Water separator

Abstract

The invention relates to a water separator (1) for a fuel cell system (17). The invention also relates to a fuel cell system (17) having the water separator (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a water separator, in particular for a fuel cell system, according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a fuel cell system having the water separator. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a water separator, water contained in an air stream and present in the form of water droplets is separated from the air stream by centrifugal force. To this end, the air stream is placed in rotation in a channel and the water or water droplets are pressed by centrifugal force against the outer wall portion of the channel. Here, a wall film is formed on the outer wall portion of the channel, which wall film is finally guided through a gap or an opening into a collection container. In the collection container, the air stream containing the separated water has a smaller velocity compared to the air stream in the channel, and the water can settle out of the air stream. Disadvantageously, the inflowing air stream forms a pressure cushion in the collection container, which pressure cushion impedes or interferes with the outflow of the separated water through the gap or through the opening into the collection container. SUMMARY

[0003] It is therefore the task of the present invention to provide an improved or at least alternative embodiment for a water separator of the type according to the generic kind, in particular for a fuel cell system, in which the described disadvantages are overcome. It is also the task of the present invention to provide a corresponding fuel cell system having the water separator.

[0004] According to the invention, the stated task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] The invention is based on the general idea of de-pressurizing the pressure cushion in the collection container at a defined location and thereby improving the effectiveness of the water separator.

[0006] The water separator according to the application is in particular provided or designed for a fuel cell system. The water separator has a housing, which can be traversed by air, with an inlet opening into the housing and an outlet opening out of the housing. Furthermore, the housing has a collection container formed in the housing and a separation gap formed in the housing. Furthermore, the housing has an inlet channel, an outlet channel and a collection channel. The inlet channel is provided for water droplet-laden air and leads in the housing from the inlet opening to the separation gap. The outlet channel is provided for water droplet-depleted air and leads in the housing from the inlet channel to the outlet. In other words, the inlet channel and the outlet channel can be fluidically transitioned into one another in the housing. The collection channel is provided for water separated from the air and leads in the housing from the inlet channel through the separation gap to the collection container. In other words, the inlet channel and the collection channel can be fluidically connected to one another in the housing via the separation gap. Here, the outlet channel and the collection channel are fluidically separated downstream from the separation gap. In other words, the separation gap is located at a transition between the inlet channel and / or the collection channel and / or the outlet channel. According to the application, the collection container and the inlet channel are fluidically connected to one another by means of at least one opening formed upstream with respect to the separation gap. In other words, the opening fluidically connecting the collection container and the inlet channel is a different opening from the separation gap.

[0007] The terms "first", "second", etc. (e.g. first guide or first rib) mentioned in the following are used to be able to distinguish different elements from one another, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Thus, the presence of a first guide or a first rib or a second guide or a second rib does not imply that there must necessarily be more than one guide or rib.

[0008] The water droplet-laden air can in particular comprise a relatively high concentration of water droplets or large water droplets. The water droplet-laden air can in particular be exhaust air of a fuel cell of a fuel cell system. The water droplet-depleted air can in particular be at least partially free of water droplets or large water droplets. The water droplet-depleted air can in particular have a relatively small concentration of water droplets or comprise no large water droplets. The water droplet-depleted air can in particular be supplied to a humidifier, a turbo compressor or other components of a fuel cell system and thereby protect these components from damage or functional impairment by water droplets. The water separated from the air can in particular consist of water droplets separated from the water droplet-laden air.

[0009] The housing can in particular have exactly one opening or a plurality of openings, in particular exactly two or exactly three or more openings. If the housing has a plurality of openings, the respective openings can be spaced apart and / or distributed and / or radially offset from one another on the circumference of the inlet channel. The respective openings can be located in a plane oriented transversely to the air flow direction. The respective openings can be arranged in one plane in the air flow direction.

[0010] The respective openings can connect the inlet channel in communication with the collection container in an axial direction with respect to the outlet channel or in a direction parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the outlet channel. In other words, the respective openings can have a center axis, which can be oriented parallel to the axial direction with respect to the outlet channel or parallel to the air flow direction of the outlet channel or parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the outlet channel. The cross-sectional area, which can be traversed by each of the openings arranged in the axial direction with respect to the outlet channel, and / or the sum of the cross-sectional areas, which can be traversed by all of the openings arranged in the axial direction with respect to the outlet channel, can preferably be less than 25%, in particular 15% and more than 7% of the cross-sectional area, which can be traversed by the inlet channel.

[0011] Alternatively, the respective openings can connect the inlet channel in communication with the collection container in a radial direction with respect to the outlet channel or in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the outlet channel. In other words, the respective openings can have a center axis, which can be oriented almost perpendicular to the air flow direction of the outlet channel or perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the outlet channel. The cross-sectional area, which can be traversed by each of the openings arranged in the radial direction with respect to the outlet channel, and / or the sum of the cross-sectional areas, which can be traversed by all of the openings arranged in the radial direction with respect to the outlet channel, can preferably be less than 5%, in particular 2% and more than 0.1% of the cross-sectional area, which can be traversed by the inlet channel.

[0012] Suitably, in the water separator oriented in a manner conforming to operation, the respective openings can be located above a water-fillable region of the collection container. Suitably, in the water separator oriented in a manner conforming to operation, the water-fillable region of the collection container can be arranged such that water can collect in the water-fillable region by gravity. In particular, in the water separator oriented in a manner conforming to operation, the collection container or at least the water-fillable region can suitably be located or arranged below the inlet channel and / or the outlet channel and / or the collection channel and / or the separation gap and / or the inlet and / or the outlet.

[0013] In traversing the water separator, the air carrying water droplets flows into the inlet and continues to flow through the inlet channel until the separation gap. In the inlet channel, the air can be put into rotation, as described below. Thereby, a water film is formed on the outer wall portion of the inlet channel, which flows to the separation gap. The air freed of water droplets continues to flow in the inlet channel to the separation gap. On the separation gap, the water separated from the air is separated from the air freed of water droplets. The air freed of water droplets flows through the outlet channel to the outlet and continues to flow outward from the water separator. The water separated from the air flows through the separation gap into the collection channel and continues to flow into the collection container.

[0014] When water flows into the collecting container, air also flows into the collecting container. Here, a corresponding opening formed upstream with respect to the separation gap connects the collecting container with the inlet channel, so that air flowing into the collecting container can escape from the collecting container back into the inlet channel. Thereby, a pressure cushion in the collecting container can be relieved, and the pressure difference on the separation gap between the inlet channel and the collecting container can be reduced. Correspondingly, the separated water can pass unhindered through the separation gap into the collecting container, and the effectiveness of the water separator can be improved overall. Here, the corresponding opening can have an arbitrary profile, and in particular can be formed as a circular bore or a slit. If the housing has a plurality of openings, all of the openings can preferably have the same geometry.

[0015] The corresponding opening can in particular be formed in a flow- calming region of the collecting container. In the flow-calming region, the speed of the air flowing into the collecting container is low, and the water has already been separated due to gravity. In other words, in the flow-calming region, the water has already separated from the air flowing into the collecting container. Thereby, when the air flowing into the collecting container flows back into the inlet channel, the water can not be entrained and can be guided into the inlet channel. That is, the air flowing into the collecting container can be supplied again to the water droplet-laden air in a flow-advantageous manner through the corresponding opening. Here, the separated water remains in the collecting container, and can be guided out through the outlet opening if desired.

[0016] Preferably, at least one of the corresponding openings has a neck, in particular at least substantially cylindrical, which projects into the collecting container. Preferably, the neck completely surrounds and / or encircles the corresponding opening.

[0017] Thereby, it can be avoided in a particularly advantageous manner that water which has already been separated in the collecting container is entrained or sucked (back) into the inlet channel through the corresponding opening.

[0018] In particular, the ratio between the cross-sectional area of the separation gap which can be flowed through and the cross-sectional area of the outlet channel which can be flowed through on the separation gap can be between 20%:80% and 10%:90%. In other words, the separation gap can be shaped such that the cross-sectional area of the separation gap which can be flowed through is 10% to 20% of the total cross-sectional area which can be flowed through, and the cross-sectional area of the outlet channel which can be flowed through on the separation gap is 90% to 80% of the total cross-sectional area which can be flowed through. By definition, the total cross-sectional area which can be flowed through is 100% and consists of the cross-sectional area of the separation gap which can be flowed through and the cross-sectional area of the outlet channel which can be flowed through on the separation gap.

[0019] In a possible embodiment of the water separator, it can be provided that the inlet channel and the outlet channel are oriented coaxially to one another and are successive in the air flow direction. Here, the term "coaxially" relates to the longitudinal center axes of the respective channels. A separation gap, which is then shaped in such a way that it surrounds the outlet channel on the outside, is formed at the transition between the inlet channel and the outlet channel. Typically, the housing of the water separator can have, for example, an inlet tube and an outlet tube, which are arranged coaxially to one another and are successive in the air flow direction. The inlet tube can have a widening in such a way that it faces the outlet tube, and the outlet tube can be arranged locally in the widening here. In particular, the outlet tube can be received coaxially and spaced apart in the widening. A separation gap, which is then surrounded on the outside by the outlet channel, can be formed between the outlet tube and the widening of the inlet tube. The separation gap can then be bounded radially outward by the inlet tube and radially inward by the outlet tube. Correspondingly, the collection channel can also be at least locally bounded radially outward by the inlet tube and radially inward by the outlet tube. Furthermore, the collection container can be formed on the outlet tube in such a way that it is located externally.

[0020] Furthermore, the water separator can have a vortex generator. A respective opening can lead into the inlet channel downstream of the vortex generator. In other words, the opening can be arranged or formed behind the vortex generator in the air flow direction. The vortex generator can be arranged and / or formed in the inlet channel, in particular between the inlet and the separation gap. Thus, the vortex generator can be formed as a separate element and fixedly connected with the inlet channel or with the inlet tube forming the inlet channel. Alternatively, the vortex generator can be formed together with the inlet channel or with the inlet tube forming the inlet channel, for example in an injection molding process.

[0021] The vortex generator can have at least two vanes which are spaced apart from one another. Thus, the vortex generator can have exactly two or exactly three or exactly four or exactly five or more vanes. The respective vanes can be arranged spaced apart from one another and distributed, in particular uniformly, around the air flow direction or around the longitudinal center axis of the inlet channel or around the longitudinal center axis of the inlet tube. The respective vanes can follow a spiral line or a vortex line in the air flow direction. In other words, the respective vanes can map a section of a spiral line or a vortex line. The spiral line or the vortex line can be located on or extend along an outer wall portion forming the inlet channel. The respective opening can then be arranged downstream of the vortex generator and between the spiral line or the vortex line adjacent to the respective opening. In particular, the respective opening can be arranged spaced apart from the spiral line or the vortex line adjacent to the respective opening.

[0022] When passing through the flow separator, the air carrying water droplets flows into the inlet and is set into rotation by the vortex generator. Here, the separated water is collected between the respective blade and the outer wall portion forming the inlet channel by the acting centrifugal force. Then, behind the respective blade, the water continues to flow along the outer wall portion of the inlet channel in a defined water flow along the helical line or spiral line assigned to the respective blade. The respective opening is located between the respective helical line or spiral line adjacent thereto and thus between the defined water flows assigned to the respective adjacent blade. Thus, it can be advantageously prevented that water flows into the respective opening. Thereby, it can be advantageously prevented that the separated water from the air interacts disadvantageously with the air flow in the respective opening.

[0023] Preferably, a first guide, in particular a rib, is arranged and / or shaped in the inlet pipe forming the inlet channel on the inside for guiding the water to be separated, in particular flowing along a wall (wandläufig).

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, a second and / or third guide, in particular a rib, can be arranged and / or shaped in the collection container on the inside for guiding the water (already) separated from the air.

[0025] Preferably, the first guide is located at least partially in the inlet pipe between the vortex generator and / or the respective opening and the separation gap and / or the collection channel.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the second guide can be opposite to the separation gap and / or the collection channel in the collection container, in particular directly.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the third guide can be located at least partially in the collection container between the separation gap and / or the collection channel and the respective opening.

[0028] Preferably, the course of the first guide at least partially follows the helical line and / or spiral line, viewed in the flow direction along the longitudinal center axis of the inlet pipe.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the course of the second guide at least partially follows the helical line and / or spiral line, viewed in the flow direction along the longitudinal center axis of the inlet pipe.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the course of the third guide at least partially follows a straight longitudinal line, viewed in the flow direction along the longitudinal center axis of the inlet pipe.

[0031] The first, second or third guide can at least partially have or be configured as a rib, respectively. In particular, the first, second or third rib is configured here in a helical and / or spiral and / or straight line, as described above, which is embodied in the respective course.

[0032] The first guide or rib in the inlet duct can be configured or selected in a variable manner in terms of its geometric dimensions, such as the rib height, its angle of attack relative to the longitudinal center axis of the inlet duct and its spacing from one another, such that the course of the helical and / or spiral first guide or rib corresponds or is in accordance in terms of geometry to the water flow forming a helical or spiral line as a result of the vortex generator.

[0033] It can be achieved in a particularly advantageous manner thereby that the water to be separated from the air, in particular flowing along the wall, is guided via the first guide or rib to the separation gap without being entrained again by the air flow in the inlet channel.

[0034] From the separation gap, the water that has been separated from the air can continue to be introduced into the collection container via the collection channel.

[0035] Subsequently, the separated water can be received in the collection container by a second guide or rib and guided in a helical and / or spiral manner onto the outer wall portion of the collection container, which is arranged and / or shaped helically and / or spirally and in particular directly opposite the separation gap and / or the collection channel.

[0036] The geometric dimensions of the second guide or rib and accordingly its course can be oriented in accordance with the first guide or rib or in accordance with other geometric shapes of the water separator, in particular in accordance with the housing forming the collection container.

[0037] Viewed in the flow direction along the longitudinal center axis of the inlet duct, the third guide or rib can in particular directly adjoin the second guide or rib in the collection container.

[0038] The third guide or rib can extend in the collection container at least partially in a straight longitudinal line between the separation gap and / or the collection channel and the respective opening.

[0039] It can be achieved in a particularly advantageous manner thereby that the water separated from the air is transported in the axial direction into a flow-smooth region of the collection container in order to subsequently direct the water purposefully out of the water separator.

[0040] In a possible alternative embodiment of the water separator, the inlet channel can be oriented tangentially with respect to the outlet channel. The separation gap can then be formed radially spaced apart and radially outside the outlet channel, and between the outer wall portion of the housing and the separation wall forming the inlet channel. The housing of the water separator can for example have an outlet tube, which can form the outlet channel. The inlet channel can be formed partly by the inlet tube and partly by the outer wall portion of the housing and the separation wall. Here, the inlet channel can be oriented tangentially or transversely to the outlet channel or outlet tube. The separation gap can be formed by the outer wall portion of the housing and the separation wall, and divides the inlet channel into the outlet channel and the collection channel. Here, the separation wall can be arranged in the inlet channel such that the collection channel is arranged radially outside the outlet channel. Furthermore, the collection container can be formed outside the outlet channel or outlet tube.

[0041] In the through-flow of the water separator, the air carrying water droplets flows into the inlet and through the inlet channel. At the transition between the inlet channel and the outlet channel, the air carrying water droplets is diverted by the tangential arrangement of the inlet channel on the outlet channel. Here, the separated water is collected by the acting centrifugal force on the outer wall portion of the housing forming the inlet channel, and then flows through the radially outer separation gap into the collection channel. The air freed of water droplets flows into the outlet channel and continues to flow out of the outlet of the housing.

[0042] Furthermore, the housing can have a barrier wall inside the housing, wherein the barrier wall can fluidically separate the collection channel and / or the collection container from the inlet channel. In other words, the barrier wall can at least partly form the inlet channel and the collection channel and / or the collection container. The barrier wall can be formed helically, and is arranged in the outlet channel in particular transversely to the outlet channel or transversely to the air flow direction. Here, a respective opening can be formed in the barrier wall, and fluidically connects the collection container to the inlet channel.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a fuel cell system for a motor vehicle. Here, the fuel cell system has a fuel cell. Furthermore, the fuel cell system has an intake path and an exhaust path. The exhaust path exits from the fuel cell and is capable of being traversed by exhaust gas that is wet, and especially carries water droplets. The intake path leads to the fuel cell and is capable of being traversed by intake air that is dry and drawn in from the environment. Furthermore, the fuel cell system has a humidifier for humidifying the intake air flowing in the intake path by means of the exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust path. The humidifier may be, for example, a membrane humidifier having a membrane stack consisting of a plurality of flexible membranes stacked at intervals. Furthermore, the fuel cell system has a water separator as described above. Here, the water separator may be fluidly connected upstream of the humidifier in the intake path, or fluidly connected between the fuel cell and the humidifier in the exhaust path, or fluidly connected downstream of the humidifier in the exhaust path. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above embodiments herein.

[0044] Other important features and advantages of the invention are revealed by the dependent claims, the drawings, and the accompanying drawings.

[0045] It should be understood that the features mentioned above and those to be elaborated below can be used not only in the given combinations, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the framework of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and described in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or having the same function of parts.

[0047] The attached figures schematically illustrate: Figures 1 to 3 A cross-sectional view of the water separator according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the water separator according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 A partial transparent view of the water separator according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown, with simulated airflow. Figure 6 The water separator according to the invention is shown in a second embodiment, and... Figure 4 A similar sectional view, showing guides in the inlet pipe and collection container; Figure 7 Showing according to Figure 6 An internal view of the housing portion, particularly the collection container portion, of the water separator according to the invention in a second embodiment; Figures 8 to 10A block diagram of a fuel cell system with a water separator according to the application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a water separator 1 according to the application in a first embodiment is shown. The water separator 1 comprises a housing 2 which is delimited outwardly by an outer wall portion 3. An inlet 4 and an outlet 5 are formed in the housing 2, and the housing 2 can be traversed by air laden with water droplets from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5. Within the housing 2, furthermore, an inlet channel 6, an outlet channel 7 and a collection channel 8 are formed. The inlet channel 6 is formed by an inlet duct 6a which is formed in the housing 2 and which is partially formed by the outer wall portion 3 of the housing 2. The outlet channel 7 is formed by an outlet duct 7a which widens toward the outlet 5. The collection channel 8 is formed between the inlet channel 6 and the outlet channel 7. Figure 1 In this case, the cross-sectional plane is parallel to the direction of air flow in the inlet channel 6 and perpendicular to the direction of air flow in the outlet channel 7.

[0049] Furthermore, the housing 2 has a barrier wall 9 and a partition wall 10 which are arranged in the housing 2. Here, the barrier wall 9 and the partition wall 10 delimit the inlet channel 6 from the collection channel 8. Furthermore, between the barrier wall 9 and the outer wall portion 3 of the housing 2, a collection container 11 is formed in the housing 2. The inlet channel 6 is formed partially by the inlet duct 6a and partially by the outer wall portion 3, the barrier wall 9 and the partition wall 10 of the housing 2. The outlet channel 7 is formed by the outlet duct 7a which widens toward the outlet 5. Furthermore, between the barrier wall 9, the partition wall 10 and the outer wall portion 3 of the housing 2, a partition gap 12 is formed.

[0050] The inlet channel 6 is provided for air laden with water droplets and is traversed within the housing 2 from the inlet 4 to the partition gap 12. The outlet channel 7 is provided for air freed of water droplets and is traversed within the housing 2 from the inlet channel 6 to the outlet 5 in such a way that it passes by the partition gap 12. The collection channel 8 is provided for water separated from the air and is traversed within the housing 2 from the inlet channel 6 through the partition gap 12 into the collection container 11. Here, the outlet channel 7 and the collection channel 8 are fluidically separated downstream from the partition gap 12.

[0051] The inlet channel 6 is oriented tangentially with respect to the outlet channel 7 or the outlet duct 7a, such that the air laden with water droplets is diverted and subjected to centrifugal forces when it transitions from the inlet channel 6 into the outlet channel 7. As a result, the water present in the air is pressed radially outward and forms a wall film on the outer wall portion 3 of the housing 2. The partition gap 12 is formed in such a way that it is spaced apart radially with respect to the outlet channel 7 or the outlet duct 7a and is located radially outward. The water subjected to centrifugal forces thus flows through the partition gap 12 into the collection channel 8 and continues to flow into the collection container 11. In the collection container 11, the water settles downward under the action of gravity, while the air which flows in with the water becomes calm. The air flow is indicated by arrows. Figure 1

[0052] ​To avoid building up a pressure cushion in the collecting container 11 by air flowing in with the water, the housing 2 has an opening 13. The opening 13 is formed in the barrier wall 9 and connects the collecting container 11 with the inlet channel 6. Through the opening 13, air flowing into the collecting container 11 can flow back into the inlet channel 6 and thus prevent a pressure cushion from building up in the collecting container 11. In correspondence therewith, the pressure difference on the separation gap 12 between the collecting channel 8 and the inlet channel 6 can be reduced and thus facilitate the inflow of water into the collecting channel 8.

[0053] Here, the opening 13 connects the inlet channel 6 with the collecting container 11 in a communicating manner or in an air-conducting manner in the axial direction with respect to the outlet channel 7. Here, the opening 13 has a central axis which is oriented parallel to the air flow direction in the outlet channel 7. Preferably, the cross-sectional area which can be flowed through of the opening 13 arranged in the axial direction is less than 25%, in particular 15%, and more than 7% of the cross-sectional area which can be flowed through of the inlet channel 6.

[0054] In Figure 2 a further sectional view of the water separator 1 according to the application is shown. In Figure 2 the sectional plane is perpendicular to the air flow direction in the inlet channel 6 and parallel to the air flow direction in the outlet channel 7. In Figure 2 the barrier wall 9 and the area of the inlet channel 6 formed by the barrier wall 9 and the outer wall portion 3 of the housing 2 can be seen. Furthermore, the collecting container 11 formed between the outer wall portion 3 of the housing 2 and the barrier wall 9 can be seen.

[0055] In Figure 3 a further sectional view of the water separator 1 according to the application is shown. The sectional plane is here oriented as in Figure 2 and passes through the opening 13 in the barrier wall 9. As previously described, the opening 13 fluidically connects the collecting container 11 with the inlet channel 6. Here, the opening 13 is formed in a flow-smoothed area of the collecting container 11. In the flow-smoothed area of the collecting container 11, the water has already settled downwards under the action of gravity and thus can be prevented from being entrained from the collecting container 11 into the inlet channel 6.

[0056] Figure 4A sectional view of the water separator 1 according to the application in a second embodiment is shown. The housing 2 of the water separator 1 is formed in two pieces in the injection molding process here. In the second embodiment, the inlet channel 6 is formed only by the inlet tube 6a, and the outlet channel 7 is formed only by the outlet tube 7a. Here, the inlet tube 6a and the outlet tube 7a are arranged coaxially to one another and next to one another or one after the other in the air flow direction. Here, the inlet channel 6 or the inlet tube 6a has a widening 6b in a manner facing the outlet channel 7 or the outlet tube 7a, and the outlet tube 7a is arranged locally in the widening 6b. Thereby, a circumferential separation gap 12 is formed around the outlet channel 7 or the outlet tube 7a on the outside.

[0057] Furthermore, a vortex generator 14 is arranged or formed in the inlet channel 6 or the inlet tube 6a. Here, the vortex generator 14 comprises a plurality of vanes 15, which follow a helix 16 or a spiral in the air flow direction or along a longitudinal center axis of the inlet channel 6 or the inlet tube 6a. Here, the vanes 15 are arranged circumferentially and spaced apart from one another with respect to the air flow direction or the longitudinal center axis of the inlet channel 6 or the inlet tube 6a.

[0058] The vortex generator 14 puts the air carrying water droplets into rotation, so that the water collects between the outer wall part 3 of the housing 2 or the inlet tube 6a and the respective vane 15. Thereby, a plurality of defined water flows are formed, which continue to flow along the respective helix 16 or spiral to the separation gap 12 and through the collection channel 8 into the collection container 11. While the air freed of water droplets flows into the outlet channel 7 or the outlet tube 7a and continues to flow to the outlet 5. The air flow is indicated by arrows in Figure 4 .

[0059] A pressure cushion is avoided in the collection container 11 by the opening 13. Here, the opening 13 is formed in the inlet tube 6a and connects the collection container 11 with the inlet channel 6. Here, the opening 13 is arranged downstream of the vortex generator 14. Through the opening 13, air flowing into the collection container 11 can flow back into the inlet channel 6. Here, the opening 13 connects the inlet channel 6 with the collection container 11 in a communicating manner or in an air-conducting manner in a radial direction with respect to the outlet channel 7. Here, the opening 13 has a center axis, which is oriented essentially or almost perpendicular to the air flow direction in the outlet channel 7. Preferably, the cross-sectional area, which can be flowed through, of the opening 13 arranged in the radial direction is less than 5%, in particular 2%, and greater than 0.1% of the cross-sectional area, which can be flowed through, of the inlet channel 6. According to Figure 5 The exact position or arrangement of the opening 13 is explained in detail.

[0060] Figure 5A partially transparent view of the water separator 1 according to the application in the second embodiment is shown with simulated air flow. As Figure 5 is particularly clear, a plurality of defined water flows are formed on the outer wall portion 3 of the housing 2 or on the inlet pipe 6a, which continue to flow along the respective helical lines 16 or spiral lines to the partition gap 12. In order to avoid water flowing into the openings 13, the openings 13 are located downstream of the vortex generators 14 and between the helical lines 16 or spiral lines adjacent thereto. Thereby, the openings 13 are located outside the defined water flows, and water flowing into the openings 13 can be avoided.

[0061] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the water separator 1 according to the application in the second embodiment is shown, similar to the schematic view in Figure 4 .

[0062] Additionally, according to Figure 6 , the openings 13, with which the collection container 11 is fluidically connected to the inlet channel 6 in a flow- calm region, have a neck 23, which projects into the collection container 11, in particular at least substantially cylindrical. The neck 23 here completely surrounds or encircles or surrounds the openings 13, respectively.

[0063] In an advantageous manner, by means of the neck 23, water that has been separated in the collection container 11 is prevented from being entrained or sucked (back) through the respective openings 13 into the inlet channel 6. Thus, the separated water remains in the collection container 11.

[0064] It can be considered that, in the first embodiment of the water separator 1 according to Figures 1 to 3 , the respective openings 13 also have a respective neck 23 (not shown in Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0065] Furthermore, Figure 6 a first guide is shown on the inside in the inlet pipe 6a, which is configured here as a first rib 24, for guiding water to be separated from the air flow downstream of the vortex generators 14, in particular flowing along the wall.

[0066] The first rib 24 is helically and / or spiral- shaped formed on the outside on the outer wall portion of the inlet pipe 6a and thereby projects into the inlet channel 6.

[0067] Furthermore, the first rib 24 is shaped relative to one another in the flow direction along the longitudinal center axis of the inlet pipe 6a such that its helical and / or spiral course corresponds or coincides in terms of geometry with the water flow formed downstream due to the vortex generators 14 and which here follows the helical and / or spiral lines 16 (as Figure 5 ).

[0068] This is achieved in a particularly advantageous manner in that the water flowing along the wall in the inlet pipe 6a due to the vortex generator 14 is guided via the first rib 24 shaped on the inside and following the helical line and / or spiral line 16 to the partition gap 12 without being entrained again by the air flow in the inlet channel 6.

[0069] In Figure 6 , the helical line and / or spiral line 16 is shown in dashed lines, the first rib 24 following said helical line and / or spiral line in the inlet channel 6 and / or the inlet pipe 6a.

[0070] Also in Figure 6 , it can be clearly seen that the first rib 24 is located at least partially between the vortex generator 14 and / or the respective opening 13 and the partition gap 12 and / or the collection channel 8 in the inlet pipe 6a and / or the inlet channel 6.

[0071] From the partition gap 12, the water that has been separated from the air continues via the collection channel 8 into the collection container 11.

[0072] In Figure 6 , and in Figure 4 , the collection container 11 is configured or has a pot shape and is delimited here outwardly via the outer wall portion 3 of the housing 2 of the water separator 1, which is two-part here.

[0073] Furthermore, Figure 6 a second guide is shown on the pot bottom 29 of the collection container 11 in such a way that it opposes the partition gap 12 and / or the collection channel 8, said second guide being configured as a second rib 25 here.

[0074] Here, the water that has been separated from the collection channel 8 is first received via the second rib 25 shaped on the pot bottom 29 and is then guided radially outwardly in a helical line 26 and / or spiral line manner onto the outer wall portion 3 of the collection container 11 (see also Figure 7 ).

[0075] Furthermore, a third guide is shown in Figure 6 , said third guide being configured as a third rib 27 here.

[0076] The third rib 27 is shaped linearly on the inside in the collection container 11 and extends at least partially between the partition gap 12 and / or the collection channel 8 and the opening 13 in a manner following a straight longitudinal line 28 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 6 ).

[0077] As Figure 6 can be clearly seen, the third rib 27 adjoins the second rib 25, viewed in the flow direction along the longitudinal center axis of the inlet pipe 6a.

[0078] The water separated from the air is in a particularly advantageous manner by means of the third ribs 27 conveyed in an axial direction into a flow- smooth region of the collecting vessel or into the region of the opening 13 in such a way that it follows a straight longitudinal line 28 in order to be purposefully guided out of the water separator 1 via an outlet (not shown here).

[0079] Viewed in the flow direction along the longitudinal centre axis of the inlet pipe 6a or along the longitudinal centre axis of the outlet pipe 7a, Figure 7 An internal view of a portion of the two-part housing 2 of the water separator 1 according to Figure 6 is shown, wherein only the pot-shaped housing portion can be seen, which decisively determines the collecting vessel 11.

[0080] Furthermore, viewed in the flow direction, the pot bottom 29 of the collecting vessel 11 can also be seen particularly clearly as a portion of the outer wall portion 3 of the housing 2. Figure 7

[0081] Here, the second ribs 25 and the straight third ribs 27 can be clearly seen, which are helically and / or spirally formed in the collecting vessel 11 and accordingly follow a helix and / or a spiral 26 (shown in dashed lines).

[0082] It can also be clearly seen that the second ribs 25 and the third ribs 27 alternate with one another along the circumference of the collecting vessel 11 or the outer wall portion 3 of the housing 2. However, an arrangement can also be considered in which the second and third ribs 25, 27 respectively adjoin one another along the circumference of the collecting vessel 11.

[0083] Figures 8 to 10 A block diagram of a fuel cell system 17 for a motor vehicle having a water separator 1 according to the application is shown. Here, the fuel cell system 17 has a water separator 1 according to the application, an air filter 18, a turbo compressor 19 having a compressor 19a and a turbine 19b, an air cooler 20, a humidifier 21 and a fuel cell 22. By means of the fuel cell 22, an intake path ZL for intake air and an exhaust path AL for exhaust air are defined in the fuel cell system 17. Here, the intake path ZL leads from the outside or from other components of the motor vehicle through the air filter 18, the compressor 19a of the turbo compressor 19, the air cooler 20 and the humidifier 21 to the fuel cell 22. The exhaust path AL leads from the fuel cell 22 through the humidifier 21 and the turbine 19b of the turbo compressor 19 to the outside or to other components of the motor vehicle.

[0084] In Figure 8 ​A first possible arrangement of the water separator 1 according to the application in a fuel cell system 17 is shown in Fig. 1. Here, the water separator 1 is fluidically connected upstream of an air filter 18 in an intake air path ZL.

[0085] In Figure 9 A second possible arrangement of the water separator 1 according to the application in a fuel cell system 17 is shown in Fig. 2. Here, the water separator 1 is fluidically connected between a fuel cell 22 and a humidifier 21 in an exhaust air path AL, or in other words fluidically connected upstream of the humidifier 21 in the exhaust air path AL, or in other words fluidically connected downstream of the fuel cell 22 in the exhaust air path AL.

[0086] In Figure 10 A third possible arrangement of the water separator 1 according to the application in a fuel cell system 17 is shown in Fig. 3. Here, the water separator 1 is fluidically connected between a humidifier 21 and a turbine 19b of a turbo compressor 19 in an exhaust air path AL, or in other words fluidically connected upstream of the turbine 19b of the turbo compressor 19 in the exhaust air path AL, or in other words fluidically connected downstream of the humidifier 21 in the exhaust air path AL.

Claims

1. A water separator (1), said water separator being particularly useful in fuel cell systems (17). - in, The water separator (1) has a housing (2) through which air can pass. - The housing (2) has an inlet (4) leading into the housing (2) and an outlet (5) leading out of the housing (2). - Wherein, the housing (2) has a collection container (11) formed within the housing (2) and a partition gap (12) formed within the housing (2). - The housing (2) has an inlet channel (6) for carrying water droplets of air, and the inlet channel (6) extends from the inlet (4) to the partition gap (12) within the housing (2). - The housing (2) has an outlet channel (7) for removing air from the water droplets, and the outlet channel (7) extends from the inlet channel (6) to the outlet (5) within the housing (2). - Wherein, the housing (2) has a collection channel (8) for separating water from the air, and the collection channel (8) extends from the inlet channel (6) through the partition gap (12) into the collection container (11) within the housing (2), and - Wherein, the outlet channel (7) and the collection channel (8) are separated downstream of the separation gap (12), Its features are, The collection container (11) and the inlet channel (6) are fluidly connected to each other by means of at least one opening (13) formed upstream relative to the separation gap.

2. The water separator (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The corresponding opening (13) is formed in the flow-smooth area of ​​the collection container (11).

3. The water separator (1) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, At least one of the corresponding openings (13) has a neck (23) that extends into the collection container (11), and is at least substantially cylindrical.

4. The water separator (1) according to claim 3. Its features are, The neck (23) completely surrounds and / or encircles the corresponding opening (13).

5. The water separator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The cross-sectional area through which the flow can pass through the partition gap (12) and the cross-sectional area through which the flow can pass through the outlet channel (7) have a ratio between 20%:80% and 10%:90%.

6. The water separator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, - The inlet channel (6) and the outlet channel (7) are coaxially oriented and sequentially arranged in the direction of airflow. - The partition gap (12) is formed at the transition between the inlet channel (6) and the outlet channel (7) in such a way that it surrounds the outlet channel (7) on the outside.

7. The water separator (1) according to claim 6. Its features are, The water separator (1) has a vortex generator (14), and the vortex generator (14) is arranged between the inlet (4) and the separation gap (12) and / or formed in the inlet channel (6).

8. The water separator (1) according to claim 7. Its features are, The corresponding opening (13) leads downstream of the vortex generator (14) into the inlet channel (6).

9. The water separator (1) according to claim 7 or 8. Its features are, - The vortex generator (14) has at least two spaced-apart blades (15), and the respective blades (15) follow a helix (16) in the direction of airflow. - The corresponding opening (13) is arranged downstream of the vortex generator (14) and between two helices (16) adjacent to the corresponding opening (13).

10. The water separator (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9. Its features are, - A first guide (24), particularly a rib, is arranged and / or formed on the inner side of the inlet pipe (6a) forming the inlet channel (6), the first guide being used to guide the water to be separated, particularly flowing along the wall, and / or - The collection container (11) has a second and / or third guide (25, 27), especially a rib, arranged and / or formed on the inside, the second and / or third guide for guiding water separated from the air.

11. The water separator (1) according to claim 10. Its features are, - The first guide (24) is located at least partially in the inlet pipe (6a) between the vortex generator (14) and / or the corresponding opening (13) and the separation gap (12) and / or the collection channel (8), and / or - The second guide (25) is positioned directly opposite, in particular, the separating gap (12) and / or the collection channel (8) in the collection container (11), and / or - The third guide (27) is located at least partially in the collection container (11) between the partition gap (12) and / or the collection channel (8) and the corresponding opening (13).

12. The water separator (1) according to claim 10 or 11. Its features are, - When viewed in the flow direction along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe (6a), the orientation of the first guide (24) at least partially follows a helix and / or vortex (16), and / or - When viewed in the flow direction along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe (6a), the orientation of the second guide (25) at least partially follows a helix and / or vortex (26), and / or - When viewed in the flow direction along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe (6a), the direction of the third guide (27) at least partially follows a straight longitudinal line (28).

13. The water separator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Its features are, - The inlet channel (6) is tangentially oriented relative to the outlet channel (7), and - The partition gap (12) is formed in a radially spaced manner relative to the outlet channel (7) and located radially outward, and is formed between the outer wall portion (3) of the housing (2) and the partition wall (10) forming the inlet channel (6).

14. The water separator (1) according to claim 13. Its features are, - The housing (2) has a partition wall (9) located inside the housing (2), and - The partition wall (9) fluidly separates the collection channel (8) and / or the collection container (11) from the inlet channel (6), wherein the collection container (11) is fluidly connected to the inlet channel (6) via a corresponding opening (13) formed in the partition wall (9).

15. A fuel cell system for a motor vehicle (17). - in, The fuel cell system (17) has a fuel cell (22). - The fuel cell system (17) has an intake path (ZL) and an exhaust path (AL). The intake path leads to the fuel cell (22) and is capable of being traversed by intake air, while the exhaust path exits from the fuel cell (22) and is capable of being traversed by exhaust air. - Wherein, the fuel cell system (17) has a humidifier (21) for humidifying the intake air flowing in the intake air path (ZL) by means of the exhaust air flowing in the exhaust path (AL). Its features are, - The fuel cell system (17) has a water separator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. - Wherein, the water separator (1) is fluidly connected upstream of the humidifier (21) in the air intake path (ZL), and / or - Wherein, the water separator (1) is fluidly connected in the exhaust path (AL) between the fuel cell (22) and the humidifier (21), and / or - Wherein, the water separator (1) is fluidly connected downstream of the humidifier (21) in the exhaust path (AL).

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