Integrated runner module for anode subsystem of double-stack fuel cell system and anode subsystem

Abstract

The present application relates to an integrated runner module for an anode subsystem of a dual stack fuel cell system, comprising: a first side configured to be sealingly connected to a stack end cap; the plurality of groups of channels are recessed from the first side surface along the thickness direction of the integrated runner module; the plurality of sets of channels are configured to be in fluid connection with the first and second ejectors of the anode subsystem and the water separation recirculation pump to form a first flow path for recirculating fuel discharged from the anode outlets of the first and second stacks back to the anode inlets of the first and second stacks; and a set of distribution channels formed inside the integrated runner module, the set of distribution channels configured to fluidly connect a fuel source of the anode subsystem to the first and second ejectors to form a second flow path for distributing fuel from the fuel source between the first and second ejectors. The utility model also provides an anode subsystem comprising the integrated flow channel module and used for a double-stack fuel cell system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more specifically to an anode-side integrated flow channel module for a dual-stack fuel cell system and an anode subsystem for a dual-stack fuel cell system having the integrated flow channel module. Background Art

[0002] Fuel cells are an increasingly widely used power generation technology that uses the electrochemical reaction between fuel and oxidant to directly convert the chemical energy of the fuel into electrical energy. Compared with traditional combustion power generation technology, they have the advantages of high conversion efficiency, low pollutant emissions, and quiet and reliable operation.

[0003] The dual-stack single system mode is a potential development direction for fuel cell systems to meet the requirements of higher power and higher integration. In the dual-stack single system mode, two fuel cell stacks (hereinafter referred to as "stacks") are arranged side by side and connected in parallel to form a fuel cell "dual stack", in which a single fuel supply system is used to supply fuel to the fuel cell dual stacks, which is also called a "single system". For the fuel cell dual stack, the physical and chemical properties (such as flow rate, pressure, fuel concentration, temperature, etc.) of the fuel distributed to each stack by a single fuel supply system need to be roughly consistent, so that the two stacks working in parallel have roughly consistent fuel input conditions and can thereby achieve roughly consistent electrical output. This ensures that there is a minimum compensation current between the dual stacks and ensures that the dual stacks operate efficiently and stably.

[0004] In addition to the distribution of fuel, the anode side subsystem of the dual-stack fuel cell system also involves the recovery and recycling of fuel. Generally, excess fuel is supplied to the stack to ensure that the electrochemical reaction in the stack is fully carried out. The unreacted or unconsumed fuel is then recycled back to the anode inlet of the stack using a recirculation pump for reuse.

[0005] In the prior art, multiple groups of dispersed three-way hard pipes are generally used to distribute and recirculate the fluid (i.e., fuel flow) required for the anode side of the dual-stack fuel cell system for flow distribution and confluence. Together with the multiple groups of dispersed three-way hard pipes, brackets are used to achieve stable support for the hard pipes, and different ferrule connectors are used to achieve port docking of the hard pipes with functional components. The use of these brackets and ferrule connectors makes the anode subsystem bulky, and the manufacturing and installation processes are complicated and the space is cramped.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved anode-side flow channel arrangement structure that solves the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0007] The present application provides a new integrated flow channel concept suitable for the anode subsystem of a dual-stack fuel cell system. The integrated flow channel concept is completely opposite to the traditional design thinking of determining the installation position of the corresponding fluid connection pipeline based on the position of the dispersed functional components. It realizes the required fluid connection between the corresponding functional components of the system with an integrated structure, and thus provides installation fixing points for the corresponding functional components, so that the functional components of the anode subsystem can be closely arranged and compactly assembled together based on the integrated flow channel, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the anode subsystem and helping to shorten the overall process of fuel supply and recycling, thereby further improving the uniformity and reliability of fluid distribution. Due to the reduction in the use of accessories such as brackets and ferrule connectors, the integrated flow channel according to the present disclosure also helps to reduce the production cost of the dual-stack fuel cell system and simplify the installation process of the anode subsystem.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present application, an integrated flow channel module for an anode subsystem of a dual-stack fuel cell system is provided, characterized in that it includes: a first side configured to be sealingly connected to a stack end cover; a plurality of groups of channels recessed from the first side along the thickness direction of the integrated flow channel module, the plurality of groups of channels configured to be fluidly connected to the first and second ejectors of the anode subsystem and a water separation recirculation pump to form a first flow path for recycling fuel discharged from the anode outlets of the first and second stacks back to the anode inlets of the first and second stacks; and a group of distribution channels formed inside the integrated flow channel module, the group of distribution channels configured to connect the fuel source fluid of the anode subsystem to the first and second ejectors to form a second flow path for distributing fuel from the fuel source between the first and second ejectors.

[0009] Optionally, the integrated flow channel module is configured to have a first group of interfaces connected to anode outlets of the first and second fuel cell stacks, a second group of interfaces connected to a water separation recirculation pump, a third group of interfaces connected to the first and second ejectors, and a fourth group of interfaces connected to anode inlets of the first and second fuel cell stacks, which are arranged sequentially along the width direction of the integrated flow channel module.

[0010] Optionally, along the length direction of the integrated flow channel module: the first group of interfaces is arranged between the first and second pump interfaces in the second group of interfaces, which are respectively configured to be connected to the input port and output port of the water separation recirculation pump, and the third group of interfaces extends from a position roughly flush with the first pump interface to a larger length range than the second group of interfaces.

[0011] Optionally, along the length direction of the integrated flow channel module, a first third group of interfaces configured to be connected to the first ejector and a second third group of interfaces configured to be connected to the second ejector are arranged separately and / or substantially aligned along the length direction of the integrated flow channel module.

[0012] Optionally, the multiple groups of channels include a first group of channels connecting the first group of interface fluids to the first pump interface, wherein a first anode outlet interface in the first group of interfaces is farther from the first pump interface than a second anode outlet interface in the first group of interfaces, and wherein a first converging branch channel in the first group of channels that is constructed to connect the first anode outlet interface fluid to the first pump interface has a section of flow extending between the first and second anode outlet interfaces along the length direction of the integrated flow channel module.

[0013] Optionally, the multiple groups of channels include a second group of channels configured to connect the water separation recirculation pump fluid to the first and second ejectors, the second group of channels including a first recirculation branch channel connecting the second pump interface fluid to a first ejection interface in the third group of interfaces configured to be connected to the ejection inlet of the first ejector, and a second recirculation branch channel connecting the second pump interface fluid to a second ejection interface in the third group of interfaces configured to be connected to the ejection inlet of the second ejector, wherein the second pump interface is unequally distant from the first and second ejection interfaces, and wherein the first and second recirculation branch channels have different flow channel configurations configured so that the fluid flow has substantially consistent flow rate and pressure at the first and second ejection interfaces.

[0014] Optionally, the multiple groups of channels include a third group of channels configured to fluidically connect the first and second ejectors to the anode inlets of the first and second fuel cell stacks, respectively, and the third group of channels includes a first feed channel that fluidically connects a first mixing outlet interface in the third group of interfaces that is configured to be connected to the jet-ejection mixing outlet of the first ejector to a first anode inlet interface in a fourth group of interfaces that is configured to be connected to the anode inlet of the first fuel cell stack, and a second feed channel that fluidically connects a second mixing outlet interface in the third group of interfaces that is configured to be connected to the jet-ejection mixing outlet of the second ejector to a second anode inlet interface in the fourth group of interfaces that is configured to be connected to the anode inlet of the second fuel cell stack, wherein the distance between the first mixing outlet interface and the first anode inlet interface is different from the distance between the second mixing outlet interface and the second anode inlet interface, and wherein the first and second feed channels have different flow channel configurations that are configured to allow the fluid flow to have substantially consistent flow rate and pressure at the first and second anode inlet interfaces.

[0015] Optionally, the group of distribution channels are fluidly connected to a source interface of the integrated flow channel module that is configured to be connected to a fuel source, and the group of distribution channels includes a source fuel main branch channel that is fluidly connected to the source interface, a first source fuel branch channel that branches off from the source fuel main branch channel and is fluidly connected to a first injection interface in a third group of interfaces that is configured to be connected to an injection inlet of a first ejector, and a second source fuel branch channel that branches off from the source fuel main branch channel and is fluidly connected to a second injection interface in the third group of interfaces that is configured to be connected to an injection inlet of a second ejector, wherein the first and second source fuel branch channels have substantially the same flow.

[0016] Optionally, the group of distribution channels has a substantially constant flow area, and / or the group of distribution channels has a smaller flow area than the multiple groups of channels, and / or a purge flow channel structure for introducing the working medium into the purge port of the stack end cover is also formed in the integrated flow channel module.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present application, an anode subsystem for a dual-stack fuel cell system is provided, wherein the dual-stack fuel cell system includes a first and a second stack arranged in a stack and connected in parallel, and the anode subsystem is characterized in that it includes a fuel source, a first ejector, a second ejector, a water separation recirculation pump, and an integrated flow channel module as described above, wherein the integrated flow channel module is fluidly connected to the fuel source, the first ejector, the second ejector, and the water separation recirculation pump to form a distribution flow path for providing fuel from the fuel source to the anode inlets of the first and second stacks via the first and second ejectors, respectively, and a recirculation flow path for recirculating the fuel discharged from the anode outlets of the first and second stacks back to the anode inlets of the first and second stacks via the first and second ejectors, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The following is an explanation of embodiments according to the principles of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided to make the disclosure of the present application complete and sufficient, and to convey the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art in an intuitive manner. However, the accompanying drawings are only provided as examples and are not intended to be limiting. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, those skilled in the art may adjust, modify and / or replace the specific implementations of the features illustrated in the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic block diagram of an anode subsystem for a dual-stack fuel cell system according to the principles of the present application, illustrating basic components of the anode subsystem and corresponding fluid connection relationships.

[0020] Figures 2A-2D According to the principle of this application, Figure 1 A series of views of the integrated flow channel module of the anode subsystem shown in FIG. Figure 2AThis is a stereoscopic view of the integrated flow channel module viewed from the side of the integrated flow channel module facing the stack end cover. Figure 2B This is a plan view of the integrated flow channel module observed from the side of the integrated flow channel module away from the stack end cover. Figure 2C It is along Figure 2B A sectional perspective view of the integrated flow channel module cut along line AA in FIG. 1 , and Figure 2D It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the integrated flow channel module cut along a plane perpendicular to the lateral direction (also referred to as the thickness direction of the integrated flow channel module), illustrating the flow channels formed inside the integrated flow channel module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Although the following description is mainly carried out in conjunction with a dual-stack fuel cell system with a parallel-connected stack, the integrated flow channel module according to the principles of the present application is not limited thereto. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the integrated flow channel module concept disclosed in the present application may also be applied to other multi-stack fuel cell systems. After reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art are capable of making corresponding modifications, substitutions and / or adjustments to specific circumstances, and the inventors also intend that the principles disclosed herein be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described herein.

[0022] For ease of description, terms such as "fluid connection" and "fluid communication" are used herein to describe an element or feature that forms a flow path with another element or feature directly (for example, contacting or docking with each other) or indirectly (for example, through intermediate elements or features such as channels, pipelines, chambers, etc.) to allow fluid to flow from the one element or feature to the other element or feature or from the other element or feature to the one element or feature.

[0023] The use of terms such as "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and the like is intended to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element, and does not imply the quantity and / or arrangement relationship of the features or elements. In addition, the length direction of the integrated flow channel module is also referred to as the longitudinal direction, the width direction of the integrated flow channel module is also referred to as the transverse direction, and the thickness direction of the integrated flow channel module is also referred to as the lateral direction.

[0024] Figure 1 1 is a schematic block diagram of a fuel supply system 100 for a dual-stack fuel cell according to the principles of the present application. Figure 1As shown, the fuel supply system 100 includes a fuel source 110, a first ejector 130-1 fluidly connected between the fuel source 110 and the anode inlet 200-11 of the first stack 200-1 of the dual-stack fuel cell system, a second ejector 130-2 fluidly connected between the fuel source 110 and the anode inlet 200-21 of the second stack 200-2 of the dual-stack fuel cell system, a water separation recirculation pump 150 fluidly connected between the anode outlet 200-12 of the first stack 200-1 and the recirculation fuel inlet 130-12 of the first ejector 130-1 and fluidly connected between the anode outlet 200-22 of the second stack 200-2 and the recirculation fuel inlet 130-22 of the second ejector 130-2, and an integrated flow channel module 10 (see FIG. 1 ) configured to provide respective fluid connections between the aforementioned components. Figure 2A ).

[0025] The fuel source 110 is configured as a source of an anode reactant (also referred to as "fuel") for an electrochemical reaction. The fuel source 110 may be a reservoir storing the anode reactant, or may be another chemical generator capable of producing the anode reactant. For example, for a hydrogen fuel cell, the reservoir may be a hydrogen storage tank storing gaseous hydrogen or liquid hydrogen, or the chemical generator may be an electrolyzer configured to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other forms of fuel sources capable of providing anode reactants to the stack are also contemplated.

[0026] The fuel source 110 is connected to the source fuel flow channel structure 11 of the integrated flow channel module 10 (see Figure 2C ) is fluidly connected to both the first ejector 130-1 and the second ejector 130-2 to provide high-pressure fresh fuel to the first stack 200-1 and the second stack 200-2 via the first ejector 130-1 and the second ejector 130-2, respectively. Accordingly, the source fuel flow channel structure 11 is configured to separate the fuel flow from the fuel source 110 into two branch fuel flows, and has a source fuel main branch flow channel 11-0 configured to be connected to the fuel supply port of the fuel source 110, a source fuel first branch flow channel 11-1 branched from the source fuel main branch flow channel 11-0 and connected to the injection inlet 130-11 of the first ejector 130-1, and a source fuel second branch flow channel 11-2 branched from the source fuel main branch flow channel 11-0 and connected to the injection inlet 130-21 of the second ejector 130-2.

[0027] The first ejector 130-1 and the second ejector 130-2 mix the high-pressure fresh fuel received from the fuel source 110 via the source fuel flow channel structure 11 of the integrated flow channel module 10 with the recycled low-pressure fuel to feed the mixed fuel to the anode inlet 200-11, 200-21 of the stack through the corresponding ejection mixing outlets 130-13, 130-23. According to one example, the first ejector 130-1 and the second ejector 130-2 may each have a venturi configuration to facilitate sufficient mixing of the high-pressure fresh fuel and the recycled low-pressure fuel before feeding to the stack. Preferably, the first ejector and the second ejector have substantially the same configuration to facilitate the fuel flow properties provided to the anode inlets of each stack to remain substantially consistent.

[0028] The fuel flow exiting from the jet injection mixed outlet 130-13 of the first ejector 130-1 is fed to the anode inlet 200-11 of the first stack 200-1 via the first fuel feed flow channel 13-1, so as to undergo an electrochemical reaction in the first stack 200-1 to achieve energy conversion. Similarly, the fuel flow exiting from the jet injection mixed outlet 130-23 of the second ejector 130-2 is fed to the anode inlet 200-21 of the second stack 200-2 via the second fuel feed flow channel 13-2, so as to undergo an electrochemical reaction in the second stack 200-2 to achieve energy conversion. Since excess fuel is supplied to ensure that the electrochemical reaction in the stacks 200-1 and 200-2 is fully carried out, some of the fed fuel is not consumed and is discharged from the anode outlet 200-12 of the first stack 200-1 and the anode outlet 200-22 of the second stack 200-2 together with a small amount of water and passes through the recycling confluent flow channel structure 15 of the integrated flow channel module 10 (see Figure 2A ) are collected and sent to the water separation recirculation pump 150. Accordingly, the recirculation confluence flow channel structure 15 is configured to centrally transport the fluid (mainly in the form of gas, but carrying some liquid droplets) from the anode outlets of each stack to the water separation recirculation pump 150, and may include a first recirculation confluence branch 15-1 configured to be connected to the anode outlet 200-12 of the first stack 200-1, a second recirculation confluence branch 15-2 configured to be connected to the anode outlet 200-22 of the second stack 200-2, and a recirculation confluence main branch 15-0 connecting the first and second recirculation confluence branches to the input port 150-01 of the water separation recirculation pump 150.

[0029] The water separation recirculation pump 150 includes a water separation module 150-1 for providing a water separation function and a booster module 150-2 connected to the water separation module fluid for pressurizing the recirculated fuel. The water separation module 150-1 can be configured to separate the lighter fuel gas from the heavier droplets by centrifugal force and gravity, for example. The booster module 150-2 can be configured to pressurize the gas flow in the form of compressed gas, for example. Although the water separation recirculation pump 150 is decomposed into the water separation module 150-1 and the booster module 150-2 for the purpose of functional description, it is understood that this is not intended to imply that the water separation module 150-1 and the booster module 150-2 are necessarily separate components. On the contrary, as those skilled in the art will readily understand, the booster module 150-2 can also be integrated with the water separation module 150-1, so that the droplets in the fluid flow are separated from the fuel gas in other directions other than the direction of gravity by the centrifugal rotation of the inflow fluid flow by the booster module.

[0030] The fluid flow (hereinafter also referred to as "recirculating fuel flow") that has undergone water separation and pressurization by the water separation recirculation pump 150 is delivered from the output port 150-02 of the water separation recirculation pump 150 and passes through the recirculation distribution flow channel structure 17 (see Figure 2A ) is transferred to the ejection inlets 130-12 and 130-22 of the first and second ejectors. Accordingly, the recirculation distribution channel structure 17 is configured to distribute the recirculation fuel flow from the water separation recirculation pump 150 between the first ejector 130-1 and the second ejector 130-2, and may include a recirculation distribution main branch channel 17-0 connected to the output port 150-02 of the water separation recirculation pump 150, a first recirculation distribution branch channel 17-1 branched from the recirculation distribution main branch channel 17-0 and connected to the ejection inlet 130-12 of the first ejector 130-1, and a second recirculation distribution branch channel 17-2 branched from the recirculation distribution main branch channel 17-0 and connected to the ejection inlet 130-22 of the second ejector 130-2.

[0031] As has been explained above, the fluid connection for providing fuel from the fuel source 110 to the anode inlet of the stack and recycling the fuel from the anode outlet of the stack back to the anode inlet of the stack is provided in the form of an integrated flow channel module 10 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The integrated flow channel module 10 is configured to achieve the corresponding fluid connections of the anode side functional components of the dual stack fuel cell system and provide mounting and fixing points for functional components such as ejectors and water separation recirculation pumps, thereby allowing the functional components to be closely arranged along the integrated flow channel module 10. This promotes the improvement of the overall structural strength and seismic performance of the anode side.

[0032] exist Figures 2A-2D Detailed description of the structure of an example of an integrated flow channel module 10 according to the principles of the present application is illustrated in FIG.

[0033] First reference Figure 2A , which best illustrates the first side portion 12 of the integrated flow channel module 10 configured to connect to the stack end cover. Specifically, the first side portion 12 includes a first side surface 12-0 configured to dock with the stack end cover, wherein the first side surface is sealed and connected to the stack end cover by means of a seal. Preferably, as in Figure 2A As shown in bold lines, the seal is around the first side 12-0 along the first lateral direction (ie, along Figures 2A-2D The recirculation merging flow channel structure 15, the recirculation distribution flow channel structure 17 and the periphery of the first fuel feed flow channel 13-1 and the second fuel feed flow channel 13-2 are arranged with a recessed shape (in the direction of the X-axis line).

[0034] exist Figures 2A-2D In the example of FIG. 1 , the integrated flow channel structure 10 generally includes a generally rectangular body 10-0 defined by a first longitudinal edge 10-01, a second longitudinal edge 10-02, a first transverse edge 10-03, and a second transverse edge 10-04. However, other shapes are also possible. The first anode outlet lug 12-21 and the second anode outlet lug 12-22 are respectively extended from the first longitudinal edge 10-01 of the body 10-0 in a first transverse direction (i.e., along the Figures 2A-2D The first anode inlet lug 12-11 and the second anode inlet lug 12-12 protrude from the second longitudinal edge 10-02 of the main body 10-0 along a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction, and have a protrusion distance from the second longitudinal edge 10-02 that is configured to cover the anode inlet 200-1 of the first battery stack 200-1 and the anode outlet 200-22 of the second battery stack 200-2 in use. The first anode inlet lug 12-11 and the second anode inlet lug 12-12 respectively protrude from the second longitudinal edge 10-02 of the main body 10-0 along a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction, and have a protrusion distance from the second longitudinal edge 10-02 that is configured to cover the anode inlet 200-11 of the first battery stack 200-1 and the anode inlet 200-21 of the second battery stack 200-2 in use. When used, the length direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction) of the integrated flow channel module will be oriented parallel to the direction of gravity, so the longitudinal direction is sometimes referred to as the vertical direction, the first lateral edge 10-03 is referred to as the upper lateral edge 10-03, and the second lateral edge 10-04 is referred to as the lower lateral edge 10-04. Figure 2AIn the illustrated embodiment, the second anode outlet lug 12-22 is closer to the lower lateral edge 10-04 than the first anode outlet lug 12-21, and the first anode inlet lug 12-11 is closer to the upper lateral edge 10-03 than the second anode inlet lug 12-12. In addition, the longitudinal distance between the first anode inlet lug 12-11 and the first anode outlet lug 12-21 and the longitudinal distance between the second anode inlet lug 12-12 and the second anode outlet lug 12-22 are substantially equal. Thus, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the longitudinal dimension (i.e., length) of the main body 10-0 of the integrated flow channel module 10 is greater than the vertical distance between the anode inlet of the first stack and the anode outlet of the second stack, and the lateral dimension (i.e., width) of the main body 10-0 of the integrated flow channel module 10 is less than the horizontal distance between the anode inlet and the anode outlet of the first or second stack.

[0035] A recirculation confluent flow channel structure 15 is defined in the first anode outlet lug 12-21, the second anode outlet lug 12-22, and the peripheral portion of the main body 10-0 adjacent to the first and second anode outlet lugs. The recirculation confluent flow channel structure 15 is as shown in FIG. Figure 2A The structure shown in the figure generally includes a channel formed by a laterally extending enclosed side wall and a bottom wall connected to the side wall and recessed relative to the first side surface 12-0, and a recirculation converging orifice O1 extending from the bottom wall along the first lateral direction through the body 10-0. Similarly, the recirculation distribution flow channel structure 17 and the first fuel feed flow channel 13-1 and the second fuel feed flow channel 13-2 each generally include a channel formed by a laterally extending enclosed side wall and a bottom wall, and an orifice or flow channel opening extending from the bottom wall along the first lateral direction through the body.

[0036] exist Figure 2AIn the example of, the first recirculation converging branch flow channel 15-1 of the recirculation converging flow channel structure 15 is constructed to have a first lateral flow channel section extending from the free end of the first anode outlet lug 12-21 into the main body 10-0 along the second lateral direction and a second longitudinal flow channel section extending longitudinally along the peripheral portion of the main body disposed between the first and second anode outlet lugs in the main body 10-0, thereby forming a shape substantially similar to the Arabic numeral "7". Accordingly, the second recirculation converging branch flow channel 15-2 extends from the free end of the second anode outlet lug 12-22 into the main body 10-0 along the second lateral direction, and meets the first recirculation converging branch flow channel 15-1 at a position of the main body 10-0 substantially flush with the second anode outlet lug 12-22 to merge into the recirculation converging main branch flow channel 15-0. The recirculation confluent main branch flow channel 15-0 extends along the second transverse direction at an angle to the recirculation confluent orifice O1 which is longitudinally lower than the second anode outlet lug and laterally offset from the first longitudinal edge 10-01 by a third distance, so as to connect with the second side 14 (see FIG. 1 ) configured at the integrated flow channel module 10 opposite to the first side 12 through the recirculation confluent orifice O1. Figure 2C ) is connected to the input port 150-01 of the water separation recirculation pump 150 installed on the first anode 12-22. The second longitudinal flow channel section of the first recirculation converging branch flow channel 15-1 helps to initially separate the liquid water and the gaseous fuel in the fluid flow discharged from the anode outlet of the first stack, and the longitudinal positioning of the recirculation converging orifice O1 lower than the second anode outlet lug 12-22 further promotes the drainage of the separated liquid water.

[0037] Also refer to Figure 2B The recirculation distribution orifice O2 of the recirculation distribution channel structure 17 matched with the output port 150-02 of the water separation recirculation pump 150 is located at a position at a fourth distance from the first longitudinal edge 10-01 along the second transverse direction and higher than the first anode outlet lug 12-21. Thus, along the length direction of the integrated channel module 10, the first and second anode outlet lugs are located between the orifices O1 and O2. Figure 2B , the recirculation confluence orifice O1 is substantially located in the lateral middle of the main body 10 - 0 , and the fourth distance is slightly smaller than the third distance. Thus, the integrated flow channel module 10 is configured to be connected to the water separation recirculation pump 150 at a substantially middle position of the main body 10 - 0 .

[0038] At the same time, as Figure 2BAs best seen in the figure, at a position farther from the first longitudinal edge 10-01 of the main body 10-0 than the orifice O1 (or in other words, closer to the second longitudinal edge 10-02 of the main body 10-0 than the orifice O1), there are arranged in sequence along the second longitudinal direction toward the lower lateral edge 10-03: a first source fuel flow channel port P11 configured to be connected to the injection inlet 130-11 of the first ejector 130-1, a first recirculation distribution port P12 configured to be connected to the ejection inlet 130-12 of the first ejector 130-1, and a first fuel injection port P24 configured to be connected to the ejection inlet 130-13 of the first ejector 130-1. The integrated flow channel module 10 is configured to be connected to the first and second ejectors at a position of the main body 10-0 between the orifices O1, O2 and the first anode inlet lug 12-11 and the second anode inlet lug 12-12.

[0039] See also Figure 2B , the first source fuel flow passage opening P11 is disposed adjacent to the first recirculation distribution flow passage opening P12, and the second source fuel flow passage opening P21 is disposed adjacent to the second recirculation distribution flow passage opening P22. Figure 2B As can be seen from the line AA in FIG. 1 , the flow channel openings P11, P12, P13, P21, P22, and P23 are generally aligned along the length direction of the integrated flow channel module 10. Figure 2D , the first and second source fuel flow passages, the first and second recirculation distribution flow passages, and the first and second fuel feed flow passages extend laterally substantially in parallel through a mounting flange of the main body 10-0 that protrudes along a first lateral direction from a second side surface 14-0 away from the stack end cover, and the mounting flange can facilitate the assembly of a detection instrument, which can be configured, for example, to detect fluid flow characteristics at the above-mentioned connection node. In addition, the first source fuel flow passage P11 has a smaller diameter than the first recirculation distribution flow passage P12, and the second source fuel flow passage P21 has a smaller diameter than the second recirculation distribution flow passage P22. Figures 2A-2D In the illustrated example, see Figure 2B The second fuel feed flow channel opening is positioned substantially flush with the recirculation merging orifice O1 longitudinally, and the first recirculation distribution flow channel opening P12 is farther from the recirculation distribution orifice O2 than the second recirculation distribution flow channel opening P23.

[0040] Accordingly, the first recirculation distribution branch flow channel 17-1 of the recirculation distribution main branch flow channel 17-0 that connects the recirculation distribution orifice O2 fluid to the first recirculation distribution flow channel port P12 and the second recirculation distribution branch flow channel 17-2 that connects the recirculation distribution orifice O2 fluid to the second recirculation distribution flow channel port P22 have different flow channel configurations. Specifically, return to reference Figure 2A , the first recirculation distribution branch flow channel 17-1 extends from the recirculation distribution orifice O2 along the second transverse direction and along the first longitudinal direction to the first recirculation distribution flow channel opening P12 in a generally straight manner, while the second recirculation distribution branch flow channel 17-2 extends from the recirculation distribution orifice O2 first along the second longitudinal direction and then along the second transverse direction to the second recirculation distribution flow channel opening P22, with a deflection guide portion of approximately 90°. Utilizing this different configuration of the first and second recirculation distribution branch flow channels and thus different flow resistance coefficients, although the first recirculation distribution flow channel opening P12 is located farther from the recirculation distribution orifice O2 than the second recirculation distribution flow channel opening P22 (such as in Figure 2B ), the fluid flow directed to the first and second recirculation distribution flow channel ports will still have excellent fluid uniformity and pressure drop consistency. However, it is understood that the configuration of the first and second recirculation distribution branch flow channels is not limited to this. Any configuration combination that can make the flow rate and pressure drop at the first and second recirculation distribution flow channel ports within an acceptable difference is considered in this article.

[0041] Similarly, in Figures 2A-2D In the example shown, see Figure 2B , the straight-line distance between the first fuel feed flow channel opening P13 and the position of the first anode inlet lug 12-11 corresponding to the first anode inlet 200-11 (i.e., the position substantially close to the free end of the first anode inlet lug) is smaller than the straight-line distance between the second fuel feed flow channel opening P23 and the position of the second anode inlet lug 12-12 corresponding to the second anode inlet 200-21 (i.e., the position substantially close to the free end of the second anode inlet lug). Accordingly, the first fuel feed flow channel 13-1 is formed in the first side portion 12 in a flow channel configuration having a larger flow resistance coefficient than the second fuel feed flow channel 13-2. For example, as in Figure 2A As best shown in FIG. 1 , the first fuel feed flow passage 13 - 1 is formed to have more deflection guides than the second fuel feed flow passage opening 13 - 2 .

[0042] Main references Figure 2C A source fuel flow channel structure 11 configured to deliver high-pressure fresh fuel from a fuel source 110 to a first ejector 130-1 and a second ejector 130-2 is formed in a second side portion 14 of the body 10-0 opposite to the first side portion 12. Figure 2B and Figure 2DThe source fuel orifice O3 for mating with the fuel supply port of the fuel source 110 is formed near the corner formed by the upper transverse edge 10-03 and the first longitudinal edge 10-01 of the second side portion 14. The source fuel orifice O3 extends laterally to connect to the portion formed in the second side portion 14. Mainly for the purpose of simplifying processing and manufacturing, Figures 2A-2D In the embodiment of the integrated flow channel module shown, the source fuel main branch flow channel 11-0 is created by using the first transverse channel 14-01 formed in the second side portion 14, the first longitudinal channel 14-11 connected to the first transverse channel 14-01, and the second transverse channel 14-02 connected to the first longitudinal channel 14-11. Similarly, the first source fuel branch flow channel 11-1 is created by using the first portion of the second longitudinal channel 14-12 extending toward the first transverse edge 10-03 and the portion of the third transverse channel 14-03 connected between the first portion and the first source fuel flow channel port P11, and the second source fuel branch flow channel 11-2 is created by using the second portion of the second longitudinal channel 14-12 extending toward the second transverse edge 10-04 and the portion of the fourth transverse channel 14-04 connected between the second portion and the second source fuel flow channel port P21. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. More specifically, any feasible flow channel configuration that can connect the source fuel orifice O3 to the first and second source fuel flow channel ports via the internal channel fluid of the second side portion 14 is considered in this article. Preferably, the first and second source fuel branch flow channels have substantially the same flow path. Optionally, the source fuel flow channel structure may have a substantially constant flow area, and / or the flow area of ​​the source fuel flow channel structure may be smaller than the flow area of ​​any channel formed in the first side portion.

[0043] In addition, although in order to more clearly describe the integrated double-layer flow channel design concept according to the present disclosure, the first layer flow channel recessed from the first side surface 12-0 along the first lateral direction is mainly described in conjunction with the first side portion, and the second layer flow channel formed inside the integrated flow channel module is mainly described in conjunction with the second side portion, it is understood that the first layer flow channel and the second layer flow channel are not necessarily arranged in different thickness ranges. On the contrary, the first layer flow channel can also be arranged in a staggered manner with the second layer flow channel to have an intersecting thickness range. This helps to further reduce the volume, weight and manufacturing cost of the integrated flow channel module 10.

[0044] Preferably, the integrated flow channel module 10 is integrally cast from a metal such as an aluminum alloy. However, plastics are also considered. In addition, in addition to being used to form a fuel distribution and recycling loop, the integrated flow channel module 10 may also include flow channel structures related to fuel safety management. For example, Figures 2A-2DAs shown in FIG, a purge channel structure for introducing a working medium into a purge port of a stack end cover may also be formed in the integrated flow channel module 10, and the purge channel structure may include a purge inlet 20-1 formed by protruding from the second side surface 14-0 along the first lateral direction at a position adjacent to the second anode outlet lug 12-22 (see FIG. Figure 2D ), a purge channel 20-2 (see FIG. 2 ) which is fluidly connected to the purge inlet 20-1 and extends in the second lateral direction within the second side portion 14 to a length less than the third distance. Figure 2C ), and a purge outlet 20-3 in fluid communication with the purge passage 20-2 and extending through the first side 12-0 in the second lateral direction (see Figure 2A ).

[0045] Although the integrated flow channel module and the anode subsystem for a dual-stack fuel cell system having the integrated flow channel module according to the principles of the present disclosure have been described in combination with the best practices known to the inventors, embodiments based on any other reasonable combination of the features disclosed herein are also considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An integrated flow channel module for an anode subsystem of a dual-stack fuel cell system, characterized in that include: configured to be sealingly connected to a first side of a stack end cap; A plurality of groups of channels recessed from the first side along the thickness direction of the integrated flow channel module, the plurality of groups of channels being configured to be fluidically connected to the first and second ejectors and the water separation recirculation pump of the anode subsystem to form a first flow path for recirculating the fuel discharged from the anode outlets of the first and second stacks back to the anode inlets of the first and second stacks; as well as A set of distribution channels is formed inside the integrated flow channel module, and the set of distribution channels is configured to connect the fuel source fluid of the anode subsystem to the first and second ejectors to form a second flow path for distributing the fuel from the fuel source between the first and second ejectors.

2. The integrated flow channel module for the anode subsystem of a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The integrated flow channel module is configured to have a first group of interfaces connected to the anode outlets of the first and second fuel cell stacks, a second group of interfaces connected to the water separation recirculation pump, a third group of interfaces connected to the first and second ejectors, and a fourth group of interfaces connected to the anode inlets of the first and second fuel cell stacks, which are arranged sequentially along the width direction of the integrated flow channel module.

3. The integrated flow channel module for the anode subsystem of a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 2, characterized in that: Along the length direction of the integrated flow channel module: the first group of interfaces is arranged between the first and second pump interfaces in the second group of interfaces, which are respectively configured to be connected to the input port and the output port of the water separation recirculation pump, and the third group of interfaces extends from a position roughly flush with the first pump interface to a larger length range than the second group of interfaces.

4. The integrated flow channel module for the anode subsystem of a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 3, characterized in that: Along the length direction of the integrated flow channel module, the first third group of interfaces configured to be connected to the first ejector and the second third group of interfaces configured to be connected to the second ejector are arranged separately and / or roughly aligned along the length direction of the integrated flow channel module.

5. The integrated flow channel module for the anode subsystem of a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The multiple groups of channels include a first group of channels connecting a first group of interface fluids to a first pump interface, wherein a first anode outlet interface in the first group of interfaces is farther from the first pump interface than a second anode outlet interface in the first group of interfaces, and wherein a first converging branch channel in the first group of channels that is configured to connect the first anode outlet interface fluid to the first pump interface has a section of flow extending between the first and second anode outlet interfaces along the length direction of the integrated flow channel module.

6. The integrated flow channel module for the anode subsystem of a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The multiple groups of channels include a second group of channels configured to connect the water separation recirculation pump fluid to the first and second ejectors, the second group of channels include a first recirculation branch channel that connects the second pump interface fluid to a first ejection interface in the third group of interfaces configured to be connected to the ejection inlet of the first ejector, and a second recirculation branch channel that connects the second pump interface fluid to a second ejection interface in the third group of interfaces configured to be connected to the ejection inlet of the second ejector, wherein the second pump interface is unequally distant from the first and second ejection interfaces, and wherein the first and second recirculation branch channels have different flow channel configurations configured to allow the fluid flow to have substantially consistent flow rate and pressure at the first and second ejection interfaces.

7. The integrated flow channel module for the anode subsystem of a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The multiple groups of channels include a third group of channels configured to fluidically connect the first and second ejectors to the anode inlets of the first and second fuel cell stacks, respectively, the third group of channels include a first feed channel that fluidically connects a first mixing outlet interface in the third group of interfaces that is configured to be connected to the jet ejection mixing outlet of the first ejector to a first anode inlet interface in a fourth group of interfaces that is configured to be connected to the anode inlet of the first fuel cell stack, and a second feed channel that fluidically connects a second mixing outlet interface in the third group of interfaces that is configured to be connected to the jet ejection mixing outlet of the second ejector to a second anode inlet interface in the fourth group of interfaces that is configured to be connected to the anode inlet of the second fuel cell stack, wherein the distance between the first mixing outlet interface and the first anode inlet interface is different from the distance between the second mixing outlet interface and the second anode inlet interface, and wherein the first and second feed channels have different flow channel configurations configured to allow the fluid flow to have substantially consistent flow rate and pressure at the first and second anode inlet interfaces.

8. The integrated flow channel module for the anode subsystem of a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The group of distribution channels are fluidly connected to a source interface of the integrated flow channel module that is configured to be connected to a fuel source, and the group of distribution channels includes a source fuel main branch channel that is fluidly connected to the source interface, a first source fuel branch channel that branches off from the source fuel main branch channel and is fluidly connected to a first injection interface in a third group of interfaces that is configured to be connected to an injection inlet of a first ejector, and a second source fuel branch channel that branches off from the source fuel main branch channel and is fluidly connected to a second injection interface in the third group of interfaces that is configured to be connected to an injection inlet of a second ejector, wherein the first and second source fuel branch channels have substantially the same flow.

9. The integrated flow channel module for the anode subsystem of a dual-stack fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The group of distribution channels has a substantially constant flow area, and / or the group of distribution channels has a smaller flow area than the multiple groups of channels, and / or a purge flow channel structure for introducing the working medium into the purge port of the stack end cover is also formed in the integrated flow channel module.

10. An anode subsystem for a dual-stack fuel cell system, the dual-stack fuel cell system comprising a first and a second stack arranged in a stack and connected in parallel, the anode subsystem comprising a fuel source, a first ejector, a second ejector, a water separation recirculation pump, and an integrated flow channel module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The integrated flow channel module is fluidly connected to the fuel source, the first ejector, the second ejector and the water separation recirculation pump to form a distribution flow path for providing fuel from the fuel source to the anode inlets of the first and second fuel cell stacks via the first and second ejectors, respectively, and a recirculation flow path for recirculating the fuel discharged from the anode outlets of the first and second fuel cell stacks back to the anode inlets of the first and second fuel cell stacks via the first and second ejectors, respectively.

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