Ion exchanger for fuel cell thermal management system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system. The ion exchanger comprises an end cover, a cylinder body, a main sealing ring, a filter element assembly and a filter element sealing ring, the end cover is in threaded connection with the top of the barrel, and the main sealing ring is arranged between the end cover and the barrel. The filter element assembly is arranged on the inner side of the barrel, the bottom of the filter element assembly abuts against the bottom of the barrel in a limiting mode, and the top of the filter element assembly abuts against the end cover in a limiting mode. And a cavity between the filter element assembly and the barrel is divided into a bottom cavity and a top cavity by the filter element sealing ring. A water inlet of the filter element assembly is connected with the bottom cavity, and a water outlet of the filter element assembly is connected with the top cavity. A water inlet connector and a water outlet connector are arranged on the barrel, the water inlet connector is connected with the bottom cavity, and the water outlet connector is connected with the top cavity. Compared with the prior art, the ion exchanger can enable cooling liquid to flow on the inner side of the filter element assembly in a one-way mode, and therefore the utilization rate of resin in the filter element assembly is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, in particular to an ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system. Background Art

[0002] A large amount of heat is generated during the operation of hydrogen fuel cells. Too high or too low temperatures will reduce the performance of the fuel cell system. Therefore, the hydrogen fuel cell system requires a water thermal management module to ensure that the system operates at an appropriate temperature. When the fuel cell system is running, the pipes and some components in the system will precipitate ions, which will increase the conductivity of the water circulating coolant. At this time, a high voltage is generated on the bipolar plates of the stack, which will be transmitted to the entire cooling circulation flow channel through the coolant. If the conductivity of the coolant is too high, the working mode under high voltage will reduce the insulation performance of the entire system and affect the safety performance of the vehicle. Therefore, the current stack system will install an ion exchanger in the cooling circulation system to reduce the conductivity of the coolant to maintain the normal operation of the fuel cell system. Therefore, how to provide an ion exchanger to reduce the conductivity of the coolant is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0003] The utility model aims to provide an ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system, which enables coolant to flow unidirectionally inside a filter element assembly, thereby improving the utilization rate of resin inside the filter element assembly.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the utility model provides the following solutions:

[0005] The utility model provides an ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system, comprising an end cover, a cylinder, a main sealing ring, a filter element assembly and a filter element sealing ring;

[0006] The end cover is threadedly connected to the top of the cylinder, and the main sealing ring is arranged between the end cover and the cylinder; the filter element assembly is arranged inside the cylinder, the bottom of the filter element assembly is limited against the bottom of the cylinder, and the top of the filter element assembly is limited against the end cover;

[0007] The filter element sealing ring divides the cavity between the filter element assembly and the cylinder into a bottom cavity and a top cavity; the water inlet of the filter element assembly is connected to the bottom cavity, and the water outlet of the filter element assembly is connected to the top cavity; a water inlet interface and a water outlet interface are provided on the cylinder, the water inlet interface is connected to the bottom cavity, and the water outlet interface is connected to the top cavity.

[0008] Preferably, the minimum inner diameter of the top of the cylinder is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the filter element assembly, so that after the end cover is removed, the filter element assembly can be put in or taken out from the top of the cylinder.

[0009] Preferably, two first ribs are provided on the outer side surface of the end cover, and the two first ribs are respectively located on two axial sides of the main sealing ring.

[0010] Preferably, two second ribs are provided on the outer side surface of the filter element assembly, and the two second ribs are respectively located on two axial sides of the filter element sealing ring.

[0011] Preferably, the water inlet is arranged on the bottom end face of the filter element assembly, and the water outlet is arranged on the top end face and the top side face of the filter element assembly; the water inlet interface is arranged on the bottom end face of the cylinder, and the water outlet interface is arranged on the top side face of the cylinder.

[0012] Preferably, the filter element assembly includes a shell, a hollow top cover and resin particles, the hollow top cover is fixed to the top of the shell, and a plurality of the resin particles are filled inside the shell; the water inlet is located at the bottom end face of the shell, and the plurality of water outlets are respectively located at the top side face of the shell and the hollow position of the hollow top cover.

[0013] Preferably, a first sintered metal mesh is fixed at the water inlet, a second sintered metal mesh is fixed at the water outlet on the hollow top cover, and a third sintered metal mesh is fixed at the water outlet on the shell.

[0014] Preferably, the first sintered metal mesh includes a first fine filtration layer and two first support layers, and the two first support layers are respectively located on both sides of the first fine filtration layer; the second sintered metal mesh includes a second fine filtration layer and two second support layers, and the two second support layers are respectively located on both sides of the second fine filtration layer; the third sintered metal mesh includes a third fine filtration layer and a third support layer, and the third support layer is located on the side of the third fine filtration layer close to the cylinder.

[0015] Preferably, a standard hexagonal sleeve is provided on the top surface of the end cover to connect a rotating tool.

[0016] Preferably, the outer wall of the cylinder is connected to a fixing seat, and the fixing seat is provided with a screw mounting hole.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has achieved the following technical effects:

[0018] The flow direction of the coolant inside the filter element assembly is a unidirectional flow from the bottom to the top, thereby improving the utilization rate of the resin inside the filter element assembly. In the preferred embodiment of the utility model, by setting water outlets at multiple positions, the flow area of ​​the water outlet is increased, meeting the requirements of large flow and low flow resistance of the fuel cell. In the preferred embodiment of the utility model, when the ion exchanger reaches the end of its service life, it is only necessary to replace the filter element assembly alone, without replacing the end cover, barrel, main seal ring and filter element seal ring, thereby reducing maintenance costs. In addition, the replacement process of the above-mentioned filter element assembly is simple and convenient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the location of the main sealing ring;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the location of the filter element sealing ring;

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a filter element assembly;

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the shell;

[0026] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a hollow top cover;

[0027] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of the middle A;

[0028] Fig. 9 for Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0029] Fig.10 for Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of point C in the middle.

[0030] In the figure: 1-end cover; 2-cylinder body; 3-main sealing ring; 4-filter element assembly; 5-filter element sealing ring; 6-first sintered metal mesh; 7-second sintered metal mesh; 8-third sintered metal mesh; 9-fixed seat; 1.1-first retaining edge; 2.1-water inlet interface; 2.2-water outlet interface; 4.1-shell; 4.2-hollow top cover; 4.3-resin particles; 4.4-second retaining edge; 6.1-first fine filtration layer; 6.2-first supporting layer; 7.1-second fine filtration layer; 7.2-second supporting layer; 8.1-third fine filtration layer; 8.2-third supporting layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 10 This embodiment provides an ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system, including an end cover 1, a cylinder 2, a main sealing ring 3, a filter element assembly 4 and a filter element sealing ring 5.

[0033] The end cap 1 is threadedly connected to the top of the cylinder 2, and the main sealing ring 3 is arranged between the end cap 1 and the cylinder 2. The filter element assembly 4 is arranged inside the cylinder 2, the bottom of the filter element assembly 4 is limited against the bottom of the cylinder 2, and the top of the filter element assembly 4 is limited against the end cap 1.

[0034] The filter element sealing ring 5 divides the cavity between the filter element assembly 4 and the cylinder 2 into a bottom cavity and a top cavity. The water inlet of the filter element assembly 4 is connected to the bottom cavity, and the water outlet of the filter element assembly 4 is connected to the top cavity. The cylinder 2 is provided with a water inlet interface 2.1 and a water outlet interface 2.2, the water inlet interface 2.1 is connected to the bottom cavity, and the water outlet interface 2.2 is connected to the top cavity.

[0035] The working principle of the ion exchanger used in the fuel cell thermal management system of this embodiment is as follows:

[0036] The filter element sealing ring 5 divides the cavity between the filter element assembly 4 and the barrel 2 into a bottom cavity and a top cavity. The coolant enters the bottom cavity from the water inlet interface 2.1 on the barrel 2, and then enters the filter element assembly 4 from the water inlet. The coolant filtered by the filter element assembly 4 flows out of the filter element assembly 4 from the water outlet to the top cavity, and then leaves the top cavity from the water outlet interface 2.2. The flow direction of the coolant inside the filter element assembly 4 is a unidirectional flow from the bottom to the top, thereby improving the utilization rate of the resin inside the filter element assembly 4.

[0037] As a possible example, in this embodiment, the minimum inner diameter of the top of the cylinder 2 is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the filter element assembly 4, so that after the end cap 1 is removed, the filter element assembly 4 can be put in or taken out from the top of the cylinder 2. When the ion exchanger reaches the end of its service life, only the filter element assembly 4 needs to be replaced alone, without replacing the end cap 1, the cylinder 2, the main seal 3 and the filter element seal 5, thereby reducing maintenance costs. In addition, the replacement process of the filter element assembly 4 is simple and convenient.

[0038] As a possible example, in this embodiment, two first flanges 1.1 are provided on the outer side of the end cover 1, and the two first flanges 1.1 are respectively located on the axial sides of the main sealing ring 3. Two second flanges 4.4 are provided on the outer side of the filter element assembly 4, and the two second flanges 4.4 are respectively located on the axial sides of the filter element sealing ring 5. The two first flanges 1.1 can limit the axial position of the main sealing ring 3, and the two second flanges 4.4 can limit the axial position of the filter element sealing ring 5, so as to keep the two sealing rings in a suitable sealing position and avoid sealing failure caused by displacement of the sealing ring.

[0039] It is understandable that the main seal ring 3 and the filter element seal ring 5 can be radially sealed or axially sealed, as long as they can isolate the coolant. According to different actual needs, those skilled in the art can reasonably select the number of the main seal ring 3 and the filter element seal ring 5.

[0040] As a possible example, in this embodiment, a water inlet is provided at the bottom end surface of the filter element assembly 4, and a water outlet is provided at the top end surface and the top side surface of the filter element assembly 4. A water inlet interface 2.1 is provided at the bottom end surface of the cylinder 2, and a water outlet interface 2.2 is provided at the top side surface of the cylinder 2. By providing the water outlets at multiple positions, the flow area of ​​the water outlets is increased, meeting the requirements of large flow and low flow resistance of the fuel cell.

[0041] As a possible example, in this embodiment, the filter element assembly 4 includes a housing 4.1, a hollow top cover 4.2 and resin particles 4.3, the hollow top cover 4.2 is fixed to the top of the housing 4.1, and a plurality of resin particles 4.3 are filled inside the housing 4.1. The water inlet is located at the bottom end surface of the housing 4.1, and the plurality of water outlets are respectively located at the top side of the housing 4.1 and the hollow position of the hollow top cover 4.2. The housing 4.1 and the hollow top cover 4.2 can be connected by welding, or other connection methods such as screw connection can be adopted.

[0042] As a possible example, in this embodiment, a first sintered metal mesh 6 is fixed at the water inlet, a second sintered metal mesh 7 is fixed at the water outlet on the hollow top cover 4.2, and a third sintered metal mesh 8 is fixed at the water outlet on the shell 4.1. The first sintered metal mesh 6, the second sintered metal mesh 7 and the third sintered metal mesh 8 all play a filtering role.

[0043] As a possible example, in this embodiment, the first sintered metal mesh 6 includes a first fine filter layer 6.1 and two first support layers 6.2, and the two first support layers 6.2 are respectively located on both sides of the first fine filter layer 6.1. The second sintered metal mesh 7 includes a second fine filter layer 7.1 and two second support layers 7.2, and the two second support layers 7.2 are respectively located on both sides of the second fine filter layer 7.1. The third sintered metal mesh 8 includes a third fine filter layer 8.1 and a third support layer 8.2, and the third support layer 8.2 is located on the side of the third fine filter layer 8.1 close to the cylinder 2.

[0044] According to different actual needs, those skilled in the art may also choose other layout modes of the sintered metal mesh, but it should be noted that each sintered metal mesh preferably includes at least one fine filter layer and one support layer. The fine filter layer plays a filtering role, and the support layer plays a role in improving the impact strength.

[0045] As a possible example, in this embodiment, a standard hexagonal sleeve is provided on the top surface of the end cover 1 to connect a rotating tool. The end cover 1 can be screwed in or out by connecting the rotating tool (such as a wrench) to the standard hexagonal sleeve and then rotating it.

[0046] As a possible example, in this embodiment, the outer wall of the cylinder 2 is connected to a fixing seat 9, and a screw mounting hole is provided on the fixing seat 9. The fixing seat 9 can be fixed on a base (such as a base of a vehicle body) by screws to achieve the positioning of the ion exchanger.

[0047] The present invention uses specific examples to illustrate the principle and implementation of the present invention. The above examples are only used to help understand the method and core idea of ​​the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the idea of ​​the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. An ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system, characterized in that: It includes an end cover, a cylinder, a main sealing ring, a filter element assembly and a filter element sealing ring; The end cover is threadedly connected to the top of the cylinder, and the main sealing ring is arranged between the end cover and the cylinder; the filter element assembly is arranged inside the cylinder, the bottom of the filter element assembly is limited against the bottom of the cylinder, and the top of the filter element assembly is limited against the end cover; The filter element sealing ring divides the cavity between the filter element assembly and the cylinder into a bottom cavity and a top cavity; the water inlet of the filter element assembly is connected to the bottom cavity, and the water outlet of the filter element assembly is connected to the top cavity; a water inlet interface and a water outlet interface are provided on the cylinder, the water inlet interface is connected to the bottom cavity, and the water outlet interface is connected to the top cavity.

2. The ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The minimum inner diameter of the top of the cylinder is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the filter element assembly, so that after the end cover is removed, the filter element assembly can be put in or taken out from the top of the cylinder.

3. The ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side surface of the end cover is provided with two first ribs, and the two first ribs are respectively located on two axial sides of the main sealing ring.

4. The ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side surface of the filter element assembly is provided with two second ribs, and the two second ribs are respectively located on two axial sides of the filter element sealing ring.

5. The ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water inlet is arranged on the bottom end face of the filter element assembly, and the water outlet is arranged on the top end face and the top side face of the filter element assembly; the water inlet interface is arranged on the bottom end face of the cylinder body, and the water outlet interface is arranged on the top side face of the cylinder body.

6. The ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The filter element assembly includes a shell, a hollow top cover and resin particles, the hollow top cover is fixed to the top of the shell, and a plurality of the resin particles are filled inside the shell; the water inlet is located at the bottom end surface of the shell, and the plurality of water outlets are respectively located at the top side surface of the shell and the hollow position of the hollow top cover.

7. The ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first sintered metal mesh is fixed at the water inlet, a second sintered metal mesh is fixed at the water outlet on the hollow top cover, and a third sintered metal mesh is fixed at the water outlet on the shell.

8. The ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first sintered metal mesh includes a first fine filtering layer and two first supporting layers, and the two first supporting layers are respectively located on both sides of the first fine filtering layer; the second sintered metal mesh includes a second fine filtering layer and two second supporting layers, and the two second supporting layers are respectively located on both sides of the second fine filtering layer; the third sintered metal mesh includes a third fine filtering layer and a third supporting layer, and the third supporting layer is located on the side of the third fine filtering layer close to the cylinder.

9. The ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top surface of the end cover is provided with a standard hexagonal sleeve for connecting a rotating tool.

10. The ion exchanger for a fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the cylinder is connected with a fixing seat, and the fixing seat is provided with a screw mounting hole.

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