Gas-liquid separation device and fuel cell system

Abstract

The invention discloses a gas-liquid separation device and a fuel cell system. The gas-liquid separation device comprises a shell, a separation part, an isolation part and a liquid level detection part, the shell is provided with an inner cavity, an inlet and an outlet; the inlet and the outlet are communicated with the inner cavity; the separation part is arranged in the inner cavity, a liquid storage chamber is formed between the separation part and the bottom of the inner cavity, and the liquid storage chamber is communicated with the inlet and used for storing a liquid phase in a mixture separated by the separation part; the isolation part is arranged in the liquid storage chamber and provided with an isolation cavity, the volume of the isolation cavity is smaller than that of the liquid storage chamber, the isolation cavity is communicated with the liquid storage chamber and provided with an air guide port used for balancing air pressure in the isolation cavity, and the air guide port is communicated with the inner cavity; the liquid level detection part is provided with a detection head, and the detection head is arranged in the isolation cavity and located below the air guide opening. According to the scheme, when the device shakes, the shaking amplitude in the isolation cavity is low, the probability of liquid level measurement signal errors caused by liquid level shaking is reduced, the detection accuracy of the detection head is improved, and the situation of gas leakage caused by drainage false triggering is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of gas-liquid separation devices for fuel cells, and specifically to a gas-liquid separation device and a fuel cell system. Background Technology

[0002] The recirculation system is a crucial component of a fuel cell system. During the reaction process, the stack discharges a gas-water mixture containing saturated water vapor and liquid water at the stack outlet. If the liquid water is not separated in time when recovering unreacted fuel, it will re-enter the stack along with the gas, causing flooding and affecting the stack efficiency. Therefore, a gas-water separator is needed to separate the liquid water.

[0003] CN209333356U discloses a gas-water separation device. A gas-water mixture enters a skimming cylinder and a separation cylinder through an inlet pipe, generating a vortex. Liquid water vapor is collected by the inner wall of the skimming cylinder and the separation cylinder due to centrifugal force and moves to the bottom along the inner wall. When the water level reaches the water level sensor installation port, the photoelectric liquid level sensor located at the installation port senses it, and the drain pipe opens in stages to discharge the water separated in the separation cylinder. After the gas generates a vortex at the skimming cylinder, it is directly discharged from the exhaust pipe due to the blocking effect of the baffle plate, thereby achieving effective gas-water separation.

[0004] However, when the gas-water separation device in this patent shakes, tilts, or bumps with the carrier, it is easy for water to accumulate and accidentally trigger the liquid level sensor, causing the liquid level sensor to fail to accurately express the correct liquid level signal and easily causing gas leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a gas-liquid separation device to solve the technical problem that in the prior art, when the gas-liquid separation device moves, tilts, or bumps with the carrier, water easily accumulates and accidentally touches the liquid level sensor, causing the liquid level sensor to fail to accurately express the correct liquid level signal and easily causing gas leakage.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a gas-liquid separation device, comprising: The outer shell has an inner cavity, an inlet, and an outlet, wherein the inlet and the outlet are both connected to the inner cavity; A separation section is provided in the inner cavity, and a liquid storage chamber is formed between the separation section and the bottom of the inner cavity. The liquid storage chamber is connected to the inlet and is used to store the liquid phase of the mixture separated by the separation section. An isolation section is disposed in the liquid storage chamber and has an isolation cavity, the volume of which is smaller than the volume of the liquid storage chamber and is connected to the liquid storage chamber. The isolation cavity also has a vent for balancing the air pressure in the isolation cavity, the vent being connected to the inner cavity. The liquid level detection unit has a detection head located inside the isolation chamber for detecting the liquid level.

[0007] In some embodiments, the isolation chamber is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple isolation chambers are arranged symmetrically and at intervals along the circumference of the liquid storage chamber, and the volume of each isolation chamber is smaller than the volume of the liquid storage chamber; The liquid level detection unit is provided with multiple units, and the multiple detection heads are respectively located in the multiple isolation chambers.

[0008] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid separation device further includes a liquid-blocking part disposed in the liquid storage chamber, which divides the liquid storage chamber into two chambers along a direction away from the separation part, and is provided with a through hole connecting the two chambers; The isolation section is located on the side of the liquid-blocking section away from the separation section.

[0009] In some embodiments, the liquid-blocking portion is inclined from its end edge to the middle in a direction away from the separating portion, and the isolating portion is located at the end edge of the liquid-blocking portion; and / or The through hole is spaced apart from the isolation part.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inner walls of the opposite sides of the liquid storage chamber are provided with slots, and the liquid-blocking part includes a liquid-blocking plate, with the opposite ends of the liquid-blocking plate respectively disposed in the corresponding slots; The isolation section includes an isolation plate connected to the liquid baffle and forming the isolation cavity with the liquid baffle and the inner wall of the liquid storage chamber. The isolation section has a communication port at its bottom and a gas guide port above the communication port. The communication port connects to the cavity away from the separation section.

[0011] In some embodiments, the separation section includes a plurality of first baffles, which are disposed in the inner cavity and arranged sequentially in a horizontal direction, and alternately connected to the opposite side walls of the inner cavity. Each first baffle is spaced apart from the opposite side wall of the inner cavity and is located above the bottom of the inner cavity. The inlet is located on one side of the arrangement direction of the plurality of first baffles.

[0012] In some embodiments, the separation section further includes a support plate and a plurality of second baffles. The support plate is installed in the inner cavity and divides the inner cavity into two baffle chambers along a direction away from the isolation section. A connecting channel connecting the two baffle chambers is provided on the side of the inner cavity away from the inlet, and the outlet is located on the side of the inner cavity away from the connecting channel. In this configuration, a plurality of second baffles are disposed in the baffle chambers away from the isolation section and are arranged sequentially in the horizontal direction, and are alternately connected to the opposite side walls of the corresponding baffle chambers. Each first baffle is spaced apart from the opposite side wall of the corresponding baffle chamber, and a plurality of first baffles are disposed in the baffle chambers close to the isolation section.

[0013] In some embodiments, the separation section further includes flow-guiding spiral blades disposed in the connecting channel and extending along the arrangement direction of the two baffle chambers.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outlet is located at the upper part of the inner cavity, and the inner cavity also has a drain outlet located at the bottom of the inner cavity and communicating with the liquid storage chamber; The gas-liquid separation device also includes a heating and drainage solenoid valve, which is located at the drain outlet.

[0015] Secondly, this solution also provides a fuel cell system, which includes the gas-liquid separation device as described in any of the above claims.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, in the gas-liquid separation device provided by this invention, the gas-water mixture enters the inner cavity through the inlet, and the liquid phase and gas phase are separated under the action of the separation section. The separated gas phase is discharged from the outlet, while the liquid phase is collected in the storage chamber below the outlet. Since the isolation chamber is connected to the bottom of the storage chamber and has a gas guide port connected to the inner cavity at the top, the liquid level in the isolation chamber is kept flush with the liquid level in the storage chamber. Thus, the detection head in the isolation chamber can detect the liquid level in the storage chamber. The volume of the isolation chamber is smaller than the volume of the storage chamber, resulting in a smaller liquid surface area in the isolation chamber. Therefore, when the device is shaken, the shaking amplitude in the isolation chamber is lower, reducing the probability of liquid level measurement signal errors caused by liquid surface shaking, improving the detection accuracy of the detection head, and reducing the possibility of gas leakage caused by accidental drainage. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the gas-liquid separation device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid separator (AA section); Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of the gas-liquid separation device; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point C in the middle; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The bottom view of the gas-liquid separator without the bottom cover is shown. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A partial schematic diagram of the middle baffle plate; Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the separation section; Figure 8 yes Figure 1 BB section view of the gas-liquid separator; Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the gas-liquid separation device without the top cover. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Enlarged diagram of point D in the middle.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Outer shell; 1a. Inner cavity; 1b. Inlet; 1c. Outlet; 1d. Drain outlet; 1e. Connecting channel; 11. Shell; 12. Top cover; 13. Bottom cover; 2. Separation section; 2a. Liquid storage chamber; 2b. Chamber; 2c. Slot; 2d. Baffle chamber; 21. First baffle plate; 22. Support plate; 22a. Water passage hole; 23. Second baffle plate; 24. Guide spiral blade; 25. Cut-off plate; 26. Cover; 3. Isolation section; 3a. Isolation cavity; 3b. Air inlet; 3c. Connecting port; 31. Isolation plate; 4. Liquid level detection section; 41. Detection head; 42. Light cone; 5. Liquid blocking section; 5a. Through hole; 51. Liquid blocking plate; 6. Heating and draining solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0020] To address the technical problem in existing gas-liquid separation devices that easily lead to water accumulation and accidental activation of the liquid level sensor when the device moves, tilts, or bumps with the carrier, resulting in the liquid level sensor failing to accurately represent the correct liquid level signal and potentially causing gas leakage, this invention provides a gas-liquid separation device. When the device is shaken, the shaking amplitude within the isolation chamber is reduced, decreasing the probability of liquid level measurement signal errors caused by liquid surface shaking, improving the detection accuracy of the detection head, and reducing the possibility of gas leakage caused by accidental triggering during drainage.

[0021] It should be noted that the gas-liquid separation device described in this invention is used in, but not limited to, fuel cell systems. For ease of explanation, this invention will only use the application of the gas-liquid separation device in a fuel cell system as an example. The principle of the gas-liquid separation device in other types of equipment is essentially the same as that in a fuel cell system, and will not be described in detail here.

[0022] Please see Figures 1 to 4 , Figures 1 to 4 This is a schematic diagram of a gas-liquid separation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gas-liquid separation device includes a shell 1, a separation section 2, an isolation section 3, and a liquid level detection section 4. The shell 1 has an inner cavity 1a, an inlet 1b, and an outlet 1c, both of which are connected to the inner cavity 1a. The separation section 2 is located in the inner cavity 1a and forms a liquid storage chamber 2a between itself and the bottom of the inner cavity 1a. The liquid storage chamber 2a is connected to the inlet 1b and is used to store the liquid phase in the mixture separated by the separation section 2. The isolation section 3 is located in the liquid storage chamber 2a and has an isolation cavity 3a. The volume of the isolation cavity 3a is smaller than that of the liquid storage chamber 2a and is connected to the liquid storage chamber 2a. It also has a gas inlet 3b for balancing the gas pressure in the isolation cavity 3a and is connected to the inner cavity 1a. The liquid level detection section 4 has a detection head 41 located in the isolation cavity 3a for detecting the liquid level.

[0023] Specifically, the separation section 2 is located in the inner cavity 1a and is used to separate the liquid phase in the mixture. A liquid storage chamber 2a is formed between the separation section 2 and the bottom of the inner cavity 1a, and the liquid phase is collected in the liquid storage chamber 2a. The liquid storage chamber 2a is located below the outlet 1c. The isolation section 3 is located in the liquid storage chamber 2a and has an isolation cavity 3a. The volume of the isolation cavity 3a is smaller than the volume of the liquid storage chamber 2a and it is connected to the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 2a. It also has a gas inlet 3b, which is located in the upper part of the isolation cavity 3a and is connected to the inner cavity 1a.

[0024] In the gas-liquid separation device provided by this invention, a gas-water mixture enters the inner cavity 1a through inlet 1b, and the liquid phase and gas phase are separated under the action of the separation section 2. The separated gas phase is discharged from outlet 1c, while the liquid phase is collected in the storage chamber 2a below outlet 1c. Since the isolation chamber 3a is connected to the bottom of the storage chamber 2a and has a gas inlet 3b connected to the inner cavity 1a at the top, the liquid level in the isolation chamber 3a is kept flush with the liquid level in the storage chamber 2a. Thus, the detection head 41 in the isolation chamber 3a can detect the liquid level in the storage chamber. The volume of the isolation chamber 3a is smaller than the volume of the storage chamber 2a, resulting in a smaller liquid surface area in the isolation chamber 3a. Therefore, when the device is shaken, the shaking amplitude in the isolation chamber 3a is lower, reducing the probability of liquid level measurement signal errors caused by liquid surface shaking, improving the detection accuracy of the detection head 41, and reducing the possibility of gas leakage caused by accidental drainage.

[0025] In one embodiment, there are multiple isolation cavities 3a, which are arranged symmetrically along the circumferential direction of the liquid storage chamber 2a, and the volume of each isolation cavity 3a is smaller than the volume of the liquid storage chamber 2a; there are multiple liquid level detection units 4, and multiple detection heads 41 are respectively disposed in multiple isolation cavities 3a.

[0026] In this embodiment, multiple liquid level detection units 4 are symmetrically arranged around the periphery of the liquid storage chamber 2a. Whether to drain water is determined based on the response of the multiple detection units. Specifically, drainage is controlled when multiple detection heads 41 generate drainage signals, and drainage is not controlled when only some detection heads 41 respond. This further reduces the probability of false drainage caused by shaking.

[0027] It should be noted that the liquid level detection unit 4 can be set in two, four, six, or other numbers. Specifically, in this solution, two liquid level detection units 4 are set, located on opposite sides of the liquid storage chamber 2a.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be noted that the liquid level detection unit 4 can employ a capacitive water level sensor, a photoelectric water level sensor, a discrete water level sensor, or a multi-point water level sensor, etc. Specifically, in this solution, the liquid level detection unit 4 employs a non-contact photoelectric liquid level sensor.

[0029] It should be understood that the photoelectric liquid level sensor includes a light-emitting diode (LED), a receiver, and a light cone 42. The detection principle is based on the refraction and reflection of light emitted by the infrared LED in the photoelectric emitter in different media. When the liquid level is low, the light emitted by the LED is directly reflected back to the receiver through the light cone 42. When the liquid level is high, the light is refracted at the interface between the light cone 42 and the liquid, making it impossible for the sensor to receive the return signal.

[0030] In this scheme, the light cone 42 constitutes the detection head 41 mentioned above. It is located in the isolation cavity 3a and extends in the vertical direction. The light-emitting diode and the receiver are installed in the mounting channel of the housing 1. The mounting channel is connected to the isolation cavity 3a and is directly opposite the light cone 42.

[0031] Specifically, the light cone 42 is a cone-shaped glass structure perpendicular to the bottom of the isolation cavity 3a. The light cone 42 is precisely integrated with the T-shaped groove on the side wall of the isolation cavity 3a through a T-shaped structure design. Both sides of the cone surface have been specially hydrophobic treated, so liquid water droplets are not easy to stick to the wall under the influence of gravity and hydrophobic surface, thus improving the detection accuracy.

[0032] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The gas-liquid separation device also includes a liquid-blocking part 5, which is located in the liquid storage chamber 2a and divides the liquid storage chamber 2a into two chambers 2b along the direction away from the separation part 2, and is provided with a through hole 5a connecting the two chambers 2b; the isolation part 3 is located on the side of the liquid-blocking part 5 away from the separation part 2.

[0033] In this embodiment, after the separation unit 2 separates the liquid water from the gas-water mixture, the liquid water enters the lower chamber 2b through the through hole 5a of the liquid-blocking unit 5, that is, the liquid water is temporarily stored in the lower chamber 2b. Thus, when the device is shaken or vibrated, the liquid-blocking unit 5 can stop the liquid surface, reducing liquid surface fluctuations. This further reduces liquid surface fluctuations in the isolation chamber 3a and prevents liquid water from flowing back into the fuel cell stack through the inlet 1b, thereby preventing flooding of the fuel cell stack and causing serious damage to the membrane electrode. It should be understood that in this design, the isolation chamber 3a is connected to the bottom of the lower chamber 2b.

[0034] In one embodiment, the liquid-blocking part 5 is inclined from the end edge to the middle in a direction away from the separation part 2, and the isolation part 3 is located at the end edge of the liquid-blocking part 5; the through hole 5a is spaced apart from the isolation part 3.

[0035] In this embodiment, the liquid-blocking part 5 is inclined as shown above, so that the droplets can slide down along the inclined surface of the liquid-blocking part 5 and gradually gather into larger droplets, thereby improving the liquid water collection efficiency. At the same time, it also increases the distance between the isolation cavity 3a and the through hole 5a, reducing the impact of liquid surface fluctuations generated during the droplet's fall on the liquid surface inside the isolation cavity 3a.

[0036] It should be noted that both the liquid-blocking part 5 and the isolation part 3 can be configured as a membrane, a plate, or a shell 11.

[0037] In one embodiment, the two inner sidewalls of the liquid storage chamber 2a are provided with slots 2c, the liquid blocking part 5 includes a liquid blocking plate 51, and the two ends of the liquid blocking plate 51 are respectively provided in the corresponding slots 2c; the isolation part 3 includes an isolation plate 31, the isolation plate 31 is connected to the liquid blocking plate 51, and together with the liquid blocking plate 51 and the inner wall of the liquid storage chamber 2a, an isolation cavity 3a is formed, and a connecting port 3c is provided at its bottom, and a venting port 3b is provided above the connecting port 3c, the connecting port 3c connecting to the cavity 2b away from the separation part 2.

[0038] In this embodiment, the baffle plate 51 is snapped into the slot 2c of the liquid storage chamber, and the isolation plate 31 is integrally connected to the baffle plate 51, making the device relatively compact and facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the baffle plate 51 and the isolation plate 31. It should be noted that in this design, the baffle plate 51 is made of a stainless steel sheet with a certain degree of elasticity.

[0039] It should be noted that the separation section 2 can be configured as a cyclone type, baffle type or other form of gas-water separation structure.

[0040] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 7 The separation section 2 includes a plurality of first baffles 21, which are disposed in the inner cavity 1a and arranged sequentially in the horizontal direction, and alternately connected to the opposite side walls of the inner cavity 1a. Each first baffle 21 is spaced apart from the opposite side wall of the inner cavity 1a and is located above the bottom of the inner cavity 1a. The inlet 1b is located on one side of the arrangement direction of the plurality of first baffles 21.

[0041] In this embodiment, multiple first baffles 21 are arranged alternately in the inner cavity 1a as described above to form a bent first flow channel in the inner cavity 1a. Thus, after the gas-water mixture enters the inner cavity 1a from the inlet 1b, it can flow along the first flow channel, extending the flow path of the mixture. During the flow, the gas-water mixture continuously collides with the first baffles 21, causing the liquid water to gradually collect on the wall surface of the first baffles 21 under the impact of the collisions. Finally, under its own weight, it falls into the storage chamber 2a, achieving gas-water separation.

[0042] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 7 to 9 The separation section 2 also includes a support plate 22 and a plurality of second baffles 23. The support plate 22 is installed in the inner cavity 1a and divides the inner cavity 1a into two baffle chambers 2d along the direction away from the isolation section 3. A connecting channel 1e connecting the two baffle chambers 2d is provided on the side away from the inlet 1b, and the outlet 1c is located on the side of the inner cavity 1a away from the connecting channel 1e. The plurality of second baffles 23 are provided in the baffle chambers 2d away from the isolation section 3 and are arranged sequentially in the horizontal direction and are alternately connected to the opposite side walls of the corresponding baffle chambers 2d. Each first baffle 21 is spaced apart from the opposite side wall of the corresponding baffle chamber 2d, and the plurality of first baffles 21 are provided in the baffle chambers 2d close to the isolation section 3.

[0043] In this embodiment, a plurality of second baffles 23 are also provided above the first baffle 21. The second baffles 23 completely occupy the space of the upper baffle chamber 2d, so that the fluid reaching the upper baffle chamber 2d can be separated again in the second flow channel formed by the second baffles 23. And the separated liquid water can enter the lower baffle chamber 2d through the connecting channel 1e, and finally enter the liquid storage chamber 2a.

[0044] It should be noted that, to prevent the liquid water descending through connecting channel 1e from coming into contact with the ascending gas and causing the ascending gas to re-entrain water vapor, please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference needed]. Figure 10 In one embodiment, a flow-blocking plate 25 is provided at the upper end of the connecting channel 1e, and a water passage hole 22a is provided on the side of the flow-blocking plate 25 away from the connecting channel 1e. The water passage hole 22a is formed on the support plate 22, and a water passage pipe (not shown) is connected to its lower end. The water passage pipe extends directly to the bottom of the first baffle plate 21.

[0045] Furthermore, the height of the baffle plate 25 is less than the height of the second baffle plate 23, so as to prevent the liquid water in the upper baffle chamber 2d from flowing directly down through the connecting channel 1e, while also accelerating the entry of gas into the second flow channel. It should be understood that in this embodiment, the liquid water in the upper baffle chamber 2d flows at the bottom of the second flow channel and is eventually discharged into the lower chamber 2b of the liquid storage chamber 2a through the water passage 22a and the water pipe.

[0046] In one embodiment, the separation section 2 further includes a flow guide spiral blade 24, which is disposed in the connecting channel 1e and extends along the arrangement direction of the two baffle chambers 2d.

[0047] In this embodiment, when the gas rises in the connecting channel 1e, the gas-water mixture after the first separation rises along the guide spiral blades 24, and the liquid water is separated again under the centrifugal action of the guide spiral blades 24. Thus, this solution can achieve liquid water separation in three stages and has a compact structure.

[0048] It should be noted that in this design, a mounting hole is provided on the outer shell 1 corresponding to the flow guide spiral blade 24. The mounting hole connects to the inner cavity 1a, and the flow guide spiral blade 24 is installed in the connecting channel 1e through the mounting hole. A cover 26 is provided at the upper end of the flow guide spiral blade 24, and the cover 26 is fixed to the outside of the outer shell 1 by bolts.

[0049] In one embodiment, the outlet 1c is located at the upper part of the inner cavity 1a, and the inner cavity 1a also has a drain outlet 1d, which is located at the bottom of the inner cavity 1a and communicates with the liquid storage chamber 2a; the gas-liquid separation device also includes a heating drain solenoid valve 6, which is located at the drain outlet 1d.

[0050] In this embodiment, a drain outlet 1d is provided at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 2a, and a heating and draining solenoid valve 6 is correspondingly installed. When the ambient temperature is below 0 degrees Celsius, the water in the liquid storage chamber 2a is at risk of freezing. The heating and draining solenoid valve 6 is controlled by the control device to activate the heating function, thus solving the cold start problem of the fuel cell system at low temperatures. It should be noted that the specific structure and principle of the heating and draining solenoid valve 6 are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0051] In one embodiment, the outer casing 1 includes a housing 11, an upper cover 12, and a lower cover 13. The upper cover 12, housing 11, and lower cover 13 together enclose an inner cavity 1a, and both the upper cover 12 and lower cover 13 are bolted to the housing 11. In addition, a mounting hole and an outlet 1c are formed in the upper cover 12, a drain outlet 1d is formed in the lower cover 13, and an inlet 1b is formed in the housing 11.

[0052] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a fuel cell system, which includes the gas-liquid separation device described in any of the above embodiments. It should be noted that the detailed structure of the gas-liquid separation device in the fuel cell system can be referred to the embodiments of the gas-liquid separation device described above, and will not be repeated here. Since the gas-liquid separation device described above is used in the fuel cell system of the present invention, the embodiments of the fuel cell system of the present invention include all the technical solutions of all the embodiments of the gas-liquid separation device described above, and the achieved technical effects are also completely the same, and will not be repeated here.

[0053] To better understand this invention, the following is combined with... Figures 1 to 10 The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below: In this embodiment, the inlet 1b is located on the lower left side of the outer shell 1. The gas-water mixture is transported into the lower baffle chamber 2d through the inlet 1b. The lower baffle chamber 2d is provided with a plurality of first baffles 21. Each first baffle 21 is staggered and distributed on opposite sides of the baffle chamber 2d, which can extend the flow path of the gas-water mixture in the baffle chamber 2d and increase the number of collisions between the gas-water mixture and the first baffles 21, which is beneficial to improving the separation efficiency. Under the collision action, the liquid water gradually collects on the wall of the first baffle 21 and falls onto the baffle plate 51 under the action of gravity.

[0054] The exhaust gas passing through the lower baffle chamber 2d enters the connecting channel 1e. The connecting channel 1e is equipped with vertically placed guide spiral blades 24. The guide spiral blades 24 are sealed and fixed by the cover 26. The gas-water mixture can achieve secondary separation of liquid water under the centrifugal action of the guide spiral blades 24. The liquid water after the secondary gas-water separation is deposited on the baffle plate 51 and enters the chamber 2b below the liquid storage chamber 2a through the through hole 5a along the arc surface.

[0055] The gas-water mixture separated from the connecting channel 1e enters the upper baffle chamber 2d. Similar to the lower baffle chamber 2d, it undergoes final liquid water separation again through the action of multiple second baffles 23, and is discharged from the gas-liquid separation device through the outlet 1c provided on the left side of the outer casing 1. The three-stage water separation can effectively improve the water separation efficiency of the gas-water separation device.

[0056] The heating and draining solenoid valve 6 is controlled by the control device to open the drain outlet 1d, thereby timely draining the water in the chamber 2b below the liquid storage chamber 2a. The control strategy is that when both photoelectric transmitters on both sides of the device generate a drain signal, the heating and draining solenoid valve 6 opens to drain; when only one side responds to the signal, the heating and draining solenoid valve 6 remains closed.

[0057] Specifically, when the liquid level in the distributor reaches the designed height of the photoelectric transmitter, the light signals generated by the photoelectric transmitters on both sides are refracted, controlling the drain solenoid valve to open and drain. That is, the heating drain solenoid valve 6 will only operate when both photoelectric transmitters on both sides receive the signal, avoiding malfunctions caused by a single sensor responding unilaterally due to factors such as tilting of the gas-liquid separator or water droplets adhering to the wall, thus increasing the reliability and safety of use.

[0058] In addition, the heating and draining solenoid valve 6 also has a heating function. When the ambient temperature is below 0 degrees Celsius, the water in the liquid storage chamber 2a is at risk of freezing. The heating and draining solenoid valve 6 is controlled by the control device to open the heating function and solve the problem of cold start of the fuel cell system at low temperature.

[0059] The upper surface of the baffle plate 51 is a concave arc surface, which is located directly below the first baffle plate 21. The surface has a certain curvature and can be used to collect liquid water that has separated from the first baffle plate 21. The center of the baffle plate has multiple evenly distributed through holes 5a. On the one hand, it can be used to collect liquid water and store it in the liquid storage chamber 2a. On the other hand, when the device is bumpy, the isolation effect can effectively reduce the amplitude of liquid surface swaying, thereby preventing liquid water from flowing back into the fuel cell stack from the air inlet and preventing the fuel cell stack from being flooded and causing serious damage to the membrane electrode.

[0060] Furthermore, the isolation chamber 3a effectively reduces the liquid surface area within the liquid level detection zone. An air vent is also provided at the upper end of the partition. There is a 3mm height difference between the partition and the bottom of the inner chamber 1a. Therefore, the chamber 2b below the storage chamber 2a is divided into three areas by the two partitions, each forming a connecting element to ensure consistent liquid levels in each area. When the device shakes, the smaller area within the liquid level measurement chamber 2b results in a lower shaking amplitude, thus reducing the probability of incorrect liquid level measurement signals caused by liquid surface shaking and preventing gas leakage due to accidental triggering of the solenoid valve.

[0061] Thus, this solution has the following advantages: it adopts a double-layer baffle structure and a 24-blade guide spiral design, which has a three-stage separation effect, effectively improving the water separation efficiency, thereby avoiding the adverse effects of liquid water on the fuel cell stack and circulating pump. The overall design is compact and easy to process, with low technical difficulty.

[0062] The baffle plate 51 effectively reduces the impact of environmental factors such as shaking, tilting, and bumping on liquid level measurement under special working conditions. The dual-sided photoelectric liquid level measurement structure designed in this invention has no moving mechanical parts, further avoiding the problems of frequent opening of solenoid valves and gas leakage caused by malfunctions in liquid level measurement. Moreover, the technical principle is simple, the reliability is extremely high, the water separation capacity is strong, and the manufacturing and maintenance costs are low, meeting the requirements of reliability and safety.

[0063] The specific embodiments of the present invention described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made in accordance with the technical concept of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separation device, characterized in that, include: The outer shell has an inner cavity, an inlet, and an outlet, wherein the inlet and the outlet are both connected to the inner cavity; A separation section is provided in the inner cavity, and a liquid storage chamber is formed between the separation section and the bottom of the inner cavity. The liquid storage chamber is connected to the inlet and is used to store the liquid phase of the mixture separated by the separation section. An isolation section is provided in the liquid storage chamber and has an isolation cavity. The volume of the isolation cavity is smaller than the volume of the liquid storage chamber and is connected to the liquid storage chamber. It also has a vent for balancing the gas pressure in the isolation cavity and the vent is connected to the inner cavity. and The liquid level detection unit has a detection head located inside the isolation chamber for detecting the liquid level.

2. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The isolation chamber is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple isolation chambers are arranged symmetrically and at intervals along the circumference of the liquid storage chamber. The volume of each isolation chamber is smaller than the volume of the liquid storage chamber. The liquid level detection unit is provided with multiple units, and the multiple detection heads are respectively located in the multiple isolation chambers.

3. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separation device further includes a liquid-blocking part, which is disposed in the liquid storage chamber and divides the liquid storage chamber into two chambers along the direction away from the separation part, and is provided with a through hole connecting the two chambers; The isolation section is located on the side of the liquid-blocking section away from the separation section.

4. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid-blocking portion is inclined from its end edge to the middle in a direction away from the separating portion, and the isolation portion is located at the end edge of the liquid-blocking portion; and / or The through hole is spaced apart from the isolation part.

5. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid storage chamber has slots on its two opposite inner sidewalls, and the liquid-blocking part includes a liquid-blocking plate, with the two opposite ends of the liquid-blocking plate respectively located in the corresponding slots; The isolation section includes an isolation plate connected to the liquid baffle and forming the isolation cavity with the liquid baffle and the inner wall of the liquid storage chamber. The isolation section has a communication port at its bottom and a gas guide port above the communication port. The communication port connects to the cavity away from the separation section.

6. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation section includes a plurality of first baffles, which are disposed in the inner cavity and arranged sequentially along the horizontal direction, and alternately connected to the opposite side walls of the inner cavity. Each first baffle is spaced apart from the opposite side wall of the inner cavity and is located above the bottom of the inner cavity. The inlet is located on one side of the arrangement direction of the plurality of first baffles.

7. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The separation section further includes a support plate and a plurality of second baffles. The support plate is installed in the inner cavity and divides the inner cavity into two baffle chambers along the direction away from the isolation section. A connecting channel connecting the two baffle chambers is provided on the side away from the inlet. The outlet is located on the side of the inner cavity away from the connecting channel. In this configuration, a plurality of second baffles are disposed in the baffle chambers away from the isolation section and are arranged sequentially in the horizontal direction, and are alternately connected to the opposite side walls of the corresponding baffle chambers. Each first baffle is spaced apart from the opposite side wall of the corresponding baffle chamber, and a plurality of first baffles are disposed in the baffle chambers close to the isolation section.

8. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The separation section also includes flow-guiding spiral blades, which are disposed in the connecting channel and extend along the arrangement direction of the two baffle chambers.

9. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet is located at the upper part of the inner cavity, and the inner cavity also has a drain outlet located at the bottom of the inner cavity and connected to the liquid storage chamber; The gas-liquid separation device also includes a heating and drainage solenoid valve, which is located at the drain outlet.

10. A fuel cell system, characterized in that, Includes the gas-liquid separation device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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