A hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology, specifically to a hydrogen fuel cell with a circulating directional air-cooled heat dissipation function; comprising: a frame; a hydrogen fuel cell, vertically mounted on the frame and having an internal heat dissipation channel; an external air-cooling module, vertically mounted on the outside of the hydrogen fuel cell, the external air-cooling module having a cooling chamber for introducing external cooling air source, and a first air guide and a second air guide slidably disposed within the cooling chamber; and an internal air-cooling module, vertically mounted inside the hydrogen fuel cell, the internal air-cooling module having a first air intake group and a second air intake group slidably disposed within the internal air-cooling module, the first air intake group and the second air intake group being able to move towards each other and enclose to form a detection area for detecting the ventilation volume of the local air source directionally guided by the first air guide and the second air guide; this invention can not only actively detect the causes of local high temperature in hydrogen fuel cells but also actively eliminate the causes of high temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology, specifically to a hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cells output electrical energy through electrochemical reactions during operation. Their reaction efficiency, structural stability, and lifespan are closely related to the temperature distribution within the fuel cell stack. To control temperature rise and reduce the risk of localized heat accumulation during operation, existing hydrogen fuel cell systems generally employ air cooling to dissipate heat from the fuel cell stack and its related components. This type of air cooling typically relies on a fan to generate airflow, continuously supplying air to the surface or internal channels of the fuel cell stack to remove the heat generated during operation.

[0003] In practical applications, due to the compact internal structure, complex reaction zone distribution, and non-uniform heat source distribution of hydrogen fuel cells, existing air-cooling equipment mainly relies on overall air supply or fixed-direction air supply, making it difficult to distinguish and identify the temperature rise status of different areas. For example, a sleeve-type annular cathode open-type air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell disclosed in patent application CN121054728A achieves heat dissipation by dynamically guiding the air source to conduct heat to the high-temperature area of ​​the fuel cell stack, and its air supply method can improve local heat dissipation conditions to a certain extent. However, when abnormally high temperatures occur inside the fuel cell stack or in local areas due to factors such as load changes, uneven reaction, or structural obstruction, this type of air-cooling structure lacks the ability to detect the cause of local high temperatures, making it difficult to distinguish the causes of abnormal temperature areas, thus making the heat dissipation regulation process difficult to be targeted.

[0004] Meanwhile, under long-term operation or complex working conditions, the surface of the air-cooled channels and battery stacks is susceptible to environmental dust, particulate matter, and other impurities. Gradual dust accumulation can reduce the local ventilation cross-sectional area, leading to uneven airflow distribution and decreased heat dissipation efficiency in certain areas. Existing air-cooling equipment typically focuses on airflow delivery and lacks corresponding handling or intervention mechanisms for localized high temperatures caused by dust blockage. Dust accumulation is difficult to alleviate in a timely manner, and the problem of localized heat accumulation becomes more pronounced with prolonged operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, a hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling is provided. By proposing a device capable of dynamically monitoring the formation of high-temperature regions in hydrogen fuel cells and actively addressing the causes of high temperatures, this solves the technical problems of difficulty in identifying localized high-temperature states, difficulty in timely handling of dust blockage, and insufficient adaptability of heat dissipation adjustment in the existing air cooling process of hydrogen fuel cells.

[0006] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides a hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function, comprising: a frame; a hydrogen fuel cell, vertically mounted on the frame and having an internal heat dissipation channel; an external air cooling module, vertically mounted outside the hydrogen fuel cell, the external air cooling module having a cooling chamber for introducing external cooling air source, a first air guide and a second air guide slidably disposed within the cooling chamber, the first air guide and the second air guide directionally guiding the cooling air source within the cooling chamber, so that the cooling air source is output towards a local area of ​​the hydrogen fuel cell; and an internal air cooling module, vertically mounted inside the hydrogen fuel cell, the internal air cooling module having a first air intake group and a second air intake group slidably disposed within the internal air cooling module, the first air intake group and the second air intake group being able to move towards each other and enclose to form a detection area, used for detecting the ventilation volume of the local air source directionally discharged through the first air guide and the second air guide; wherein, by detecting the change in ventilation volume within the detection area, it is used to determine whether the local high-temperature area of ​​the hydrogen fuel cell is caused by ventilation obstruction.

[0007] Preferably, the internal air-cooling module further includes an air duct that can directionally guide the air source in the detection area and a speed measuring instrument that can monitor the wind speed of the air source in real time; the speed measuring instrument is fixedly installed on the first air-exhaust group through the air duct.

[0008] Preferably, the internal air-cooling module further includes a high-pressure interface capable of importing and exporting high-pressure air sources; the high-pressure interface is horizontally fixed on one side of the air duct and communicates with the air duct.

[0009] Preferably, the first air intake group is provided with a sealing plate that can dynamically close the heat dissipation channel during testing, a through hole opened through the sealing plate, and an opening and closing plate that can keep the through hole open when not in testing state; the opening and closing plate is centrally and movably disposed in the middle of the sealing plate.

[0010] Preferably, the first air intake assembly further includes a spring capable of continuously driving the opening / closing plate and the closing plate to abut against each other in the detection state.

[0011] Preferably, the internal air-cooling module further includes a drive unit capable of driving the first air intake group and the second air intake group to move towards each other; the drive unit is vertically disposed inside the hydrogen fuel cell; the first air intake group and the second air intake group are disposed in a relative state inside the hydrogen fuel cell via the drive unit.

[0012] Preferably, the drive unit includes a guide frame, a first drive group, a second drive group, a first guide rod, and a second guide rod; the guide frame is vertically disposed within the hydrogen fuel cell; the first drive group, the second drive group, the first guide rod, and the second guide rod are respectively vertically fixed at the four corners of the guide frame; the first drive group and the first air intake group are driven together and slidably guided by the first guide rod; the second drive group and the second air intake group are driven together and slidably guided by the second guide rod.

[0013] Preferably, the external air-cooling module further includes a first cooling fan and a second cooling fan capable of actively exporting the air source in the heat dissipation channel; the first cooling fan and the second cooling fan are fixedly disposed at both ends of the hydrogen fuel cell and are respectively connected to the heat dissipation channel.

[0014] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0015] 1. This invention sets up a first and second air intake group that can move in opposite directions inside a hydrogen fuel cell, and forms a detection area by enclosing the corresponding areas of the first and second air guides. The ventilation volume of the locally exhaust air source is detected, so that ventilation status information of the high-temperature area can be obtained simultaneously during the heat dissipation process. This allows it to distinguish whether the high temperature is caused by ventilation obstruction and improves the accuracy of high temperature problem analysis.

[0016] 2. The present invention uses the cooperation of the opening and closing plate, the closing plate and the spring to keep the through hole closed in the detection state to ensure detection accuracy, and the through hole automatically opens in the non-detection state to maintain normal ventilation of the heat dissipation channel, thereby avoiding interference of the detection structure with normal heat dissipation.

[0017] 3. This invention achieves a closed-loop air-cooling management mode of "continuous heat dissipation - directional heat dissipation - cause detection - targeted treatment" through the cooperation of external and internal air-cooling modules, which helps to reduce the risk of local heat accumulation and improve the stability and safety of long-term operation of hydrogen fuel cells.

[0018] 4. When an abnormal decrease in ventilation volume is detected in a local area, high-pressure suction and directional air supply can be used in combination to clean the dust and impurities in the heat dissipation channel, so as to avoid the long-term accumulation of dust and the continuous decline in local heat dissipation capacity, thereby improving the system's adaptability in complex operating environments. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a 3D diagram of a hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a side view of a hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function.

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view at point AA.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of section B.

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point C.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an exploded three-dimensional diagram of a hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an exploded 3D view of the external and internal air-cooling modules in a hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air-cooling function.

[0026] Figure 8 This is an exploded 3D view of the internal air-cooling module in a hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air-cooling function.

[0027] The numbers on the map are:

[0028] 1. Rack;

[0029] 2. Hydrogen fuel cell; 21. Heat dissipation channel;

[0030] 3. External air-cooled module; 31. Cooling chamber; 32. First air guide; 33. Second air guide; 34. First cooling fan; 35. Second cooling fan;

[0031] 4. Internal air-cooled module; 41. First air intake group; 411. Enclosure plate; 412. Through hole; 413. Opening and closing plate; 4131. Guide rod; 4132. Flange; 414. Spring; 42. Second air intake group; 43. Air duct; 44. Speedometer; 45. High-pressure interface; 46. Drive unit; 461. Guide frame; 462. First drive group; 463. Second drive group; 464. First guide rod; 465. Second guide rod. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To further understand the features, technical means, and specific objectives and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] See Figures 1 to 8As shown: A hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function includes: a frame 1; a hydrogen fuel cell 2, vertically mounted on the frame 1 and having a heat dissipation channel 21 inside; and an external air cooling module 3, vertically mounted outside the hydrogen fuel cell 2. The external air cooling module 3 has a cooling chamber 31 for introducing external cooling air. A first air guide 32 and a second air guide 33 are slidably disposed inside the cooling chamber 31. The first air guide 32 and the second air guide 33 are used to directionally guide the cooling air in the cooling chamber 31, directing the cooling air towards... The hydrogen fuel cell 2 outputs a local area; an internal air-cooling module 4 is vertically arranged inside the hydrogen fuel cell 2. The internal air-cooling module 4 has a first air-guiding group 41 and a second air-guiding group 42 that are relatively slidably arranged. The first air-guiding group 41 and the second air-guiding group 42 can move towards each other and enclose to form a detection area, which is used to detect the ventilation volume of the local air source directionally discharged through the first air guide 32 and the second air guide 33; wherein, by detecting the change in ventilation volume in the detection area, it is used to determine whether the local high temperature area of ​​the hydrogen fuel cell 2 is caused by ventilation obstruction.

[0034] The hydrogen fuel cell 2 is constructed in a U-shape, and its internal space encloses a heat dissipation channel 21. The internal air-cooling module 4 is vertically arranged within the heat dissipation channel 21.

[0035] When continuous air cooling is required for the hydrogen fuel cell 2, the external air cooling module 3 is first activated. By continuously connecting to an external air source, the cooling air source is introduced into the cooling chamber 31, and a stable airflow channel is formed in the cooling chamber 31. After passing through the cooling chamber 31, the cooling air source is continuously output radially towards the outer surface and internal channel of the hydrogen fuel cell 2, thereby achieving continuous cooling of its overall structure during the operation of the hydrogen fuel cell 2.

[0036] When the hydrogen fuel cell 2 experiences a localized temperature rise during operation, requiring targeted heat dissipation in the localized area, the first air guide 32 and the second air guide 33 are driven to move relative to each other, redistributing and directionally guiding the cooling air source located in the cooling chamber 31. This changes the original uniform output state of the cooling air source to a concentrated output state directed towards the localized high-temperature area, thereby achieving directional air cooling heat dissipation in the high-temperature area until the temperature of the localized area returns to the preset range.

[0037] Furthermore, when it is necessary to detect the cause of localized high temperatures in the hydrogen fuel cell 2, especially to avoid localized high temperatures caused by dust accumulation or obstructed ventilation channels, the internal air-cooling module 4 is activated. This causes the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42 to move towards each other and form a detection zone, thereby stimulating and detecting the localized airflow directed through the first air guide 32 and the second air guide 33 in real time. By detecting and analyzing the changes in ventilation volume within the detection zone, it is possible to determine whether the current high-temperature area is experiencing insufficient cooling airflow due to poor ventilation, thus enabling the differentiation and detection of the causes of localized high temperatures.

[0038] See Figure 8 As shown: The internal air-cooling module 4 also includes an air duct 43 that can directionally guide the air source in the detection area and a speed meter 44 that can monitor the wind speed of the air source in real time; the speed meter 44 is fixedly installed on the first air intake group 41 through the air duct 43.

[0039] The second air intake group 42 has the same structure as the first air intake group 41. When it is necessary to detect the ventilation status of the local heating area of ​​the hydrogen fuel cell 2, the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42 are synchronously driven to move to the position corresponding to their directional air intake area according to the displacement stroke of the first air guide 32 and the second air guide 33 in the heat dissipation channel 21. At this time, the directional air source introduced into the heat dissipation channel 21 through the first air guide 32 and the second air guide 33 can be synchronously received by the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42, and then conducted to the speed measuring instrument 44 after being collected by the internal air guiding structure. The speed measuring instrument 44 monitors the ventilation volume and wind speed parameters in the current detection area in real time. By analyzing the detection data, it can be used to determine whether the ventilation status in the current detection area is abnormal, thereby determining whether there is a situation of poor ventilation due to blockage in the area. The speed measuring instrument 44 is prior art, and its specific structure and working principle will not be described in detail here.

[0040] See Figure 8 As shown: The internal air-cooled module 4 also includes a high-pressure interface 45 that can import and export high-pressure air sources; the high-pressure interface 45 is horizontally fixed on one side of the air duct 43 and is connected to the air duct 43.

[0041] When the airflow or wind speed in the detection area is detected by the speed measuring instrument 44 to be significantly lower than the airflow and wind speed parameters under initial operation, it indicates that the detection area may be experiencing ventilation limitations due to dust accumulation or blockage by impurities. In this case, an external high-pressure hose can be connected to the high-pressure interface 45, and high-speed airflow can be pumped into the detection area to remove dust and impurities accumulated in the heat dissipation channel 21. Simultaneously with the high-pressure suction in the detection area, the external air-cooling module 3 operates synchronously, continuously and rapidly introducing cooling air into the detection area through the first air guide 32 and the second air guide 33, allowing the suction and air supply processes to work in tandem, thereby creating a targeted airflow flushing and cleaning effect on the blocked area.

[0042] By combining high-pressure suction with directional airflow, targeted cleaning of areas with obstructed ventilation is achieved, preventing dust accumulation from continuously affecting local heat dissipation efficiency.

[0043] See Figure 8 As shown: The first air intake group 41 is provided with a sealing plate 411 that can dynamically close the heat dissipation channel 21 during detection, a through hole 412 that is opened through the sealing plate 411, and an opening and closing plate 413 that can keep the through hole 412 open when not in detection state; the opening and closing plate 413 is centrally and movably disposed in the middle of the sealing plate 411.

[0044] When it is necessary to detect the cause of the local high-temperature section of the hydrogen fuel cell 2, an external power source is connected to drive the internal air-cooling module 4 to operate, thereby causing the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42 to move towards each other within the heat dissipation channel 21 to the detection area. The position of the detection area is dynamically determined based on the heat dissipation area currently corresponding to the first air guide 32 and the second air guide 33. After the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42 move towards each other and enclose to form the detection area, the air source entering the heat dissipation channel 21 is limited and guided by the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42, and is conducted to the speed measuring instrument 44 through the air guide pipe 43. The speed measuring instrument 44 detects the ventilation volume and wind speed in this area, thereby realizing the detection of the ventilation status of the high-temperature section of the hydrogen fuel cell 2.

[0045] By dynamically identifying the formation of the detection zone and monitoring ventilation volume, the causes of high-temperature areas can be determined, thus improving the accuracy of high-temperature problem analysis.

[0046] See Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown: The first air intake assembly 41 also includes a spring 414 that is capable of continuously driving the opening and closing plate 413 and the closing plate 411 to abut against each other in the detection state.

[0047] A guide rod 4131, capable of passing through the closing plate 411, is vertically disposed at the center of the opening / closing plate 413, and a flange 4132 is coaxially fixed at the front end of the guide rod 4131. The guide rod 4131 passes through the closing plate 411 and forms a sliding fit with the closing plate 411. A spring 414 is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the guide rod 4131, and its two ends elastically abut against the flange 4132 and the upper surface of the closing plate 411, respectively.

[0048] When the sealing plate 411 slides towards the interior of the heat dissipation channel 21 under the drive of the drive unit 46, the spring 414 is in a released state, thereby continuously applying an elastic force to the sealing plate 411, keeping the sealing plate 411 and the opening / closing plate 413 in close contact, so as to continuously seal the through hole 412 in the detection state. When in the non-detection state, the opening / closing plate 413 abuts against the top of the hydrogen fuel cell 2 under the drive of the drive unit 46, and the external force compresses the spring 414, thereby separating the sealing plate 411 and the opening / closing plate 413, opening the through hole 412 to ensure the normal flow of air in the heat dissipation channel 21.

[0049] The flexible opening and closing structure enables automatic switching between the detection state and the normal heat dissipation state, balancing detection sealing and heat dissipation continuity.

[0050] See Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown: The internal air-cooled module 4 also includes a drive unit 46 that can drive the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42 to move towards each other; the drive unit 46 is vertically arranged inside the hydrogen fuel cell 2; the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42 are arranged in a relative state inside the hydrogen fuel cell 2 through the drive unit 46.

[0051] When it is necessary to adjust the positions of the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42 according to different heat-generating areas, it is only necessary to connect an external power source to drive the drive unit 46 to operate, and drive the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42 to slide synchronously in opposite directions within the heat dissipation channel 21, so as to adjust the detection area to the corresponding heat-generating section position, thereby realizing the dynamic detection of ventilation volume in different heat-generating areas of the hydrogen fuel cell 2.

[0052] See Figures 4 to 7As shown: The drive unit 46 includes a guide frame 461, a first drive group 462, a second drive group 463, a first guide rod 464, and a second guide rod 465; the guide frame 461 is vertically disposed within the hydrogen fuel cell 2; the first drive group 462, the second drive group 463, the first guide rod 464, and the second guide rod 465 are respectively vertically fixed at the four corners of the guide frame 461; the first drive group 462 and the first air intake group 41 are connected by transmission and guided by sliding through the first guide rod 464; the second drive group 463 and the second air intake group 42 are connected by transmission and guided by sliding through sliding through the second guide rod 465.

[0053] The first drive group 462 and the second drive group 463 are specifically composed of a servo motor and a drive screw. The drive screw is connected to the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42 respectively. The drive unit 46 is not limited to the above-described structure and may also employ other mechanisms capable of linear drive. Its purpose is to drive the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42 to slide longitudinally within the heat dissipation channel 21. When it is necessary to drive the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42 to move towards each other, the servo motor is activated by connecting an external power source. The servo motor drives the drive screw to rotate, thereby achieving precise adjustment of the positions of the first air intake group 41 and the second air intake group 42 to meet the detection requirements of different detection zone spacings.

[0054] See Figure 2 As shown: The external air-cooling module 3 also includes a first cooling fan 34 and a second cooling fan 35 that can actively exhaust the air source in the heat dissipation channel 21; the first cooling fan 34 and the second cooling fan 35 are fixedly disposed at both ends of the hydrogen fuel cell 2 and are respectively connected to the heat dissipation channel 21.

[0055] Under normal heat dissipation conditions, both the first cooling fan 34 and the second cooling fan 35 operate in a unidirectional exhaust and suction manner, so that the heat generated in the heat dissipation channel 21 is continuously guided and discharged to the top or bottom area of ​​the hydrogen fuel cell 2 in a preset direction, thereby forming a stable heat dissipation airflow path and realizing the active exhaust of the heat source in the heat dissipation channel 21.

[0056] The normal heat dissipation method of unidirectional suction ensures the stability of airflow direction within the heat dissipation channel 21, which is beneficial for maintaining the continuous heat dissipation state of the hydrogen fuel cell 2.

[0057] This invention can not only actively detect the causes of localized high temperatures in hydrogen fuel cells, but also actively eliminate the causes of high temperatures.

[0058] The above embodiments only illustrate one or more implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function, characterized in that, include: frame; The hydrogen fuel cell is vertically mounted on the frame and has internal heat dissipation channels. An external air-cooling module is vertically installed on the outside of the hydrogen fuel cell. The external air-cooling module is provided with a cooling chamber for introducing external cooling air. A first air guide and a second air guide are slidably arranged inside the cooling chamber. The first air guide and the second air guide are used to directionally guide the cooling air in the cooling chamber so that the cooling air is output towards a local area of ​​the hydrogen fuel cell. An internal air-cooling module is vertically installed inside the hydrogen fuel cell. The internal air-cooling module is provided with a first air-guiding group and a second air-guiding group that are relatively slidably arranged. The first air-guiding group and the second air-guiding group can move towards each other and enclose a detection area for detecting the ventilation volume of the local air source directionally discharged through the first air guide and the second air guide. The detection of changes in ventilation volume within the detection area is used to determine whether the local high-temperature area of ​​the hydrogen fuel cell is caused by obstructed ventilation.

2. A hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal air-cooling module also includes an air duct that can directionally guide the air source in the detection area and a speed measuring instrument that can monitor the wind speed of the air source in real time. The speed measuring instrument is fixedly mounted on the first air intake group via the air duct.

3. A hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The internal air-cooling module also includes a high-pressure interface that can import and export high-pressure air sources; The high-pressure interface is horizontally fixed on one side of the air duct and is connected to the air duct.

4. A hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first air intake group is equipped with a sealing plate that can dynamically close the heat dissipation channel during testing, a through hole that is opened through the sealing plate, and an opening and closing plate that can keep the through hole open when not in testing state. The opening and closing plate is centrally and movably positioned in the middle of the closing plate.

5. A hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first air intake assembly also includes a spring that can continuously drive the opening and closing plate and the closing plate to abut against each other in the detection state.

6. A hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal air-cooling module also includes a drive unit capable of driving the first air intake group and the second air intake group to move towards each other; The drive unit is vertically positioned within the hydrogen fuel cell; The first and second air intake groups are arranged in a relative position within the hydrogen fuel cell via the drive unit.

7. A hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive unit includes a guide frame, a first drive group, a second drive group, a first guide rod, and a second guide rod; The guide frame is vertically positioned inside the hydrogen fuel cell; The first drive group, the second drive group, the first guide rod, and the second guide rod are respectively fixedly arranged vertically at the four corners of the guide frame; The first drive group and the first air intake group are connected by a transmission and guided by the first guide rod; The second drive group and the second air intake group are connected by transmission and guided by the second guide rod.

8. A hydrogen fuel cell with cyclic directional air cooling function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external air cooling module also includes a first cooling fan and a second cooling fan that can actively exhaust the air source in the heat dissipation channel. The first cooling fan and the second cooling fan are fixedly disposed at both ends of the hydrogen fuel cell and are respectively connected to the heat dissipation channel.

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