Turbine having turbine section with integrated fluid separator

Abstract

The invention relates to a turbomachine having a turbine section with an integrated fluid separator. A turbine includes a turbine housing and a turbine wheel cooperatively defining a first flow path extending downstream from an inlet, across the turbine wheel to a first outlet. The turbine housing defines a second flow path extending downstream from the inlet to a second outlet. Both the first flow path and the second flow path extend through the separator chamber. The separator chamber is configured to separate the first fluid from the second fluid, allowing the first fluid to flow along the first flow path to the first outlet, and allowing the second fluid to flow along the second flow path to the second outlet.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field is generally related to a turbomachine, and more specifically, to a turbomachine having a turbine section with integrated fluid separators. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to provide turbomachines for various systems, such as fuel cell systems. For example, a fuel cell compressor device can be included for compressing air before it is fed to a fuel cell stack in order to improve the operating efficiency of the fuel cell system. Such turbomachines can also include a turbine section that, for example, receives exhaust air from the fuel cell stack for driving a rotating set in rotation and further improving the operating efficiency.

[0003] However, conventional turbomachines suffer from various drawbacks. For example, the performance of the turbine section can be limited by the intake of a mixture of air and liquid water (e.g., liquid water droplets, water slugs, etc.) that is expelled from the fuel cell stack. The liquid water can inhibit operation of the turbine section, causing rotating surges, overloading on bearings, and / or otherwise negatively impacting the turbomachine. The liquid water can also cause premature wear of turbine impellers, casings, bearings, or other components.

[0004] Accordingly, some systems can include features for reducing liquid intake into the turbine section. However, including such features can increase cost, packaging size, weight, manufacturing complexity, or include other problems.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a turbomachine having improved liquid intake capabilities. It would also be desirable to provide a turbomachine that is less susceptible to wear from liquid intake. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide such a turbomachine at reduced cost, weight, and size. Moreover, it would also be desirable to provide such a turbomachine with reduced manufacturing cost, time, etc. Other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background. SUMMARY

[0006] In an example embodiment, a turbomachine having a turbine section is disclosed that includes a turbine wheel supported for rotation about an axis. The turbomachine also includes a turbine housing that houses the turbine wheel and includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is configured to receive an inlet flow that includes a first fluid and a second fluid. The turbine housing includes a first housing member. The first housing member at least partially defines a separator chamber of the turbine housing. The first housing member at least partially defines the second outlet. The turbine housing and turbine wheel cooperatively define a first flow path that extends downstream from the inlet, across the turbine wheel to the first outlet. The turbine housing defines a second flow path that extends downstream from the inlet to the second outlet. Both the first flow path and the second flow path extend through the separator chamber. The separator chamber is configured to separate the first fluid from the second fluid, thereby allowing the first fluid to flow along the first flow path to the first outlet and allowing the second fluid to flow along the second flow path to the second outlet.

[0007] In another example embodiment, a method of manufacturing a turbomachine having a turbine section is disclosed. The method includes supporting a turbine wheel for rotation about an axis within a turbine housing. The turbine housing includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is configured to receive an inlet flow that includes a first fluid and a second fluid. The turbine housing includes a first housing member that at least partially defines a separator chamber of the turbine housing. The first housing member at least partially defines the second outlet. The method also includes cooperatively defining, with the turbine housing and turbine wheel, a first flow path that extends downstream from the inlet, across the turbine wheel to the first outlet. In addition, the method includes defining, with the turbine housing, a second flow path that extends downstream from the inlet to the second outlet, both the first flow path and the second flow path extending through the separator chamber. The separator chamber is configured to separate the first fluid from the second fluid, thereby allowing the first fluid to flow along the first flow path to the first outlet and allowing the second fluid to flow along the second flow path to the second outlet.

[0008] In another embodiment, a fuel cell system is disclosed that includes a fuel cell stack and a turbomachine having a turbine section fluidly coupled to the fuel cell stack and configured to receive an exhaust stream from the fuel cell stack. The turbine section includes a turbine wheel supported for rotation about an axis and a turbine housing that houses the turbine wheel and includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is configured to receive the exhaust stream as an inlet stream, the inlet stream including a first fluid and a second fluid. The turbine housing includes a unitary first housing member. The first housing member at least partially defines a separator chamber of the turbine housing. The first housing member at least partially defines the second outlet. The turbine housing and turbine wheel cooperatively define a first flow path that extends downstream from the inlet, across the turbine wheel to the first outlet. The turbine housing defines a second flow path that extends downstream from the inlet to the second outlet. Both the first flow path and the second flow path extend through the separator chamber. The separator chamber is configured to separate the first fluid from the second fluid, thereby allowing the first fluid to flow along the first flow path to the first outlet and allowing the second fluid to flow along the second flow path to the second outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Various embodiments will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals generally indicate like elements and wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a fuel cell system having an exemplary turbomachine having an integrated fluid separator in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 is a first turbine housing member of the turbomachine of Figure 1 is an isometric view of a second turbine housing member of the turbomachine of

[0012] Figure 3 is a plan view of a fluid outlet of the turbomachine of Figure 1 taken along line 3-3 of

[0013] Figure 4 is an outside view of the first turbine housing member of Figure 2 ; and

[0014] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a second turbine housing member of the turbomachine of Figure 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the various embodiments or the application and uses thereof. Furthermore, there is no intention that the application be bound by any theory of operation or by any theory presented in the following detailed description.

[0016] Broadly, the example embodiments disclosed herein include a turbomachine having a turbine section that includes an integrated fluid separator. In other words, the turbine section includes fluid separator features integrated therewith. The turbine section can be a radial inlet turbine section having an inlet that is substantially radially oriented relative to a rotational axis of a turbine wheel. Further, the turbine housing can also define a plurality of fluid paths, channels, etc. that extend from the inlet and through the turbine section toward a first fluid outlet or a second fluid outlet. A gas and liquid fluid mixture (e.g., air and liquid water droplets) can be received by the inlet and the liquid can be separated from the air in a separator chamber of the turbine housing. The liquid can be discharged from the turbine housing via a first fluid outlet (e.g., a drain, a drain hole, a drain tube, a drain feature, etc.) integrated in the turbine housing. As the liquid is separated therefrom, the air in the turbine section can continue through the turbine section, across the turbine wheel, and can exit the turbine section via the second fluid outlet.

[0017] Accordingly, the turbomachine has improved liquid ingestion capability and can ingest liquid water without negatively impacting turbine performance. Further, the turbomachine of the present disclosure also has improved wear resistance. Moreover, the fluid separator features can be integrated in the turbine housing in a lightweight, compact package. Further, the turbomachine can also be efficiently manufactured.

[0018] Referring first to Figure 1 , a turbomachine 101 is shown in accordance with example embodiments. As shown, the turbomachine 101 generally includes a housing 119 and a rotating set 118 supported by one or more bearings 121 for rotation within the housing 119 about a rotational axis 120. In some embodiments, the rotating set 118 and the housing 119 can cooperatively define a compressor section 110 (i.e., a compressor stage) and a turbine section 113 (i.e., a turbine stage). Further, a motor section 112 can be disposed axially (i.e., along the axis 120) between the compressor section 110 and the turbine section 113.

[0019] The bearings 121 of the turbomachine 101 support the rotating set 118 for rotation within the housing 119. The bearings 121 can have various configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearings 121 are air bearings (fluid bearings, etc.) that include a first bearing seat 123 and a second bearing seat 126 spaced apart along the axis 120. It will be appreciated that the bearings 121 can be variously configured, such as configured as a rolling element bearing system or otherwise. The bearings 121 can also include oil fed journal bearings of various architectures (e.g., full floating, semi-floating, split, coupled, etc.). Further, in some embodiments, the bearings 121 can include oil fed rolling element bearings.

[0020] The rotary set 118 can generally include a shaft 149 that extends axially through the first and second bearing seats 123, 126 and extends through the compressor section 110, the turbine section 113, and the motor section 112. The motor section 112 can include a rotor member 130 operatively mounted to the shaft 149 and a stator member 132 supported within a motor housing 133 of the housing 119 (i.e., axially supported between the first and second bearing seat members 123, 126). The rotary set 118 can also include a turbine wheel 131 mounted on one end of the shaft 149. The turbine wheel 131 can include a plurality of blades and can define a forward axial face 140 and a rear axial face 142 facing in opposite directions along the axis 120. The radial ends of the blades can provide a convexly contoured side profile for the forward axial face 140 as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the turbine wheel 131 can be formed of a stainless steel material. The turbine wheel 131 can be housed within a turbine housing 134 of the housing 119. The turbine housing 134 can be attached to one axial end of the motor housing 133 and will be discussed in detail below. Figure 1

[0021] Further, it will be appreciated that the compressor section 110 (shown schematically) can include a compressor wheel mounted on an opposite end of the shaft 149 from the turbine wheel 131. It will also be appreciated that the compressor section 110 can include a compressor housing that houses the compressor wheel and is attached to an opposite axial end of the motor housing 133 from the turbine housing 134.

[0022] In some embodiments, the turbomachine 101 can be operatively connected to a fuel cell system 100 and can be configured as an electric charger or motorized compressor device for the fuel cell system 100. The fuel cell system 100 can include a fuel cell stack 104 that includes a plurality of fuel cells. Hydrogen can be supplied to the fuel cell stack 104 from a tank 106 and oxygen can be supplied to the fuel cell stack 104 to generate electricity through known chemical reactions. The fuel cell stack 104 can generate electricity for an electrical device such as an electric motor 105. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system 100 can be included in a vehicle such as an automobile, truck, sport utility vehicle, van, motorcycle, etc. Thus, in some embodiments, the electric motor 105 can convert electrical power into mechanical power to drive and rotate an axle (and thus one or more wheels) of the vehicle.

[0023] During operation, the motor section 112 can drive rotation of the rotary set 118, an inlet gas stream (supplied from the tank 106) can be drawn into the compressor section 110, and compressed air can be supplied to the turbine section 113. The turbine section 113 can drive rotation of the rotary set 118, and the compressed air can be supplied to the electric motor 105 to generate electricity. The electric motor 105 can drive rotation of the rotary set 118, and the compressed air can be supplied to the electric motor 105 to generate electricity. Figure 1 ​The compressed air stream (represented by arrow 124) provided by compressor section 110 to intercooler 128 can flow into compressor section 110 (represented by arrow 122) and, as it flows to fuel cell stack 104, compressor section 110 can provide a compressed air stream (represented by arrow 124) to intercooler 128 for improved operating efficiency of fuel cell system 100.

[0024] Further, exhaust stream 127 from fuel cell stack 104 can be directed back into inlet 125 of turbine section 113 and across turbine wheel 131 before exiting turbine 101 via first fluid outlet 194 of turbine housing 134. Fluid power from exhaust stream 127 can drive turbine wheel 131 to rotate, and this mechanical power can be converted into electrical power for motor section 112 for ultimately assisting rotation of compressor wheels in compressor section 110.

[0025] Various components of fuel cell system 100 and / or turbine 101 can be controlled by control system 135. Control system 135 can be a computerized system with a processor, various sensors, and other components for electrically controlling these operations (e.g., controlling the speed of the motor in motor section 112). In some embodiments, control system 135 can define or be part of an electrical control unit (ECU) of a vehicle.

[0026] It will be appreciated, however, that other configurations of turbine 101 fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, turbine 101 of the present disclosure can be provided in other systems (i.e., other than a fuel cell system). Further, features of turbine section 113 can be included in a turbocharger or other turbine without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] Referring now to Figures 1-5 Turbine housing 134 of turbine 101 will be discussed in greater detail in accordance with exemplary embodiments. As shown, turbine housing 134 can include a first housing member 201 (i.e., turbine shroud member) and a second housing member 202 (i.e., seal plate). First housing member 201 and second housing member 202 can be attached together and / or to motor housing 133. As such, first housing member 201 and second housing member 202 can cooperatively house turbine wheel 131. Generally, first housing member 201 can cover and oppose a forward axial face 140 of turbine wheel 131, and second housing member 202 can cover and oppose an aft axial face 142 of turbine wheel 131. Figures 1-4 Figure 1 Figure 5

[0028] As Figure 2 and Figure 4 ​​​As shown in the figures, the first housing member 201 can be a unitary, one-piece part that includes a number of features that will be discussed in detail below. In additional embodiments, these features can be assembled together from multiple parts to define the first housing member 201.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first housing member 201 can be formed (e.g., cast) from an aluminum alloy material. The first housing member 201 can include an annular outer radial wall 160, an annular inner radial wall 162, and an axial wall 164. The outer radial wall 160 and the inner radial wall 162 can be spaced apart in a radial direction relative to the axis 120, and the axial wall 164 can extend radially between the outer radial wall 160 and the inner radial wall 162 on one axial end thereof. On the opposite axial end of the first housing member 201, the inner radial wall 162 can be radially outwardly turned to define a lip 165 Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). The first housing member 201 can also include a turbine shroud surface 169 that is convexly shaped, annular, and centered about the axis 120. Additionally, the open end of the outer radial wall 160 of the first housing member 201 can be radially outwardly stepped to define an annular attachment edge 167.

[0030] The first housing member 201 can also include an inlet pipe 156. The inlet pipe 156 can extend radially and tangentially to connect to the outer radial wall 160. The inlet pipe 156 can be cylindrical, with the inlet 125 extending substantially in a radial direction through the inlet pipe 156 to fluidly connect to the interior of the first housing member 201. The inlet 125 can have a rounded (e.g., circular) cross-section.

[0031] The first housing member 201 can also include an outlet pipe 168 that axially projects from the axial wall 164 away from the turbine wheel 131. The outlet pipe 168 can be cylindrical and centered about the axis 120, and a first fluid outlet 194 can extend therethrough. The first fluid outlet 194 can have a rounded (e.g., circular) cross-section taken normal to the axis 120. The first fluid outlet 194 can be stepped for connection to a downstream pipe, tube, or other fluid conduit (not shown).

[0032] The first housing member 201 can define at least a portion of a separator chamber 192 of the turbine housing 134. The separator chamber 192 can extend annularly and continuously about the axis 120. The separator chamber 192 can be defined by an inner diameter surface 210 of the outer radial wall 160, an opposite outer diameter surface 212 of the inner radial wall 162, an inner axial surface 214 of the axial wall 164, and the lip 165 of the first housing member 201. The separator chamber 192 can be toroid-shaped and substantially centered about the axis 120. The separator chamber 192 can define a substantially rectangular cross-section taken along the axis 120, as shown in FIG. 2.Figure 1 In some embodiments, the cross-section (i.e., cross-sectional area or profile) can remain substantially constant as the chamber 192 extends about the axis 120. In other embodiments, the chamber 192 can be a spiral passage in which the cross-sectional area gradually changes as it extends about the axis 120. In some embodiments, the chamber 192 can also extend helically about the axis 120 (i.e., the chamber 192 can advance along the axis 120 as it extends about the axis 120). The inlet pipe 156 can extend into the outer radial wall 160 such that the inlet 125 is fluidly connected to the separator chamber 192.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first housing member 201 can also include at least one bearing fluid line, such as a first bearing fluid line 231 and a second bearing fluid line 233. As shown in Figure 2 The first bearing fluid line 231 can include an inlet that is open proximate the attachment edge 167, and as shown in Figure 4 The outlet of the first bearing fluid line 231 can be open on the outlet pipe 168 to be fluidly connected to the outlet 194 of the turbine section 113, as shown in

[0034] Additionally, the first housing member 201 can include a drain pipe 290. The drain pipe 290 can project radially outward from the outer radial wall 160. A drain hole 291 can extend longitudinally through the drain pipe 290 and the inner radial surface 210 of the outer radial wall 160 to be fluidly connected to the separator chamber 192 and define a second fluid outlet 292 of the turbine section 113. The longitudinal axis of the drain hole 291 can be oriented normal to the axis 120, and / or the longitudinal axis of the drain hole 291 can intersect the axis 120. The drain hole 291 can have a rounded cross-section (e.g., a circular cross-section), as shown in Figure 3 Furthermore, the drain pipe 290 can also include an annular flange 298 on its outer terminal end for coupling to a drain hose, pipe, or other fluid line. The drain pipe 290 can be angularly disposed on the first housing member 201 at a location where the drain hole 291 can be the lowest relative to the direction of gravity. In other words, the drain pipe 290 can extend radially outward from the bottom of the first housing member 201 relative to the direction of gravity. Thus, the drain hole 291 can be a gravity-fed drain of the turbine section 113, as will be discussed.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1-3As shown, the first shell member 201 can also include one or more concavely contoured surfaces 299 that transition between the inner diameter surface 210 of the first shell member 201 and the discharge hole 291. As shown, there can be four concave surfaces 299 that are recessed radially outward and into the inner diameter surface 210. There can be two circumferential concave surfaces 280, 281 that have respective radii that gradually change as the surfaces 280, 281 extend from the hole 291 in a circumferential direction. There can also be two axial concave surfaces 283, 284 that have respective radii that gradually change as the surfaces 283, 284 extend from the hole 291 in an axial direction.

[0036] The outer diameter wall 160 of the first shell member 201 can be fixed to an axial face of the motor housing 133 on an axial side opposite the compressor housing 152. As such, the first shell member 201 can cover the forward axial face 140 of the turbine wheel 131 of the rotating set 118. The turbine shroud surface 169 can be opposite and can have an inverse profile with respect to the turbine wheel 131. In some embodiments, the first shell member 201 can be attached to the motor housing 133 via fasteners (e.g., threaded bolts).

[0037] As Figure 5 As shown, the second shell member 202 can be a unitary, single-piece part having a plurality of features integrally connected. In other embodiments, the second shell member 202 can be assembled from a plurality of parts. In some embodiments, the second shell member 202 can be formed (e.g., cast) from an aluminum alloy material. The second shell member 202 can include a back plate 198 and a plurality of vane members 199. The back plate 198 can be relatively flat and annular with a central opening 242. The back plate 198 can include a forward flow surface 240 that extends substantially perpendicular to the axis 120 and away from the motor section 112 along the axis 120. The vane members 199 can be airfoil-shaped and can axially protrude from the forward flow surface 240. The plurality of vane members 199 can be arranged about the axis 120. The vane members 199 can be uniformly and circumferentially spaced about the central opening 242. In addition, the second shell member 202 can also include a first notch 251 and a second notch 252 that are circumferentially spaced along an outer radial edge of the back plate 198.

[0038] When the turbine housing 134 is assembled and attached to the motor housing 133 Figure 1 ), the attachment edge 167 of the first shell member 201 can be joined to a corresponding attachment feature (e.g., a stepped slot, an edge, etc.) of the motor housing 133. In addition, the outer radial edge of the back plate 198 can also be disposed between the first shell member 201 and the first bearing seat member 123, as Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1, the first housing member 201 can be coupled to the second housing member 202 via a substantially air-tight seal. In some embodiments, a fastener (e.g., a bolt) can extend through both the first housing member 201 and the outer radial edge of the backplate 198, and can be threadably attached to the motor housing 133. A substantially air-tight seal can exist between the backplate 198 and the first housing member 201 at the outer radial coupling 260. A sealant, sealing member, or the like can be included at the outer radial coupling 260 to provide the air-tight seal. Additionally, at this location, the first notch 251 and the second notch 252 of the backplate 198 can be aligned with the first bearing fluid line 231 and the second bearing fluid line 233, respectively. As such, the notches 251, 252 and the bearing fluid lines 231, 233 can fluidly connect the bearing 121 with the first fluid outlet 194. Further, the shroud surface 169 can oppose the tips of the blades on the forward axial face 140 of the turbine wheel 131. Additionally, the flow surface 240 of the backplate 198 can be axially spaced from the lip 165 of the first housing member 201. The free axial end of the blade member 199 can be disposed in close proximity (i.e., immediately adjacent) to the lip 165. In some embodiments, the blade member 199 can abut or otherwise engage the lip 165. Further, a sealant, sealing member, or the like can be disposed between the blade member 199 and the lip 165 to provide an air-tight seal therebetween.

[0039] As such, the first housing member 201, the second housing member 202, and the turbine wheel 131 can cooperatively define a plurality of flow paths that direct the exhaust flow 127 through the turbine section 113. More specifically, the turbine housing 134 and the turbine wheel can cooperatively define a first flow path 271 and a second flow path 272, both of which extend downstream from the inlet 125 and circumferentially through the separator chamber 192.

[0040] The first flow path 271 can branch from the second flow path 272 and branch outward from the separator chamber 192 in an axial direction toward the downstream direction of the flow surface 240. Further downstream, the first flow path 271 can be directed radially inward and into the turbine wheel upstream region 174, which is defined axially between and radially along the flow surface 240 and the lip 165. The blade member 199 can be disposed within the turbine wheel upstream region 174 so as to direct the first flow path 271 toward the turbine wheel 131 for efficient operation. The first flow path 271 can be directed downstream from the turbine wheel upstream region 174, across the turbine wheel (i.e., between the turbine wheel 131 and the shroud surface 169), and can be axially diverted toward the outlet 194 to be directed outward from the turbine section 113.

[0041] The first housing member 201 of the turbine housing 134 can also define a second flow path 272. This second flow path 272 can extend from the inlet 125 and circumferentially with the first flow path 271 into the separator chamber 192. Further, the second flow path 272 can also branch from the first flow path 271 within the separator chamber 192 to be directed downstream over the sink surface 299 and outward from the turbine housing 134 via the discharge hole 291 of the second fluid outlet 292.

[0042] Under certain operating conditions of the fuel cell system 100, the exhaust stream 127 can include a mixture of air and liquid water (e.g., water droplets, etc.). This mixture can be received by the inlet 125. The momentum of the relatively dense water droplets can entrain liquid against the inner diameter surface 210 and surrounding inner surface of the separator chamber 192. The liquid can continue along the second flow path 272 and can flow circumferentially along the inner diameter surface 210 to be discharged from the second fluid outlet 292. Meanwhile, the air can flow from the inlet 125 in the downstream direction along the first flow path 271, through the separator chamber 192, into the turbine wheel upstream region 174, past the turbine wheel 131 and shroud surface 189, and into the first fluid outlet 194 to flow out of the turbine 101. This fluid flow can drive the turbine wheel 131 to rotate to provide mechanical power to the rotating set 118.

[0043] Accordingly, the turbine of the present disclosure can have improved liquid absorption capability. The turbine section can absorb liquid water without negatively impacting turbine performance. Further, the turbine of the present disclosure can also have better wear resistance because water can be removed rather than flowing to the turbine wheel. Moreover, the fluid separator feature can be integrated in the turbine housing with a light-weight, compact package. Further, the turbine can also be efficiently manufactured. In particular, the housing 119 at the turbine section 113 can be attached together with relatively few steps and can have a relatively small number of components.

[0044] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. It is understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A turbine having a turbine section, comprising: Turbine impeller, which is supported for rotation about an axis; A turbine housing that houses the turbine impeller and includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, the inlet being configured to receive an inlet flow comprising a first fluid and a second fluid; The turbine housing includes a first housing member that at least partially defines a separator chamber of the turbine housing and at least partially defines a second outlet; as well as The turbine housing and the turbine impeller cooperate to define a first flow path extending downstream from the inlet, across the turbine impeller, and to the first outlet. The turbine housing defines a second flow path extending downstream from the inlet and to the second outlet. Both the first and second flow paths extend through the separator chamber, which is configured to separate the first fluid from the second fluid, thereby allowing the first fluid to flow along the first flow path to the first outlet and allowing the second fluid to flow along the second flow path to the second outlet.

2. The turbine according to claim 1, wherein, The turbine impeller includes a front surface and a rear surface facing opposite directions along the axis; The inlet is oriented substantially radially relative to the axis; and The turbine housing includes a second housing member that cooperates with the first housing member to house the turbine impeller. The front face faces the first housing member along the axis, and the rear face faces the second housing member.

3. The turbine according to claim 2, wherein, The second housing member is integral and includes a flow surface facing the rear face of the turbine impeller; and The first housing member and the flow surface cooperate to define the upstream region of the turbine impeller in the first flow path.

4. The turbine according to claim 3, wherein, The second housing component includes a plurality of blade components projecting axially from the flow surface, the blade components being disposed in the upstream region of the turbine impeller in the first flow path.

5. The turbine according to claim 4, wherein, The separator chamber is defined by an inner radial wall, an outer radial wall, an axial wall, and a lip of the first housing member. The inner radial wall and the outer radial wall are radially spaced apart from the axis. The axial wall extends radially between the inner radial wall and the outer radial wall. The lip is axially spaced apart from the axial wall relative to the axis and protrudes radially from the inner radial wall. and The flow surface and the lip edge cooperate to define the upstream region of the turbine impeller in the first flow path; and The plurality of blade components are axially disposed between the flow surface and the lip.

6. The turbine according to claim 1, wherein, The second outlet is a discharge port that extends through the first housing member and is fluidly connected to the separator chamber.

7. The turbine according to claim 6, wherein, The separator chamber is defined by the inner surface of the first housing member, wherein the first housing member includes at least one shaped concave recessed surface, and the concave recessed surface transitions between the inner surface and the discharge port.

8. The turbine according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one concave recessed surface surrounds the discharge hole.

9. The turbine according to claim 1, wherein, The turbine impeller is made of steel, and the first housing component is made of aluminum alloy.

10. The turbine according to claim 1, wherein, The first shell component is integral.

11. A method for manufacturing a turbine having a turbine section, comprising: A turbine impeller is supported for rotation about an axis within a turbine housing, the turbine housing including an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, the inlet being configured to receive an inlet flow comprising a first fluid and a second fluid, the turbine housing including a first housing member that at least partially defines a separator chamber of the turbine housing, and the first housing member at least partially defines the second outlet; The turbine housing and the turbine impeller cooperate to define a first flow path, which extends downstream from the inlet, across the turbine impeller, and to the first outlet; as well as The turbine housing defines a second flow path extending downstream from the inlet to the second outlet. Both the first and second flow paths extend through the separator chamber, which is configured to separate the first fluid from the second fluid, thereby allowing the first fluid to flow along the first flow path to the first outlet and allowing the second fluid to flow along the second flow path to the second outlet.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The turbine impeller includes a front surface and a rear surface facing opposite directions along the axis; Supporting the turbine impeller for rotation about the axis within the turbine housing includes: Orient the inlet substantially radially relative to the axis; and The turbine impeller is housed in cooperation with the first housing member of the turbine housing, the front face facing the first housing member along the axis and the rear face facing the second housing member.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The second housing member is integral and includes a flow surface facing the rear face of the turbine impeller; and The first housing member and the flow surface cooperate to define the upstream region of the turbine impeller in the first flow path.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The second housing component includes a plurality of blade components projecting axially from the flow surface; and Supporting the turbine impeller for rotation about the axis within the turbine housing includes positioning the blade assembly in the upstream region of the turbine impeller in the first flow path.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The separator chamber is defined by an inner radial wall, an outer radial wall, an axial wall, and a lip of the first housing member. The inner and outer radial walls are radially spaced relative to the axis. The axial wall extends radially between the inner and outer radial walls. The lip is axially spaced relative to the axis and from the axial wall, and protrudes radially from the inner radial wall. It also includes an upstream region of the turbine impeller that collaboratively defines the first flow path using the flow surface and the lip, wherein the plurality of blade members are axially disposed between the flow surface and the lip.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The second outlet is a discharge port that extends through the first housing member and is fluidly connected to the separator chamber.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The separator chamber is defined by the inner surface of the first housing member, wherein the first housing member includes at least one shaped concave recessed surface, and the concave recessed surface transitions between the inner surface and the discharge port.

18. The method of claim 10, further comprising forming the first housing member.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Forming the first housing component includes forming the first housing component from an aluminum alloy; and The turbine impeller is made of steel.

20. A fuel cell system, comprising: Fuel cell stack; as well as A turbine having a turbine section fluidly coupled to the fuel cell stack and configured to receive exhaust flow from the fuel cell stack; The turbine section includes: Turbine impeller, which is supported for rotation about an axis; A turbine housing that houses the turbine impeller and includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, the inlet being configured to receive the exhaust flow as an inlet flow, the inlet flow including a first fluid and a second fluid; The turbine housing includes an integral first housing member that at least partially defines a separator chamber of the turbine housing and at least partially defines a second outlet; and The turbine housing and the turbine impeller cooperate to define a first flow path extending downstream from the inlet, across the turbine impeller, and to the first outlet. The turbine housing defines a second flow path extending downstream from the inlet and to the second outlet. Both the first and second flow paths extend through the separator chamber, which is configured to separate the first fluid from the second fluid, thereby allowing the first fluid to flow along the first flow path to the first outlet and allowing the second fluid to flow along the second flow path to the second outlet.

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