Fuel cell system and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a fuel cell system and a vehicle. The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell, an exhaust pipe connected with an exhaust port of the fuel cell, a cooling loop and a water storage part, the water storage part is provided with a water storage cavity, a cooling cavity adjacent to the water storage cavity and a water supply pipeline communicated with the water storage cavity, the water storage cavity is connected with the exhaust pipe in series, and the cooling cavity forms a part of a cooling loop; the water storage cavity is used for collecting liquid water in the exhaust pipeline, cooling media flowing through the cooling cavity can exchange heat with the liquid water, and the water supply pipeline is used for discharging the liquid water. According to the fuel cell system disclosed by the utility model, the liquid water in the exhaust pipeline is collected through the water storage cavity in the water storage part, and heat exchange with the liquid water can be realized through the cooling medium flowing through the cooling cavity, so that the liquid water in the water storage cavity can be heated by waste heat of the cooling medium; the liquid water can be prevented from being frozen and discharged and reused, the temperature of the cooling medium can be reduced, and therefore energy consumption can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to a fuel cell system. The utility model also relates to a vehicle equipped with the fuel cell system. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, vehicles equipped with hydrogen fuel cells are generally composed of a pure electric chassis, a fuel cell system, and a hydrogen storage system. The hydrogen fuel cell system can produce pure water through electrochemical reactions when working, and this part of the water will be discharged into the air through the cathode of the battery stack and the exhaust system, resulting in a waste of water resources.

[0003] In addition, to ensure that the fuel cell operates within an optimal temperature range, a cooling circuit is usually provided to cool the fuel cell. Part of the cooling circuit is located inside the fuel cell, and the cooling medium that flows into the fuel cell for heat exchange with the fuel cell can take away the heat generated by the fuel cell, thereby reducing the temperature of the fuel cell.

[0004] The cooling medium flowing out of the fuel cell in the cooling circuit usually flows into the radiator, and is blown to the radiator by the cooling fan to cool the cooling medium, thereby ensuring that the cooling medium flowing into the fuel cell is always at a low temperature, which is beneficial to improve the cooling effect of the fuel cell. However, in actual use, in order to improve the cooling effect of the radiator, it is necessary to increase the power of the cooling fan, etc., which leads to the problem of high energy consumption cost. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the utility model aims to provide a fuel cell system to improve energy utilization and reduce energy consumption.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution of the utility model is implemented as follows:

[0007] A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell, an exhaust pipe connected to an exhaust port of the fuel cell, a cooling circuit for cooling the fuel cell, and a water storage portion;

[0008] The water storage part comprises a water storage chamber, a cooling chamber adjacent to the water storage chamber, and a water supply pipeline communicating with the water storage chamber, the water storage chamber is connected in series with the exhaust pipe, and the cooling chamber constitutes a part of the cooling circuit;

[0009] The water storage chamber is used to collect liquid water in the exhaust pipeline, the cooling medium flowing through the cooling chamber can exchange heat with the liquid water, and the water supply pipeline is used to discharge the liquid water.

[0010] Furthermore, a radiator is provided in the cooling circuit, and the radiator and the cooling chamber are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of the fuel cell.

[0011] Furthermore, the cooling circuit is provided with a flow regulating part located upstream of the cooling cavity, and the flow regulating part is used to regulate the flow of the cooling medium flowing into the cooling cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, the water storage portion is provided with an overflow pipe connected to the water storage cavity;

[0013] The overflow pipe is used to discharge the liquid water in the water storage chamber that exceeds a first preset liquid level.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has the following advantages:

[0015] The fuel cell system described in the utility model collects liquid water in the exhaust pipeline through the water storage chamber in the water storage part, and exchanges heat with the liquid water through the cooling medium flowing through the cooling chamber in the water storage part. The liquid water in the water storage chamber can be heated by utilizing the residual heat of the cooling medium after the heat exchange with the fuel cell, which is not only beneficial to preventing the freezing of the liquid water and discharging the liquid water for reuse, but also beneficial to reducing the temperature of the cooling medium and improving the cooling efficiency of the fuel cell, thereby improving the energy utilization rate and saving energy consumption.

[0016] In addition, the radiator and the cooling chamber are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of the fuel cell, so that the radiator and the cooling chamber cooperate to cool the cooling medium, which is beneficial to improving the cooling efficiency of the cooling medium for the fuel cell, and also helps to reduce the energy consumption of the radiator heat exchange, thereby saving system energy consumption. The flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into the cooling chamber is adjusted by setting a flow regulating part, and the transportation flexibility of the cooling medium is improved. The overflow pipe is set to discharge the liquid water that exceeds the first preset liquid level, which is beneficial to improve the safety of the water storage part.

[0017] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle, on which the fuel cell system as described above is provided.

[0018] Furthermore, the water supply pipeline is used to supply water to water-using components on the vehicle.

[0019] Furthermore, the water-using component at least includes a humidifier disposed in the cockpit, and the water supply pipeline is used to supply water to the water storage chamber of the humidifier;

[0020] and / or,

[0021] The water supply pipeline is provided with a filter.

[0022] Furthermore, the water supply pipeline is provided with a driving pump for driving the liquid water to flow into the water storage chamber;

[0023] When the liquid level in the water storage chamber is lower than the second preset liquid level height, the driving pump can drive the liquid water to flow into the water storage chamber, and when the liquid level in the water storage chamber reaches the third preset liquid level height, the driving pump is shut down.

[0024] Furthermore, a liquid level detection unit for detecting the liquid level height of the liquid water is provided in the water storage chamber.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has the following advantages:

[0026] The vehicle described in the utility model is beneficial to improving energy-saving effects and has good practicality by being provided with the fuel cell system as described above.

[0027] In addition, the water supply pipeline is used to supply water to the water-using components on the vehicle, which is beneficial to improve the utilization rate of liquid water and further improve the energy-saving effect. By supplying liquid water to the water storage chamber of the humidifier, the humidifier can use liquid water for humidification, thereby improving the comfort of the vehicle; by providing a filter on the water supply pipeline, it is beneficial to meet the use requirements of water-using components for water purity and cleanliness. When the liquid level in the water storage chamber is lower than the second preset liquid level height, the driving pump drives the liquid water to flow into the water storage chamber, which is beneficial to improve the automatic water addition effect of the water storage chamber. A liquid level detection unit is provided in the water storage chamber, which is beneficial to detecting the liquid level in the water storage chamber and has a better use effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings constituting a part of the present invention are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a fuel cell system described in an embodiment of the utility model.

[0030] Description of reference numerals:

[0031] 1. Fuel cell; 2. Cooling circuit; 3. Water storage; 4. Exhaust pipe; 5. Humidifier; 6. Second drive pump; 7. First drive pump;

[0032] 101. Heat exchange chamber;

[0033] 201, radiator; 202, flow regulating unit;

[0034] 301, cooling chamber; 302, overflow pipe;

[0035] 501. Water storage chamber; 502. Liquid level detection unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0037] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that if there are terms indicating orientation or positional relationship such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "back", etc., they are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, if there are terms such as "first", "second", etc., they are also used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with embodiments.

[0039] Embodiment 1

[0040] This embodiment relates to a fuel cell system, which is beneficial to improving energy utilization and thus saving energy consumption.

[0041] In terms of overall structure, the fuel cell system of this embodiment includes a fuel cell 1 , an exhaust pipe 4 connected to an exhaust port of the fuel cell 1 , a cooling circuit 2 for cooling the fuel cell 1 , and a water storage unit 3 .

[0042] The water storage part 3 has a water storage chamber, a cooling chamber 301 adjacent to the water storage chamber, and a water supply pipeline connected to the water storage chamber. The water storage chamber is connected in series with the exhaust pipe 4, and the cooling chamber 301 constitutes a part of the cooling circuit 2. The water storage chamber is used to collect liquid water in the exhaust pipe 4, and the cooling medium flowing through the cooling chamber 301 can exchange heat with the liquid water. The water supply pipeline is used to discharge the liquid water.

[0043] The fuel cell system of this embodiment collects liquid water in the exhaust pipe 4 through the water storage chamber in the water storage part 3, and exchanges heat with the liquid water through the cooling medium flowing through the cooling chamber 301 in the water storage part 3. The liquid water in the water storage chamber can be heated by utilizing the residual heat of the cooling medium after the heat exchange with the fuel cell 1, which is not only beneficial to prevent the freezing of the liquid water and discharge and reuse the liquid water, but also beneficial to reduce the temperature of the cooling medium and improve the cooling efficiency of the fuel cell 1, thereby improving the energy utilization rate and further facilitating energy saving.

[0044] In terms of specific structure, Figure 1As shown in , the water storage part 3 can be a water storage tank or a water storage container, which should be easy to arrange and conducive to the recovery of liquid water in the exhaust pipe 4. Preferably, the top of the water storage chamber is connected in series with the exhaust pipe 4, which is conducive to the collection of liquid water and the discharge of gas. Specifically, when the liquid water and gas in the exhaust pipe 4 flow into the water storage chamber, the liquid water drips to the bottom of the water storage chamber, and the gas is discharged through the exhaust pipe 4.

[0045] In this embodiment, a heat exchange chamber 101 connected in series to the cooling circuit 2 is provided on the fuel cell 1, and the heat exchange chamber 101 also serves as a part of the cooling circuit 2. The cooling medium flowing into the heat exchange chamber 101 heats up after heat exchange with the fuel cell 1, and can flow into the cooling chamber 301, thereby heating the liquid water in the water storage chamber, which helps to prevent the problem of liquid water being unable to be discharged and reused due to freezing in winter. At the same time, the setting of the cooling chamber 301 is also conducive to reducing the temperature of the cooling medium, so that the temperature of the cooling medium flowing back into the heat exchange chamber 101 is lower, which is conducive to improving the heat exchange efficiency of the fuel cell 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, a cooling pipeline is provided in the water storage cavity, and the cooling cavity 301 is formed in the cooling pipeline, and the water storage cavity and the cooling cavity 301 are separated by the cooling pipeline. The cooling pipeline here can be directly connected to the water storage tank or water storage container, or connected to the water storage tank or water storage container through a bracket. The structure of the cooling pipeline here is simple, easy to arrange and implement, and has a good effect on the transportation of the cooling medium.

[0047] As a preferred embodiment, the cooling pipeline can be in a curved serpentine shape, or a winding spiral shape, etc., which is conducive to increasing the contact area between the cooling chamber 301 and the liquid water in the water storage chamber, thereby improving the heat exchange effect between the cooling medium and the liquid water. Of course, in specific implementation, the structural form of the cooling chamber 301 can still be adjusted according to the use requirements, as long as the use requirements are met.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 As shown in , a radiator 201 is provided in the cooling circuit 2, and the radiator 201 and the cooling chamber 301 are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of the fuel cell 1. Here, the radiator 201 and the cooling chamber 301 are specifically connected in parallel to the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of the heat exchange chamber 101. That is to say, the cooling medium flowing out of the heat exchange chamber 101 can flow into the radiator 201 and the cooling chamber 301 at the same time, and flow back to the heat exchange chamber 101 after being cooled by the radiator 201 and the cooling chamber 301 respectively.

[0049] The radiator 201 in this embodiment may be a product in the prior art, and the cooling medium flowing into the radiator 201 may undergo convection heat exchange through the airflow blown by the cooling fan or natural wind, thereby reducing the temperature of the cooling medium.

[0050] In this embodiment, the radiator 201 and the cooling chamber 301 are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of the fuel cell 1, so that the radiator 201 and the cooling chamber 301 cooperate to achieve cooling of the cooling medium, which is beneficial to improving the cooling efficiency of the cooling medium on the fuel cell 1, and is also beneficial to reducing the energy consumption of the heat exchange of the radiator 201, thereby saving system energy consumption.

[0051] In addition, a first driving pump 7 for driving the cooling medium to circulate is provided in the cooling circuit 2. Figure 1 As shown in , the first driving pump 7 can be arranged between the liquid inlet end of the radiator 201 and the liquid outlet of the heat exchange chamber 101. Here, the first driving pump 7 has a simple structure and good use effect.

[0052] As a preferred embodiment, a flow regulating part 202 located upstream of the cooling cavity 301 is provided on the cooling circuit 2, and the flow regulating part 202 is used to regulate the flow of the cooling medium flowing into the cooling cavity 301, thereby facilitating the use flexibility of the cooling cavity 301. In a specific implementation, the flow regulating part 202 can be a flow regulating valve.

[0053] In addition, the water storage part 3 of this embodiment is provided with an overflow pipe 302 connected to the water storage chamber, and the overflow pipe 302 is used to discharge the liquid water in the water storage chamber that exceeds the first preset liquid level. In specific implementation, the connection between the overflow pipe 302 and the water storage chamber is located at the first preset liquid level, which is beneficial to the arrangement and use effect of the overflow pipe, thereby improving the use effect of the water storage chamber.

[0054] The fuel cell system of this embodiment is not only simple in structure, but also beneficial to energy saving and consumption reduction, and has good promotion significance.

[0055] Embodiment 2

[0056] This embodiment relates to a vehicle, which is provided with the fuel cell system in Embodiment 1. The water supply pipeline is used to supply water to water-using components on the vehicle, which is beneficial to improve the utilization rate of liquid water and further improve the energy-saving effect.

[0057] As a preferred embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the water-using component at least includes a humidifier 5 disposed in the cockpit, and the water supply pipeline is used to supply water to the water storage chamber 501 of the humidifier 5. By supplying liquid water to the water storage chamber 501 of the humidifier 5, the humidifier 5 can use the liquid water for humidification, thereby improving the comfort of the vehicle. The specific structure of the humidifier 5 in this embodiment, as well as the position and connection method in the cockpit, can refer to the prior art. The water-using component in this embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned humidifier 5, and it can also be a component with water demand on other vehicles.

[0058] To further improve the use effect, refer to Figure 1 In this embodiment, a driving pump for driving liquid water to flow into the water storage chamber 501 is provided on the water supply pipeline. When the liquid level in the water storage chamber 501 is lower than the second preset liquid level, the driving pump can drive the liquid water to flow into the water storage chamber 501. When the liquid level in the water storage chamber 501 reaches the third preset liquid level, the driving pump is shut down.

[0059] In order to distinguish it from the first driving pump 7 mentioned above, the driving pump here is called the second driving pump 6. In this embodiment, the second driving pump 6 drives the liquid water to flow into the water storage chamber 501 when the liquid level in the water storage chamber 501 is lower than the second preset liquid level height, and shuts down the second driving pump 6 when the liquid level reaches the third liquid level height, which is conducive to improving the automatic water addition effect of the water storage chamber 501.

[0060] In specific implementation, a liquid level detection unit 502 for detecting the liquid level height of liquid water is provided in the water storage chamber 501. The liquid level detection unit 502 here can adopt a liquid level sensor in the prior art. By providing the liquid level detection unit 502, it is convenient to obtain the liquid level height of the liquid water in the water tank, thereby facilitating water replenishment in the water storage chamber 501.

[0061] In addition, a controller may be provided, and the controller may be a programmable controller in the prior art, and the controller is connected to the liquid level sensor and the second driving pump 6 respectively. When the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level is lower than the second liquid level, the controller sends information to the controller, and after receiving the information from the liquid level sensor, the controller sends a start signal to the second driving pump 6, so that the second driving pump 6 drives the liquid water from the water storage chamber to flow into the water storage chamber 501, replenishes the liquid water, and realizes automatic water replenishment of the humidifier 5.

[0062] Of course, the controller can also store height information corresponding to the third preset liquid level height. When the liquid level detection unit 502 detects that the liquid level in the water storage chamber 501 reaches the third preset liquid level height, it means that the liquid water in the water storage chamber 501 is in a full state. At this time, the controller can send a shutdown signal to the second drive pump 6 to stop the water supply pipeline from supplying water to the water storage chamber 501.

[0063] In this embodiment, the liquid water collected in the storage chamber is pure water without impurities. When the water-using component has a high requirement for the purity of the liquid water, a filter can be provided on the water supply pipeline. The filter can be a filter in the prior art. The liquid water is purified by providing the filter, and the purified water can also be drunk.

[0064] The vehicle in this embodiment is provided with the above fuel cell system, which is beneficial to improving energy saving effect and has good practicality.

[0065] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell system, characterized in that: It comprises a fuel cell (1), an exhaust pipe (4) connected to the exhaust port of the fuel cell (1), a cooling circuit (2) for cooling the fuel cell (1), and a water storage part (3); The water storage portion (3) comprises a water storage chamber, a cooling chamber (301) adjacent to the water storage chamber, and a water supply pipeline communicating with the water storage chamber, the water storage chamber being connected in series with the exhaust pipe (4), and the cooling chamber (301) constituting a part of the cooling circuit (2); The water storage chamber is used to collect liquid water in the exhaust pipe (4), the cooling medium flowing through the cooling chamber (301) can exchange heat with the liquid water, and the water supply pipeline is used to discharge the liquid water.

2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A radiator (201) is provided in the cooling circuit (2), and the radiator (201) and the cooling chamber (301) are connected in parallel between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of the fuel cell (1).

3. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling circuit (2) is provided with a flow regulating portion (202) located upstream of the cooling cavity (301), and the flow regulating portion (202) is used to regulate the flow of the cooling medium flowing into the cooling cavity (301).

4. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The water storage portion (3) is provided with an overflow pipe (302) connected to the water storage cavity; The overflow pipe (302) is used to discharge the liquid water in the water storage chamber that exceeds the first preset liquid level height.

5. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle is provided with the fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The water supply pipeline is used to supply water to water-using components on the vehicle.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water-using component at least comprises a humidifier (5) arranged in the cockpit, and the water supply pipeline is used to supply water to the water storage chamber (501) of the humidifier (5); and / or, The water supply pipeline is provided with a filter.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water supply pipeline is provided with a driving pump for driving the liquid water to flow into the water storage chamber (501); When the liquid level in the water storage chamber (501) is lower than the second preset liquid level height, the driving pump can drive the liquid water to flow into the water storage chamber (501); when the liquid level in the water storage chamber (501) reaches the third preset liquid level height, the driving pump is shut down.

9. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that: A liquid level detection unit (502) for detecting the liquid level height of the liquid water is provided in the water storage chamber (501).

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