspective view of the humidifying device shown;

[0012] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line II of FIG. 1 , which shows the internal structure of the humidifying device;

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A front view of an example of an ultrasonic atomizer of a humidification device is shown;

[0014] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II;

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An exploded view of an ultrasonic atomizer of the humidification device is shown;

[0016] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a fuel cell system including a humidifying device according to a second embodiment of the present application; and

[0017] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a fuel cell system including a humidifying device according to a third embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Some embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, a PEMFC system is used as an example to facilitate description of the fuel cell system and humidification device according to the present application. It should be understood that this example does not limit the present application in any way, and the humidification device according to the present application can also be used in other types of fuel cell systems or electrochemical cell systems. Furthermore, the various features of the various embodiments of the present application may be combined with each other where no conflict exists.

[0019] Figure 1 A fuel cell system SY1 including a humidifier 100 according to a first embodiment of the present application is schematically illustrated. Fuel cell system SY1 may be a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system, which uses hydrogen as fuel and oxygen as an oxidant, generating electricity through an electrochemical reaction between the fuel and the oxidant. For example, fuel cell system SY1 may be used in a vehicle to provide electricity, thereby driving the vehicle's motor to provide power or enabling onboard systems to perform various functions.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell system SY1 includes a fuel cell stack 1 and an auxiliary system (as will be described in detail below). The fuel cell stack 1 is used to convert the chemical energy in the fuel and the oxidant into electrical energy, and the auxiliary system provides the fuel cell stack 1 with the operating conditions required for the reaction. The fuel cell stack 1 may include an anode, a cathode and a cooling chamber (none of which are specifically shown). The auxiliary system may include an air subsystem 10, a fuel subsystem 20 and a thermal management subsystem 30. The air subsystem 10, the fuel subsystem 20 and the thermal management subsystem 30 may be configured to introduce fuel, air and coolant into the anode, cathode and cooling chamber of the fuel cell stack 1, respectively, thereby providing stable operating conditions for the fuel cell stack 1. In addition, the air subsystem 10, the fuel subsystem 20 and the thermal management subsystem 30 may respectively receive the anode exhaust (also referred to as "anode exhaust"), the cathode exhaust (also referred to as "cathode exhaust") and the coolant that has undergone heat exchange from the fuel cell stack 1. Figure 1 In the figure, the pipelines of each subsystem are represented by solid lines, and the flow directions of the fluids (fuel, oxidant and coolant) in the pipelines are represented by arrows on the solid lines.

[0021] The air subsystem 10 can be used to supply air (in this embodiment, oxygen in the air is used as an oxidant) to the cathode inlet 1a of the cathode of the fuel cell stack 1, and receive cathode exhaust (which generally may include unconsumed oxygen, invalid gas and product water) from the cathode outlet 1b of the cathode.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, the air subsystem 10 includes a cathode gas supply line 10a for supplying air to the fuel cell stack 1 and an air compressor 11 provided on the cathode gas supply line 10a. The cathode gas supply line 10a is connected between the cathode inlet 1a of the cathode of the fuel cell stack 1 and the atmospheric environment surrounding the fuel cell system SY1. The air compressor 11 can draw air (as indicated by arrow 61) from the atmospheric environment surrounding the fuel cell system SY1 into the cathode gas supply line 10a and pressurize the air. The pressurized air (as indicated by arrow 62) is transported toward the cathode inlet 1a of the cathode of the fuel cell stack 1.

[0023] The air subsystem 10 further includes an intercooler 12, which is disposed on the cathode air supply line 10a, downstream of the air compressor 11, to cool the pressurized air, thereby adjusting the temperature of the air entering the cathode inlet 1a. As will be described in detail below, the coolant from the thermal management subsystem 30 can be delivered through the intercooler 12 (e.g., Figure 1 The intercooler 12 may be any suitable type of heat exchanger such as an air-to-liquid heat exchanger.

[0024] The air subsystem 10 further includes a humidifying device 100 , which is disposed on the cathode air supply line 10 a and downstream of the air compressor 11 to humidify the pressurized air, thereby adjusting the relative humidity of the air that will enter the cathode inlet 1 a .

[0025] The following will be combined Figures 2 to 7 An exemplary configuration of the humidifying device 100 will be described in detail. Figure 2 Figure 3 is a perspective view of the humidifying device 100, and Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 1 , which is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 1 , showing the internal structure of the humidifying device 100 .

[0026] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the humidification device 100 includes a tube member 110 and a plurality of ultrasonic atomizers 120 disposed on the tube member 110. The tube member 110 is configured to be connected to the cathode gas supply line 10a. The tube member 110 includes a tube wall 112 defining a flow channel 111 for air. The tube member 110 also includes an inlet 113 and an outlet 114 for air. The flow channel 111 extends from the inlet 113 to the outlet 114. The air can be moved in the flow channel 111 along a first direction 115 ( Figure 4) flow. As shown, the tube member 110 may be cylindrical. However, it should be understood that the tube member 110 may have any suitable shape. For example, the tube member 110 may have a cross-section such as circular, square, or trapezoidal, and the tube member 110 may be curved.

[0027] like Figure 4 As best shown, the tube member 110 also includes a plurality of apertures 116 extending through the tube wall 112. Specifically, the tube wall 112 includes an inner side 112a facing toward the flow passage 111 and an outer side 112b opposite the inner side 112a and facing away from the flow passage 111. Each aperture 116 extends through the tube wall 112 from the outer side 112b to the inner side 112a to define a passageway from the exterior of the tube member 110 to the flow passage 111. Although the apertures 116 are located in the Figure 4 Although shown as a straight extending through hole, it will be appreciated that the aperture 116 may have any suitable form.

[0028] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each ultrasonic atomizer 120 is provided at a corresponding orifice 116 of the tube member 110 and is configured to introduce water into the flow channel 111 through the orifice 116 by atomizing water from outside the tube member 110 when activated.

[0029] The ultrasonic atomizer 120 can be configured to humidify the air passing through the tube member 110 in response to a humidity adjustment command from the fuel cell system SY1. For example, the humidifying device 100 may include a humidification controller (not shown) that can control the start and stop and humidification power of the ultrasonic atomizer 120. When the operating parameters of the fuel cell system SY1 (for example, the humidity of the air entering the cathode inlet 1a of the stack 1 (for example, detected by a humidity sensor), the power or current of the fuel cell system SY1, the high-frequency impedance (HFR, High-frequency resistance) of the stack 1 or the stack temperature, etc.) change, the fuel cell control unit (FCU) can send a humidity adjustment command to the humidification controller. The humidification controller starts the ultrasonic atomizer 120 or adjusts the humidification power of the ultrasonic atomizer 120 in response to the humidity adjustment command, thereby humidifying the air passing through the tube member 110 to adjust the relative humidity of the air about to enter the cathode. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the ultrasonic atomizer 120 can be directly controlled by the FCU.

[0030] Compared to conventional humidifying devices such as wet film humidifiers, bubbling humidifiers, and osmotic membrane humidifiers, the humidifying device 100 using the ultrasonic atomizer 120 can humidify the air about to enter the cathode in response to the humidity adjustment command more accurately and more quickly. This makes it possible to precisely control the relative humidity of the air to precisely maintain the water content of the stack 1 at a desired level, thereby ensuring reliable and efficient operation of the fuel cell system SY1. In addition, as will be described in detail below, the ultrasonic atomizer 120 is relatively small in size and can be integrated with the pipe member 110. Compared to conventional humidifying devices such as wet film humidifiers, bubbling humidifiers, and osmotic membrane humidifiers, the humidifying device 100 has a simple structure and takes up little space, thereby significantly reducing the number of components and pipelines of the fuel cell system SY1, reducing the complexity of the fuel cell system SY1, improving the integration of the fuel cell system SY1 and reducing the space occupied. Furthermore, because the ultrasonic atomizer 120 atomizes water into extremely small droplets, and the droplets easily evaporate and absorb heat in the flow channel 111, the humidifier 100 can effectively reduce the temperature of the air. In some cases, as will be described in detail below, this can reduce the power consumption of the thermal management subsystem 30, thereby improving the performance and efficiency of the fuel cell system SY1.

[0031] Figures 5 to 7 One example of the ultrasonic atomizer 120 of the humidifying device 100 is shown. Figure 5 is a front view of the ultrasonic atomizer 120, Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of line II-II, and Figure 7 The following is an exploded view of the ultrasonic atomizer 120. Figures 5 to 7 An exemplary structure of the ultrasonic atomizer 120 is described. It should be understood that each structure of the plurality of ultrasonic atomizers 120 may be the same.

[0032] like Figures 5 to 7As shown, the ultrasonic atomizer 120 includes a piezoelectric sheet 121 and a metal sheet 122. The metal sheet 122 includes micropores (not shown) extending through the metal sheet 122 in the micropore area 123. As exemplarily shown in the figure, the metal sheet 122 can be circular, and the micropore area 123 can be located in the center of the metal sheet 122. For example, the metal sheet can be made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The micropores can be formed by any process such as laser etching and can have any suitable shape to facilitate breaking the surface tension of water during vibration. The piezoelectric sheet 121 is disposed on the metal sheet 122. As exemplarily shown in the figure, the piezoelectric sheet 121 can be annular and be disposed on the metal sheet 122 around the micropore area 123. For example, the piezoelectric sheet can be made of a material having a piezoelectric effect such as piezoelectric ceramics. The piezoelectric sheet 121 and the metal sheet 122 can be fixed relative to each other in any suitable manner such as by bonding them together with an adhesive.

[0033] The piezoelectric plate 121 is configured to vibrate when the ultrasonic atomizer 120 is activated, driving the metal plate 122 to vibrate. This causes water on the first side 123a of the microporous region 123 to pass through the micropores to the second side 123b of the microporous region 123, opposite the first side 123a, and be atomized. Specifically, when the ultrasonic atomizer 120 is activated, a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric plate 121, and the piezoelectric plate 121 generates high-frequency vibrations based on the piezoelectric effect, thereby driving the metal plate 122 to vibrate. The metal plate 122 amplifies the vibrations of the piezoelectric plate 121 and transfers the vibrational energy to the water on the first side 123a of the microporous region 123. Under the action of the high-frequency vibrations, the water is broken up into extremely small droplets at the micropores and ejected through the micropores from the second side 123b of the microporous region 123. These droplets are typically on the micrometer scale.

[0034] Compared to conventional humidification devices such as wet film humidifiers, bubbling humidifiers, and osmotic membrane humidifiers, the ultrasonic atomizer 120 is smaller in size and can be integrated with the pipe member 110. This makes the humidification device 100 simple in structure and occupies less space, thereby significantly reducing the number of components and pipelines in the fuel cell system SY1, reducing the complexity of the fuel cell system SY1, improving the integration of the fuel cell system SY1, and reducing the space occupied.

[0035] In some embodiments, as Figure 4As shown, the piezoelectric piece 121 and the metal piece 122 of the ultrasonic atomizer 120 can be arranged in the orifice 116 of the tube wall 112 of the tube member 110. Specifically, the piezoelectric piece 121 and the metal piece 122 can be arranged in the orifice 116 so that the second side 123b of the microporous region 123 of the metal piece 122 is closer to the flow channel 111 than the first side 123a in the extension direction of the orifice 116. For example, the second side 123b of the microporous region 123 can face the flow channel 111, and the first side 123a can face away from the flow channel 111. The piezoelectric piece 121 and the metal piece 122 can be retained in the orifice 116 by any suitable means. For example, a retaining structure for retaining the piezoelectric piece 121 and the metal piece 122, such as a snap feature, can be provided on the inner wall of the orifice 116. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto.

[0036] In this embodiment, when the ultrasonic atomizer 120 is activated, the piezoelectric sheet 121 vibrates to drive the metal sheet 122 to vibrate, thereby causing water on the first side 123a of the microporous region 123 to pass through the micropores to the second side 123b and be atomized and sprayed into the flow channel 111. In this way, water is introduced into the flow channel 111 through the orifice 116 to humidify the air flowing through the flow channel 111.

[0037] Since the piezoelectric sheet 121 and the metal sheet 122 are disposed in the opening 116 of the tube wall 112, they do not obstruct the air flow in the flow channel 111. Therefore, compared with conventional humidification devices, the humidification device 100 using the ultrasonic atomizer 120 can humidify with a smaller air pressure drop.

[0038] In some other embodiments, the piezoelectric sheet 121 and the metal sheet 122 of the ultrasonic atomizer 120 can be disposed on the outer side 112b of the tube wall 112 facing away from the flow channel 111, such that the microporous region 123 is aligned with the orifice 116. Since the piezoelectric sheet 121 and the metal sheet 122 are disposed on the outer side 112b of the tube wall 112, they do not obstruct the air flow in the flow channel 111. Therefore, compared to conventional humidification devices, the humidification device 100 using the ultrasonic atomizer 120 can perform humidification with a smaller air pressure drop.

[0039] In some other embodiments, the piezoelectric sheet 121 and the metal sheet 122 of the ultrasonic atomizer 120 can be arranged with a low profile on the inner side 112a of the tube wall 112 facing the flow channel 111, so that the microporous area 123 is aligned with the orifice 116. The low profile of the piezoelectric sheet 121 and the metal sheet 122 will not significantly hinder the flow of air in the flow channel 111. Therefore, compared with traditional humidification devices, the humidification device 100 using the ultrasonic atomizer 120 can humidify with a smaller air pressure drop.

[0040] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, the humidifier 100 may include a wicking member 130, which is arranged to contact the first side 123a of the microporous region 123 of the metal sheet 122, for transporting water to the first side 123a via a wicking effect. Specifically, the wicking member 130 can absorb water from a water source (described in detail below) and transport the water to the first side 123a of the microporous region 123 via a wicking effect. This configuration allows the first side 123a of the microporous region 123 to be wetted by water. When the ultrasonic atomizer 120 is activated, water on the first side 123a of the microporous region 123 passes through the micropores to the second side 123b, where it is atomized and sprayed into the flow channel 111. The wicking member 130 can ensure a continuous and reliable water supply to the microporous region 123. Furthermore, transporting water via the wicking member 130 can prevent small particles such as dust from clogging the micropores of the metal sheet 122, thereby improving the reliability of the humidifier 100.

[0041] For example, the wicking member 130 may be a porous sponge. It should be understood that the specific form of the wicking member 130 is not limited thereto. It should also be understood that regardless of whether the metal sheet 122 is disposed in the aperture 116 of the tube wall 112, on the outer side 112b, or on the inner side 112a, the wicking member 130 may be disposed in contact with the first side 123a of the microporous region 123 of the metal sheet 122.

[0042] In some embodiments, as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the humidifying device 100 may include a casing 140, which is disposed on the outer side 112b of the tube wall 112 of the tube member 110 and encloses a plurality of ultrasonic atomizers 120, a wicking member 130, and a plurality of orifices 116 in the casing 140. Through this configuration, the casing 140 can isolate the plurality of ultrasonic atomizers 120, the wicking member 130, and the plurality of orifices 116 from the external environment of the humidifying device 100. The casing 140 can be configured to receive water from outside the humidifying device 100. When the humidifying device 100 is connected to the cathode gas supply line 10a for humidifying air, that is, when the humidifying device 100 is in its operating orientation (that is, in the position shown in FIG. 1 ), the humidifying device 100 is connected to the cathode gas supply line 10a for humidifying air, that is, when the humidifying device 100 is in its operating orientation (that is, in the position shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 The orientation shown, wherein arrow G indicates the direction of gravity), the water level WL of the water 50 received in the housing 140 (at Figure 4The water level is schematically represented by a horizontal plane "WL" in the figure) below the position where the microporous area 123 of the ultrasonic atomizer 120 is located. The wicking member 130 can extend from the first side 123a of the microporous area 123 to contact the water 50 received in the casing 140, for example, to a position below the water surface of the water 50. The wicking member 130 can transport the water 50 to the first side 123a of the microporous area 123 through a wicking effect.

[0043] Since the water level WL of the water 50 received in the housing 140 is lower than the position of the microporous area 123 of the ultrasonic atomizer 120, the microporous area 123 is not flooded by the water 50, thereby preventing the water 50 from seeping into the air flow channel 111 through the micropores in the microporous area 123. By using the wicking member 130 to transport the water 50 from a lower position to the first side 123a of the microporous area 123 through the wicking effect, the reliability of the humidifier 100 can be improved. In addition, since the microporous area 123 of the metal sheet 122 is not submerged in the water 50, when the humidifying device 100 is connected to the cathode gas supply line 10a, air can be filled into the casing 140 through the micropores in the microporous area 123, so that the pressure on the first side 123a of the microporous area 123 can be balanced with the pressure on the second side 123b, thereby facilitating the atomization of water on the first side 123a of the microporous area 123 and spraying it into the flow channel 111 from the second side 123b.

[0044] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, the casing 140 may include an inlet 141 for introducing water into the casing 140. When the humidifying device 100 is connected to the cathode gas supply line 10a for humidifying the air, that is, when the humidifying device 100 is in the aforementioned operating orientation, the water level WL of the water 50 received in the casing 140 is higher than the position of the inlet 141. With this configuration, the inlet 141 is water-sealed to prevent air from escaping through the inlet 141.

[0045] Exemplarily, the water level WL of the water 50 received in the housing 140 can be controlled to be maintained within a predetermined height range, that is, the water level WL is lower than the position of the microporous region 123 of the ultrasonic atomizer 120 and higher than the position of the inlet 141 of the housing 140. In this way, there is always a space for receiving air above the water surface in the housing 140, which is conducive to balancing the pressure on the first side 123a of the microporous region 123 with the pressure on the second side 123b, thereby facilitating the atomization of the water on the first side 123a of the microporous region 123 and ejecting it from the second side 123b into the flow channel 111. The water level WL of the water 50 in the housing 140 can be controlled by any suitable means (e.g., a combination of a one-way valve provided at the inlet 141 and a pump for injecting water into the housing 140).

[0046] In some embodiments, as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the tube member 110 may be cylindrical, and a plurality of ultrasonic atomizers 120 may be arranged in an annular array around the flow channel 111, with each ultrasonic atomizer 120 being disposed at a corresponding one of the orifices 116. Figure 4 As best shown, the wicking member 130 can be an annular wicking member surrounding the tubular member 110. With this configuration, efficient and relatively uniform humidification can be provided around the flow path of the air. Accordingly, the casing 140 can be an annular casing extending around the tubular member 110.

[0047] In one of these embodiments, Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the tube member 110 may be formed with a drainage hole 117, which extends through the tube wall 112 to communicate with the space defined by the casing 140, thereby draining liquid water that may accumulate at the bottom of the tube member 110 into the casing 140. A portion of the wicking member 130 may be located below the drainage hole 117 to transport the water discharged from the drainage hole 117 to the first side 123a of the microporous region 123 through a wicking effect.

[0048] It should be understood that the shapes of the tube member 110 and the wicking member 130 and the arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic atomizers 120 are not limited to those described above. For example, in other embodiments, each ultrasonic atomizer 120 may be connected to a separate water supply line connected between the water source and the ultrasonic atomizer 120, and a strip-shaped wicking member may extend from the water source along the water supply line to the first side 123a of the microporous region 123 of the metal sheet 122 to transport water from the water source to the first side 123a of the microporous region 123 through the wicking effect. For another example, in other embodiments, the humidification device 100 may not have a wicking member 130, and the ultrasonic atomizer 120 is provided at the bottom of the tube member 110, and a water reservoir is provided on the outer side 112b of the tube wall 112 to supply water to the ultrasonic atomizer 120.

[0049] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, the ultrasonic atomizer 120 can be configured so that the atomized water is ejected from the second side 123b of the microporous region 123 along a second direction 125 into the flow channel 111. The angle α between the second direction 125 and the first direction 115 of air flow in the flow channel 111 does not exceed 90 degrees. For example, the angle α can be 90 degrees, 80 degrees, 60 degrees, 45 degrees, 30 degrees, 0 degrees, or any other suitable value. This orientation enables more efficient humidification of the air.

[0050] Although it is described above that the humidifying device 100 has a plurality of ultrasonic atomizers 120 , it should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto, and the humidifying device 100 may have only one ultrasonic atomizer 120 .

[0051] It should be understood that the ultrasonic atomizer 120 can be any suitable ultrasonic atomizer including a piezoelectric sheet 121 and a metal sheet 122. For the sake of simplicity, not all components or parts of the ultrasonic atomizer 120 are shown in the drawings. It should be understood that the ultrasonic atomizer 120 can also include any components such as a wire for powering the piezoelectric sheet 121 and a control component for controlling the vibration of the piezoelectric sheet 121. In addition, it should be understood that the ultrasonic atomizer 120 can also be any other type of ultrasonic atomizer that can, when activated, introduce water into the flow channel 111 via the orifice 116 by atomizing water from the outside of the tube member 110.

[0052] The thermal management subsystem 30 may be configured to regulate the temperature of the stack 1 and the temperature of the air to be introduced into the cathode inlet 1 a using a coolant. Figure 1 An exemplary thermal management subsystem 30 is shown. Figure 1As shown, the thermal management subsystem 30 may include a coolant pipeline, which includes a main line 31 having a first node N1 and a second node N2 separated from each other, and a first branch line 311 and a second branch line 312 connected in parallel between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the main line 31. The cooling chamber of the fuel cell stack 1 is connected to the first branch line 311, that is, connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2. Specifically, the first branch line 311 connects the coolant inlet 1c of the fuel cell stack 1 to the first node N1, and connects the coolant outlet 1d of the fuel cell stack 1 to the second node N2. The coolant channel of the intercooler 12 is connected to the second branch line 312, that is, connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2. Specifically, the second branch line 312 connects the coolant inlet (not marked) of the intercooler 12 to the first node N1, and connects the coolant outlet (not marked) of the intercooler 12 to the second node N2.

[0053] The thermal management subsystem 30 also includes a radiator 32 and a pump 33 disposed on the main line 31, and a switching valve 34 disposed at the first node N1. The pump 33 can be configured to drive the coolant flow, and the radiator 32 can be configured to cool the coolant flowing therethrough. The switching valve 34 can be configured to control the connection and closing of the main line 31 with the first branch line 311 and the second branch line 312. For example, the switching valve 34 can be configured to control the percentage of the instantaneous coolant flow rate Q1 flowing through the first branch line 311 (or the instantaneous coolant flow rate Q2 flowing through the second branch line 312) of the instantaneous coolant flow rate (e.g., Q1 + Q2) flowing through the main line 31. This percentage represents the opening of the switching valve 34 and can range from 0% to 100%. When the opening of the switching valve 34 is 100%, the switching valve 34 connects the main line 31 with the first branch line 311 and disconnects the second branch line 312 from the main line 31. When the opening degree of the switching valve 34 is 0%, the switching valve 34 connects the main line 31 with the second branch line 312 and disconnects the first branch line 311 from the main line 31. When the opening degree of the switching valve 34 is greater than 0% and less than 100%, the switching valve 34 connects the main line 31 with the first branch line 311 and the second branch line 312.

[0054] Figure 1 The opening of the switching valve 34 is shown to be greater than 0% and less than 100%. Figure 1As shown, the pump 33 located on the main line 31 drives the coolant to flow (as indicated by arrow 71). A portion of the coolant (as indicated by arrow 72) enters the fuel cell stack 1 via the first branch line 311, and another portion of the coolant (as indicated by arrow 73) enters the intercooler 12 via the second branch line 312. The coolant flowing out of the fuel cell stack 1 (as indicated by arrow 74) and the coolant flowing out of the intercooler 12 (as indicated by arrow 75) merge into the main line 31 at the second node N2 (as indicated by arrow 76) and flow through the radiator 32 to be cooled. The cooled coolant (as indicated by arrow 77) is then driven again by the pump 33 into the fuel cell stack 1 and the intercooler 12.

[0055] In this way, the heat generated by the fuel cell stack 3 can be transferred to the radiator 32 via the coolant and dissipated into the atmosphere via the radiator 32. Furthermore, the air pressurized by the air compressor 11 can be cooled by the coolant at the intercooler 12 before being delivered to the cathode inlet 1a of the cathode of the fuel cell stack 1, thereby being adjusted to a suitable temperature.

[0056] The configuration of the thermal management subsystem 30 described above is merely exemplary and is intended to illustrate an exemplary cooling source for the intercooler 12. It should be understood that the thermal management subsystem 30 may have any other suitable configuration. For example, the thermal management subsystem 30 may alternatively or additionally include a switching valve disposed at the second node N2 to control the connection and closing of the pipelines.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, in the fuel cell system SY1 , the humidifying device 100 according to the present application can be provided on the cathode gas supply line 10 a between the air compressor 11 and the intercooler 12 . In other words, the humidifying device 100 can be provided upstream of the intercooler 12 .

[0058] As described above, because the ultrasonic atomizer 120 of the humidifier 100 atomizes water into extremely small droplets, which readily evaporate and absorb heat in the flow channel 111, the humidifier 100 can effectively reduce the temperature of the air. Positioning the humidifier 100 upstream of the intercooler 12 allows the air pressurized by the air compressor 11 to be humidified and initially cooled before being cooled by the intercooler 12. This reduces the amount of coolant required by the intercooler 12 to cool the air, thereby reducing the power consumption of the thermal management subsystem 30 and improving the efficiency of the fuel cell system SY1.

[0059] In fuel cell systems using conventional humidification devices, such as wet membrane humidifiers and osmotic membrane humidifiers, the humidification device must be located downstream of the intercooler to prevent damage to components, such as the membrane, from high-temperature air pressurized by the air compressor. Consequently, in these fuel cell systems, the intercooler is placed upstream of the humidification device to cool the air before humidifying it. This makes it difficult to accurately control the temperature of the air entering the cathode.

[0060] According to the humidifying device 100 of the present application, the ultrasonic atomizer 120 is used for humidification, and the water is atomized to form water droplets and the water droplets evaporate and absorb heat in the flow channel 111, thereby being able to protect the piezoelectric sheet 121 and the metal sheet 122 of the ultrasonic atomizer 120. In addition, the piezoelectric sheet 121 and the metal sheet 122 can be made of materials that can work reliably in high-temperature air. All of this allows the humidifying device 100 to be arranged upstream of the intercooler 12, so that the air is first humidified on the cathode gas supply line 10a (pressurized and humidified air as indicated by arrow 63) and then cooled (pressurized, humidified and cooled air as indicated by arrow 64). This enables both the humidity and temperature of the air to be precisely controlled, thereby improving the performance of the fuel cell system SY1.

[0061] It should be understood that any other device may be installed between the air compressor 11, the humidifier 100, and the intercooler 12. It should also be understood that the intercooler 12 can also exchange heat between the air flowing through it and any other suitable cooling source. In this case, placing the humidifier 100 upstream of the intercooler 12 can reduce the power consumption of the intercooler 12, thereby improving the efficiency of the fuel cell system SY1.

[0062] Please continue to see Figure 1 The air subsystem 10 further includes a cathode exhaust line 10b configured to receive cathode exhaust (as indicated by arrow 81) from the cathode outlet 1b of the fuel cell stack 1. The cathode exhaust may include unconsumed oxygen, ineffective gas (ineffective gas refers to gas that does not participate in the reaction, mainly nitrogen) and product water. Figure 1 As shown, the air subsystem 10 may also include a first water separator 13, which removes water from the cathode exhaust as the cathode exhaust flows through it. The water removed from the cathode exhaust (as indicated by arrow 91) can be transported to the humidifying device 100 for humidifying the air. Through this configuration, the water produced by the reaction of the fuel stack 1 can be used to humidify the air transported by the cathode gas supply line 10a, thereby achieving water circulation. This is conducive to reducing the volume of the humidifying device 100 for storing water, thereby reducing the size of the humidifying device 100. The cathode exhaust (as indicated by arrow 82) passing through the first water separator 13 can be discharged from the fuel subsystem SY1 via the tail pipe.

[0063] Although not shown, it is understood that the air subsystem 10 may include other components, such as a turbine, disposed on the cathode exhaust line 10b to recover energy from the cathode exhaust.

[0064] The fuel subsystem 20 may be used to supply hydrogen to the anode inlet 1e of the anode of the stack 1 and receive anode exhaust (which may generally include unconsumed hydrogen, void gases, and product water) from the anode outlet 1f of the anode.

[0065] Please continue to see Figure 1 The fuel subsystem 20 includes an anode gas supply line 20a for supplying hydrogen to the anodes of the fuel cell stack 1 and a hydrogen supply device 21 provided on the anode gas supply line 20a. The hydrogen supply device 21 is configured to supply hydrogen (as indicated by arrow 83) from a hydrogen source (not shown) such as a hydrogen tank to the anode inlet 1e of the anode through the hydrogen supply device 21.

[0066] The fuel subsystem 20 also includes an anode exhaust line 20b and a second water separator 22 and a recirculation pump 23 provided on the anode exhaust line 20b. The anode exhaust line 20b can be connected between the anode outlet 1f of the fuel cell stack 1 and the hydrogen supply device 21 to allow unconsumed fuel gas to be recirculated back to the hydrogen supply device 21. Therefore, the anode exhaust line 20b can be referred to as a "recirculation loop."

[0067] The anode exhaust line 20b receives anode exhaust from the anode of the stack 1 (as indicated by arrow 85). The second water separator 22 removes water from the anode exhaust as it flows through it. The water removed from the anode exhaust (as indicated by arrow 92) can be transported to the humidifier 100 for humidifying the air. Through this configuration, the air transported by the cathode gas supply line 10a can be humidified using the water generated by the reaction of the stack 1, thereby achieving water circulation. This helps to reduce the volume of the humidifier 100 for storing water, thereby reducing the size of the humidifier 100.

[0068] The anode exhaust (as indicated by arrow 86) passing through the second water separator 22 can be transported by the recirculation pump 23 to the hydrogen supply device 21 to be mixed with fresh hydrogen and supplied again (as indicated by the mixed flow of arrow 84) ​​to the anode of the fuel cell stack 1. In this way, waste of fuel gas can be avoided and the utilization efficiency of fuel gas can be improved. Although not shown, it should be understood that the fuel subsystem 20 can include a drain and exhaust valve (DP valve) that can be connected to the recirculation loop to discharge excess gas and liquid.

[0069] In some embodiments, as Figure 1As shown, the water obtained by the first water separator 13 and the second water separator 22 can be combined (as indicated by arrow 93) to be delivered to the humidification device 100. For example, the fuel subsystem SY1 or the humidification device 100 may include a water tank 200, which is configured to store water and deliver the water to the humidification device 100, for example, to the inlet 141 of the housing 140 of the humidification device 100. It should be understood that a water pump may be provided between the first water separator 13 and the second water separator 22 and the water tank 200 and / or between the water tank 200 and the inlet 141.

[0070] Although the above description describes that the water obtained from both the first water separator 13 and the second water separator 22 is delivered to the humidifier 100, it should be understood that the water obtained from only one of the first water separator 13 and the second water separator 22 can be delivered to the humidifier 100 to provide the aforementioned advantages. In other words, the fuel cell system SY1 can be configured to deliver the water removed from the cathode exhaust by the first water separator 13 and / or the water removed from the anode exhaust by the second water separator 22 to the humidifier 100. For example, the fuel cell system SY1 may not have the first water separator 13.

[0071] Figure 8 A fuel cell system SY2 according to a second embodiment of the present application is schematically shown. Figure 8 The configuration of the fuel cell system SY2 shown is similar to Figure 1 The configuration of the fuel cell system SY1 shown is similar. Figure 1 and Figure 8 The same or similar components or parts of the fuel cell system SY1 and the fuel cell system SY2 are marked with the same or similar reference numerals. For the sake of brevity, the details of these same or similar components or parts will not be repeated.

[0072] The fuel cell system SY2 may include a stack 801, a fuel subsystem (not shown), an air subsystem 810, and a thermal management subsystem 830. The configurations of the cathode exhaust line of the stack 801, the fuel subsystem, and the air subsystem 810 of the fuel cell system SY2 may be the same as the configurations of the cathode exhaust line 10b of the stack 1, the fuel subsystem 20, and the air subsystem 10 of the fuel cell system SY1, respectively. Figure 8 The details depicting these parts are shown in FIG and will not be repeated.

[0073] Similar to the air subsystem 10 of fuel cell system SY1, the air subsystem 810 of fuel cell system SY2 may include an air compressor 811, an intercooler 812, and a humidifier 100 according to the present application, provided on cathode gas supply line 810a. The configuration of air compressor 811 and intercooler 812 of fuel cell system SY2 is the same as that of air compressor 11 and intercooler 12 of fuel cell system SY1. For the sake of brevity, the details of these components will not be repeated.

[0074] Unlike the air subsystem 10 of fuel cell system SY1, in the air subsystem 810 of fuel cell system SY2, a humidifier 100 is positioned downstream of the intercooler 812 on the cathode gas supply line 810a. Furthermore, an additional heat exchanger 813 is positioned downstream of the humidifier 100 on the cathode gas supply line 810a. Fuel cell system SY2 is configured to selectively pass coolant exiting the intercooler 812 through the heat exchanger 813 to heat the air humidified by the humidifier 100. In this manner, the coolant that heats the humidified air can be cooled. This configuration allows for precise control of the temperature and humidity of the air entering the cathode of the fuel cell stack 801. Furthermore, this allows for preliminary cooling of at least a portion of the coolant exiting the intercooler 812 before returning to the radiator 832 (described in greater detail below), thereby reducing the power consumption of the radiator 832 and improving the efficiency of the thermal management subsystem 830.

[0075] like Figure 8 As shown, on the cathode air supply line 810a of the fuel cell system SY2: the air compressor 811 draws air from the atmosphere surrounding the fuel cell system SY2 (as indicated by arrow 861) and pressurizes it. The pressurized air (as indicated by arrow 862) passes through the intercooler 812 to be cooled. The pressurized and cooled air (as indicated by arrow 863) passes through the humidifier 100 to be humidified. The pressurized, cooled, and humidified air (as indicated by arrow 864) passes through the heat exchanger 813 and then enters the cathode inlet 1a of the fuel cell stack 801. The fuel cell system SY2 can heat the air through the heat exchanger 813 based on the temperature of the pressurized, cooled, and humidified air, thereby achieving precise control of the temperature and humidity of the air entering the fuel cell stack 1 (as indicated by arrow 865).

[0076] Figure 8An exemplary thermal management subsystem 830 for fuel cell system SY2 is shown. Similar to thermal management subsystem 30, thermal management subsystem 830 may include coolant lines, including a main line 831 having a first node N81 and a second node N82 separated from each other, and first and second branch lines 8311 and 8312 connected in parallel between the first and second nodes N81 and N82 of main line 831. The cooling chamber of fuel cell stack 801 is connected to first branch line 8311, i.e., connected between first and second nodes N81 and N82. Specifically, first branch line 8311 connects the coolant inlet 1c of fuel cell stack 801 to first node N81 and connects the coolant outlet 1d of fuel cell stack 1 to second node N82. The coolant channel of intercooler 812 is connected to second branch line 8312, i.e., connected between first and second nodes N81 and N82. Specifically, the second branch line 8312 connects the coolant inlet (not labeled) of the intercooler 812 to the first node N81, and connects the coolant outlet (not labeled) of the intercooler 812 to the second node N82.

[0077] Similar to the thermal management subsystem 30, the thermal management subsystem 830 also includes a radiator 832 and a pump 833 provided on the main line 831, and a switching valve 834 provided at the first node N81. The pump 833 can be configured to drive the coolant flow, and the radiator 832 can be configured to cool the coolant flowing therethrough. The switching valve 834 can be configured to control the connection and closing of the main line 831 with the first branch line 8311 and the second branch line 8312. For example, the switching valve 834 can be configured to control the percentage of the instantaneous flow rate Q1 of the coolant flowing through the first branch line 8311 (or the instantaneous flow rate Q2 of the coolant flowing through the second branch line 8312) of the instantaneous flow rate of the coolant flowing through the main line 831 (e.g., Q1+Q2). The percentage represents the opening degree of the switching valve 834 and can be 0% to 100%. When the opening degree of the switching valve 834 is 100%, the switching valve 834 connects the main line 831 with the first branch line 8311 and disconnects the second branch line 8312 from the main line 831. When the opening degree of the switching valve 834 is 0%, the switching valve 834 connects the main line 831 with the second branch line 8312 and disconnects the first branch line 8311 from the main line 831. When the opening degree of the switching valve 834 is greater than 0% and less than 100%, the switching valve 834 connects the main line 831 with both the first branch line 8311 and the second branch line 8312.

[0078] Second branch line 8312 includes a third node N83 located between the coolant channel outlet of intercooler 812 and second node N82. Unlike thermal management subsystem 30, second branch line 8312 of thermal management subsystem 830 also includes a first segment 8312a and a second segment 8312b connected in parallel between third node N83 and second node N82. The coolant channel of heat exchanger 813 is connected to first segment 8312a, that is, between third node N83 and second node N82. Second segment 8312b serves as a bypass for first segment 8312a and is also connected between third node N83 and second node N82.

[0079] The thermal management subsystem 830 also includes a switching valve 835 disposed at the third node N83. The switching valve 835 can be configured to control the connection and closing of the main path of the second branch line 8312 with the first segment 8312a and the second segment 8312b. For example, the switching valve 835 can be configured to control the percentage of the instantaneous coolant flow rate Q3 flowing through the first segment 8312a (or the instantaneous coolant flow rate Q4 flowing through the second segment 8312b) that accounts for the instantaneous coolant flow rate (e.g., Q2, or Q3+Q4) of the main path of the second branch line 8312. The percentage represents the opening of the switching valve 835 and can be between 0% and 100%. When the opening of the switching valve 835 is 100%, the switching valve 835 connects the main path of the second branch line 8312 with the first segment 8312a and disconnects the main path from the second segment 8312b. When the opening degree of switching valve 835 is 0%, switching valve 835 connects the main path to the second section 8312b and disconnects the main path from the first section 8312a. When the opening degree of switching valve 835 is greater than 0% and less than 100%, switching valve 835 connects the main path to both the first section 8312a and the second section 8312b. In this way, switching valve 835 can adjust the flow rate of coolant from the second branch line 8312 through the heat exchanger 813, thereby precisely controlling the heating of the air passing through the heat exchanger 813.

[0080] Figure 8 8 shows a case where the opening degree of the switching valve 834 is greater than 0% and less than 100% and the opening degree of the switching valve 835 is greater than 0% and less than 100%. Figure 8As shown, a pump 833 located on the main line 831 drives the coolant flow (as indicated by arrow 871). A portion of the coolant (as indicated by arrow 872) enters the fuel cell stack 1 via the first branch line 8311, while another portion (as indicated by arrow 873) enters the intercooler 812 via the second branch line 8312. The coolant flowing out of the intercooler 812 (as indicated by arrow 874) is split at the third node N83. A portion (as indicated by arrow 875) passes through the first section 8312a and the heat exchanger 813 to heat the air flowing through the heat exchanger 813, while the other portion (as indicated by arrow 876) passes through the second section 8312b. Subsequently, this coolant is combined with the coolant flowing out of the fuel cell stack 801 (as indicated by arrow 877) at the second node N82, enters the main line 31 (as indicated by arrow 878), and flows through the radiator 832 to be cooled. The coolant cooled by radiator 832 (as indicated by arrow 879) is then driven again by pump 833 into fuel cell stack 801, intercooler 812, and heat exchanger 813. By adjusting the opening of switching valve 835, the amount of coolant leaving intercooler 812 that flows through heat exchanger 813 can be controlled to adjust the heating of the air humidified by humidification device 100.

[0081] In this way, the heat generated by the fuel cell stack 3 can be transferred to the radiator 832 via the coolant and dissipated into the atmosphere through the radiator 832. In addition, the air can be precisely regulated to have a suitable temperature and humidity before entering the cathode, thereby improving the efficiency of the fuel cell system SY2.

[0082] It should be understood that the piping arrangement of thermal management subsystem 830 is not limited to the configuration described above, and any suitable configuration is contemplated to enable thermal management subsystem 830 to circulate coolant between radiator 832, fuel cell stack 801, and intercooler 812, and to selectively direct at least a portion of the coolant exiting intercooler 812 through heat exchanger 813 before returning to radiator 832 to heat the air entering fuel cell stack 801. For example, switching valve 835 may be replaced by valves disposed on first section 8312a and second section 8312b, respectively. Furthermore, the coolant piping arrangement may take various forms.

[0083] Figure 9 A fuel cell system SY3 according to a third embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 9 The configuration of the fuel cell system SY3 shown is similar to Figure 1 The fuel cell system SY1 shown and Figure 8 The configuration of the fuel cell system SY2 shown is similar. Figure 1 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9Components or parts of the fuel cell system SY3 that are identical or similar to those of the fuel cell systems SY1 and SY2 are indicated by identical or similar reference numerals. For the sake of brevity, the details of these identical or similar components or parts will not be repeated.

[0084] The fuel cell system SY3 may include a stack 901, a fuel subsystem (not shown), an air subsystem 910, and a thermal management subsystem 930. The configurations of the cathode exhaust lines of the stack 901, the fuel subsystem, and the air subsystem 910 of the fuel cell system SY3 may be the same as the configurations of the cathode exhaust lines of the stack 801, the fuel subsystem 820, and the air subsystem of the fuel cell system SY2, respectively. Figure 9 The details depicting these parts are shown in FIG and will not be repeated.

[0085] Similar to the air subsystem 810 of the fuel cell system SY2, the air subsystem 910 of the fuel cell system SY3 may include an air compressor 911, an intercooler 912, and a humidifier 100 according to the present application, which are provided on the cathode gas supply line 910a. The configuration of the air compressor 911 and the intercooler 912 of the fuel cell system SY3 is the same as that of the air compressor 811 and the intercooler 812 of the fuel cell system SY2. For the sake of brevity, the details of these components will not be repeated.

[0086] Similar to the air subsystem 810 of the fuel cell system SY2, in the air subsystem 910 of the fuel cell system SY3, the humidifier 100 is provided on the cathode gas supply line 910a downstream of the intercooler 912. In addition, an additional heat exchanger 913 is provided on the cathode gas supply line 910a downstream of the humidifier 100.

[0087] Unlike the air subsystem 810 of the fuel cell system SY2, the fuel cell system SY3 is configured to selectively allow the coolant leaving the stack 901 to flow through the heat exchanger 913 to heat the air humidified by the humidifying device 100. In this case, the coolant that heats the humidified air can be cooled. Through this configuration, the temperature and humidity of the air entering the cathode of the stack 901 can be accurately controlled. In addition, this enables at least a portion of the coolant leaving the stack 901 to be preliminarily cooled before returning to the radiator 932 (as will be described in detail below), thereby reducing the power consumption of the radiator 932 and improving the efficiency of the thermal management subsystem 930.

[0088] like Figure 9As shown, on the cathode air supply line 910a of the fuel cell system SY3: the air compressor 911 draws in air from the atmosphere surrounding the fuel cell system SY2 (as indicated by arrow 961) and pressurizes it. The pressurized air (as indicated by arrow 962) passes through the intercooler 912 to be cooled. The pressurized and cooled air (as indicated by arrow 963) passes through the humidifier 100 to be humidified. The pressurized, cooled, and humidified air (as indicated by arrow 964) passes through the heat exchanger 913 and then enters the cathode inlet 1a of the fuel cell stack 901. The fuel cell system SY3 can heat the air through the heat exchanger 913 based on the temperature of the pressurized, cooled, and humidified air, thereby achieving precise control of the temperature and humidity of the air entering the fuel cell stack 1 (as indicated by arrow 965).

[0089] Figure 9 An exemplary thermal management subsystem 930 for fuel cell system SY3 is shown. Similar to thermal management subsystem 30, thermal management subsystem 930 may include coolant lines, including a main line 931 having a first node N91 and a second node N92 separated from each other, and first and second branch lines 9311 and 9312 connected in parallel between the first and second nodes N91 and N92 of main line 931. The cooling chamber of fuel cell stack 901 is connected to first branch line 9311, i.e., connected between first and second nodes N91 and N92. Specifically, first branch line 9311 connects the coolant inlet 1c of fuel cell stack 901 to first node N91 and connects the coolant outlet 1d of fuel cell stack 1 to second node N92. The coolant channel of intercooler 912 is connected to second branch line 9312, i.e., connected between first and second nodes N91 and N92. Specifically, the second branch line 9312 connects the coolant inlet (not labeled) of the intercooler 912 to the first node N91 , and connects the coolant outlet (not labeled) of the intercooler 912 to the second node N92 .

[0090] Similar to the thermal management subsystem 830, the thermal management subsystem 930 also includes a radiator 932 and a pump 933 provided on the main line 931, and a switching valve 934 provided at the first node N91. The pump 933 can be configured to drive the coolant flow, and the radiator 932 can be configured to cool the coolant flowing therethrough. The switching valve 934 can be configured to control the connection and closing of the main line 931 with the first branch line 9311 and the second branch line 9312. For example, the switching valve 934 can be configured to control the percentage of the instantaneous flow rate Q1 of the coolant flowing through the first branch line 9311 (or the instantaneous flow rate Q2 of the coolant flowing through the second branch line 9312) of the instantaneous flow rate of the coolant flowing through the main line 931 (e.g., Q1+Q2). The percentage represents the opening degree of the switching valve 934 and can be 0% to 100%. When the opening degree of the switching valve 934 is 100%, the switching valve 934 connects the main line 931 with the first branch line 9311 and disconnects the second branch line 9312 from the main line 931. When the opening degree of the switching valve 934 is 0%, the switching valve 934 connects the main line 931 with the second branch line 9312 and disconnects the first branch line 9311 from the main line 931. When the opening degree of the switching valve 934 is greater than 0% and less than 100%, the switching valve 934 connects the main line 931 with both the first branch line 9311 and the second branch line 9312.

[0091] The first branch line 9311 includes a third node N93 located between the coolant outlet 1d of the fuel cell stack 1 and the second node N92. Unlike the thermal management subsystem 830, the first branch line 9311 of the thermal management subsystem 930 includes a first section 9311a and a second section 9311b connected in parallel between the third node N93 and the second node N92. The coolant channel of the heat exchanger 913 is connected to the first section 9311a, that is, connected between the third node N93 and the second node N92. The second section 9311b serves as a bypass for the first section 9311a and is also connected between the third node N93 and the second node N92.

[0092] The thermal management subsystem 930 also includes a switching valve 935 disposed at the third node N93. The switching valve 935 can be configured to control the connection and closing of the main path of the first branch line 9311 with the first segment 9311a and the second segment 9311b. For example, the switching valve 934 can be configured to control the percentage of the instantaneous coolant flow rate Q3 flowing through the first segment 9311a (or the instantaneous coolant flow rate Q4 flowing through the second segment 9311b) that accounts for the instantaneous coolant flow rate of the main path of the first branch line 9311 (e.g., Q2, or Q3 + Q4, as described above). This percentage represents the opening of the switching valve 935 and can be between 0% and 100%. When the opening of the switching valve 935 is 100%, the switching valve 935 connects the main path of the first branch line 9311 with the first segment 9311a and disconnects the main path from the second segment 9311b. When the opening degree of switching valve 935 is 0%, switching valve 935 connects the main path to the second section 9311b and disconnects the main path from the first section 9311a. When the opening degree of switching valve 935 is greater than 0% and less than 100%, switching valve 935 connects the main path to both the first section 9311a and the second section 9311b. In this way, switching valve 935 can adjust the flow rate of coolant from the first branch line 9311 through the heat exchanger 913, thereby precisely controlling the heating of the air passing through the heat exchanger 913.

[0093] Figure 9 9 shows a case where the opening degree of the switching valve 934 is greater than 0% and less than 100% and the opening degree of the switching valve 935 is greater than 0% and less than 100%. Figure 9As shown, a pump 933 located on the main line 931 drives the coolant flow (as indicated by arrow 971). A portion of the coolant (as indicated by arrow 972) enters the fuel cell stack 1 via the first branch line 9311, while another portion (as indicated by arrow 973) enters the intercooler 912 via the second branch line 9312. The coolant flowing out of the fuel cell stack 901 (as indicated by arrow 974) is split at the third node N93. A portion (as indicated by arrow 975) passes through the first section 9311a and the heat exchanger 913 to heat the air flowing through the heat exchanger 913, while the other portion (as indicated by arrow 976) passes through the second section 9311b. These coolants then merge with the coolant flowing out of the intercooler (as indicated by arrow 977) at the second node N92, join the main line 31 (as indicated by arrow 978), and flow through the radiator 932 to be cooled. The coolant cooled by radiator 932 (as indicated by arrow 979) is then driven again by pump 933 into fuel cell stack 901, intercooler 912, and heat exchanger 913. By adjusting the opening of switching valve 935, the amount of coolant leaving fuel cell stack 901 that flows through heat exchanger 913 can be controlled to adjust the heating of the air humidified by humidification device 100.

[0094] In this way, the heat generated by the fuel cell stack 3 can be transferred to the radiator 932 via the coolant and dissipated into the atmosphere through the radiator 932. In addition, the air can be precisely regulated to have a suitable temperature and humidity before entering the cathode, thereby improving the efficiency of the fuel cell system SY2.

[0095] It should be understood that the piping arrangement of thermal management subsystem 930 is not limited to the configuration described above, and any suitable configuration is contemplated to enable thermal management subsystem 930 to circulate coolant between radiator 932, fuel cell stack 901, and intercooler 912, and to selectively direct at least a portion of the coolant exiting fuel cell stack 901 through heat exchanger 913 before returning to radiator 932 to heat the air entering fuel cell stack 901. For example, switching valve 935 may be replaced by valves disposed on first section 9311a and second section 9311b, respectively. Furthermore, the coolant piping arrangement may take various forms.

[0096] Although the above combined Figure 8 and Figure 9The heat exchangers 813 and 913 downstream of the humidifying device 100 are described as using at least a portion of the coolant leaving the intercooler 812 and at least a portion of the coolant leaving the fuel cell stack 901 to heat the air about to enter the fuel cell stack 901, respectively. However, it is conceivable that in other embodiments, the heat exchanger downstream of the humidifying device 100 can use at least a portion of the coolant leaving the intercooler and at least a portion of the coolant leaving the fuel cell stack to heat the air about to enter the fuel cell stack 901. In this case, the thermal management subsystem can have Figure 8 The configuration shown and Figure 9 Combination of configurations shown.

[0097] In this application, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” are only used to distinguish one component, pipeline, or state from another component, pipeline, or state, but these components, pipelines, and states should not be limited by such terms.

[0098] The present application has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. It is apparent that the above description and the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are to be understood as illustrative only and do not constitute limitations on the present application. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications or alterations to the present application without departing from the spirit of the present application, and such modifications or alterations do not depart from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A humidifying device (100) for a fuel cell system, comprising: A tube member (110) configured to be connected to a cathode air supply line (10a) of the fuel cell system for supplying air to a fuel cell stack (1), and comprising a tube wall (112) defining a flow channel (111) for air and an orifice (116) extending through the tube wall; as well as An ultrasonic atomizer (120) is provided at the orifice of the pipe member and is configured to introduce water from outside the pipe member into the flow channel through the orifice by atomizing the water when activated.

2. The humidifying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic atomizer comprises a piezoelectric sheet (121) and a metal sheet (122), wherein the metal sheet comprises micropores extending through the metal sheet in a micropore region (123), the piezoelectric sheet is disposed on the metal sheet and is configured to vibrate when the ultrasonic atomizer is activated to drive the metal sheet to vibrate, thereby causing water on a first side (123a) of the micropore region to pass through the micropores to a second side (123b) of the micropore region opposite to the first side and be atomized; as well as The humidifying device further comprises a wicking member (130) disposed in contact with the first side of the microporous region for transporting water to the first side by a wicking effect.

3. The humidifying device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The humidifying device further comprises a casing (140), the casing being arranged on the outer side of the tube wall facing away from the flow channel and enclosing the ultrasonic atomizer, the wicking member and the orifice in the casing, the casing being configured to receive water from outside the humidifying device; as well as The humidifying device is configured such that, when connected to the cathode air supply line for humidifying air, the water level (WL) of the water (50) received in the casing is lower than the position of the microporous area of ​​the ultrasonic atomizer, and the wicking member extends from the first side of the microporous area to contact the water received in the casing.

4. The humidifying device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The casing further comprises an inlet (141) for introducing water into the casing, the humidifying device being configured such that when connected to the cathode gas supply line for humidifying air, the water level received in the casing is higher than the position of the inlet; and / or The tube member is cylindrical in shape, the ultrasonic atomizer includes a plurality of ultrasonic atomizers, and the orifice includes a plurality of orifices, the plurality of ultrasonic atomizers are arranged in an annular array around the flow channel, and each of the ultrasonic atomizers is disposed at a corresponding one of the plurality of orifices, and the wicking member is an annular wicking member surrounding the tube member; and / or The tube member is configured so that air flows in the flow channel along a first direction, and the ultrasonic atomizer is configured so that atomized water is sprayed into the flow channel from the second side of the microporous area along a second direction, and the angle between the second direction and the first direction does not exceed 90 degrees.

5. The humidifying device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The piezoelectric sheet and the metal sheet of the ultrasonic atomizer are arranged in the hole of the tube wall; or The piezoelectric sheet and the metal sheet of the ultrasonic atomizer are arranged on the outer side (112b) of the tube wall facing away from the flow channel, so that the microporous area is aligned with the orifice.

6. A fuel cell system, characterized in that: The fuel cell system comprises: Battery stack; a cathode air supply line configured to supply air to the stack; and According to the humidifying device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the pipe member of the humidifying device is connected to the cathode gas supply line, and the ultrasonic atomizer of the humidifying device is used to humidify the air.

7. The fuel cell system according to claim 6, characterized in that The fuel cell system further comprises: an air compressor connected to the cathode air supply line to pressurize the air; and an intercooler connected to the cathode air supply line and located downstream of the air compressor to cool the air; Wherein, the humidifying device is arranged between the air compressor and the intercooler.

8. The fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein: The fuel cell system further comprises: an air compressor connected to the cathode air supply line to pressurize the air; an intercooler connected to the cathode air supply line downstream of the air compressor to cool the air; and a heat exchanger connected to the cathode air supply line downstream of the intercooler and configured to exchange heat between the coolant flowing therethrough and the air; Wherein, the humidifying device is arranged between the intercooler and the heat exchanger; The fuel cell system further includes a thermal management subsystem having a radiator and a coolant line, wherein the coolant line is configured to circulate the coolant between the radiator and the fuel cell stack and the intercooler, and is configured to selectively allow the coolant leaving the intercooler to flow through the heat exchanger before returning to the radiator to heat the air.

9. The fuel cell system according to claim 6 or 8, characterized in that: The fuel cell system further comprises: an air compressor connected to the cathode air supply line to pressurize the air; an intercooler connected to the cathode air supply line downstream of the air compressor to cool the air; and a heat exchanger connected to the cathode air supply line downstream of the intercooler and configured to exchange heat between the coolant flowing therethrough and the air; Wherein, the humidifying device is arranged between the intercooler and the heat exchanger; The fuel cell system further includes a thermal management subsystem having a radiator and a coolant line, wherein the coolant line is configured to circulate the coolant between the radiator and the fuel cell stack and the intercooler, and is configured to selectively allow the coolant leaving the fuel cell stack to flow through the heat exchanger before returning to the radiator to heat the air.

10. The fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein: The fuel cell system further includes a cathode exhaust line (10b) configured to receive cathode exhaust from the cathode of the fuel cell stack, and a first water separator (13) provided on the cathode exhaust line and configured to remove water from the cathode exhaust, the fuel cell system being configured to deliver the water removed from the cathode exhaust by the first water separator to the humidifying device for humidifying the air; and / or The fuel cell system further includes an anode exhaust line (20b) configured to receive anode exhaust from an anode of the fuel cell stack, and a second water separator (22) provided on the anode exhaust line and configured to remove water from the anode exhaust. The fuel cell system is configured to deliver the water removed from the anode exhaust by the second water separator to the humidifying device to humidify the air.

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