Gas-liquid separation device, silencer assembly, fuel cell system and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a gas-liquid separation device, muffler assembly, fuel cell system and vehicle, the gas-liquid separation device includes: gas-liquid separator, gas-liquid separation chamber and water storage chamber are formed in the gas-liquid separator, the water storage chamber is located below the gas-liquid separation chamber and is communicated with the gas-liquid separation chamber, the muffler assembly is located in the gas-liquid separation chamber, and the muffler assembly is located in the gas-liquid separation chamber. A heating cavity distributed around the water storage cavity is also formed in the gas-liquid separator; an air compressor is arranged in the air supply flow path, and air, which flows through the air compressor and is compressed, in the air supply flow path is suitable for selectively flowing into the heating cavity. According to the gas-liquid separation device disclosed by the utility model, the separated liquid water in the water storage cavity can be ensured to be continuously discharged, and the problem that the water storage cavity is blocked due to freezing of the liquid water caused by low temperature is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to a gas-liquid separation device, a muffler assembly with the gas-liquid separation device, a fuel cell system with the muffler assembly, and a vehicle with the fuel cell system. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing severity of energy shortage and environmental pollution, new energy vehicles have become a research hotspot for major automobile manufacturers and research and development institutions around the world. Among them, fuel cells are generally considered to have broad development prospects due to their high efficiency and near-zero emissions. Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a fuel cell that uses hydrogen and air as fuel to generate electricity. It does not require a combustion reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, but uses a proton exchange membrane as an electrolyte to directly convert the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy. It has the characteristics of high energy efficiency, zero emissions, low noise, and reliable continuous load operation.

[0003] In order to avoid problems such as pipe icing and blockage caused by the inability to discharge liquid water out of the vehicle in time in cold areas, a muffler with a gas-liquid separation structure is usually used to separate the liquid water and gas discharged by the fuel cell. The liquid water is directly discharged out of the vehicle, and the gas is discharged out of the vehicle through the muffler structure. Gas-liquid separators are generally divided into two categories: cyclone type and baffle type. The cyclone type relies on centrifugal force to throw the mixed gas to the inner wall to achieve the purpose of gas-liquid separation; the baffle type uses the structural design of the flow channel to allow the mixed gas to achieve the purpose of gas-liquid separation through condensation and gravity during the flow process. Among them, the baffle type gas-liquid separator generally leaves a box at the bottom, and the box has a drain port to discharge the separated liquid out of the box. However, in a low temperature environment, the liquid remaining in the box will freeze and block the drain port, resulting in the inability to discharge the liquid from the box, and there is room for improvement. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the utility model proposes a gas-liquid separation device, which can ensure that the separated liquid water in the water storage chamber can be continuously discharged, effectively avoiding the problem of liquid water freezing and blocking the water storage chamber due to low temperature.

[0005] According to the embodiment of the utility model, the gas-liquid separation device includes: a gas-liquid separator, in which a gas-liquid separation chamber and a water storage chamber are formed, the water storage chamber is located below the gas-liquid separation chamber and is connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber, and a heating chamber distributed around the water storage chamber is also formed in the gas-liquid separator; an air supply path, in which an air compressor is provided, and the gas compressed by the air compressor in the air supply path is suitable for selectively flowing into the heating chamber.

[0006] According to the gas-liquid separation device of the embodiment of the utility model, the gas-liquid separation device is connected with the heating chamber through the gas supply path, so that the high-temperature gas compressed by the air compressor in the gas supply path can flow into the heating chamber, and perform heat exchange with liquid water in the heating chamber to realize continuous heating of the water storage chamber, thereby ensuring that the liquid water separated in the water storage chamber can be continuously discharged, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of liquid water freezing and clogging the water storage chamber due to low temperature.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the utility model, the gas-liquid separation device also includes a control unit and a first temperature detector, the gas supply path is connected with a first connecting branch between the outlet end of the air compressor and the heating chamber, the first connecting branch is provided with a first control valve that can be selectively turned on or off, the first temperature detector is used to detect the ambient temperature, and the control unit is suitable for controlling the first control valve to be turned on when the temperature detected by the first temperature detector is less than or equal to the first set temperature.

[0008] According to the gas-liquid separation device of some embodiments of the utility model, the gas supply path is used to supply gas to the fuel cell, the gas outlet of the fuel cell is connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber, and the gas supply path is also provided with an intercooler and a humidifier which are sequentially distributed between the air compressor and the fuel cell, and the control unit is also used to control the airflow after heat exchange in the heating chamber to selectively flow to the intercooler, and to control the airflow after heat exchange in the heating chamber to selectively flow to the humidifier.

[0009] According to the gas-liquid separation device of some embodiments of the utility model, the air supply path is connected with a second connecting branch between the outlet end of the intercooler and the heating chamber, and the second connecting branch is provided with a second control valve that can be selectively turned on or closed. The air supply path is connected with a third connecting branch between the outlet end of the humidifier and the heating chamber, and the third connecting branch is provided with a third control valve that can be selectively turned on or closed. The second control valve and the third control valve are both electrically connected to the control unit.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the utility model, the gas-liquid separation device also includes a second temperature detector and a third temperature detector, the second temperature detector is used to detect the outlet water temperature of the water storage chamber, and the third temperature detector is used to detect the reaction temperature of the fuel cell; wherein the control unit is suitable for controlling the second control valve to be turned on and the third control valve to be turned off when the temperature detected by the second temperature detector is greater than the temperature detected by the third temperature detector, and controlling the third control valve to be turned on and the second control valve to be turned off when the temperature detected by the second temperature detector is less than or equal to the temperature detected by the third temperature detector.

[0011] According to the gas-liquid separation device of some embodiments of the present utility model, the second connecting branch and the third connecting branch have a common branch, the common branch is connected to the heating chamber, and a driving pump is provided in the common branch.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the utility model, the gas-liquid separation device comprises a first shell defining the water storage chamber, a second shell is further provided on the outer side of the first shell, the heating chamber is defined between the first shell and the second shell, the second shell is formed with an air inlet and an air outlet for connecting the heating chamber to the air supply path, the first shell and the second shell are provided with a drain port connected to the water storage chamber; and / or, the gas-liquid separator is provided with a gas inlet and a gas outlet, the gas inlet and the gas outlet are connected through the gas-liquid separation chamber, a gas-liquid separation baffle is further provided in the gas-liquid separation chamber, and the gas-liquid separation baffle is located between the gas inlet and the gas outlet.

[0013] The utility model also provides a muffler assembly.

[0014] According to the muffler assembly of the embodiment of the utility model, it includes a muffler, an exhaust pipe and the gas-liquid separation device as described in any one of the above items, the gas-liquid separator is provided with a gas outlet, the gas outlet is connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber, the exhaust pipe is connected to the gas outlet, the muffler is sleeved outside the exhaust pipe, and the exhaust pipe is provided with a silencing hole connected to the inner cavity of the muffler.

[0015] The utility model also provides a fuel cell system.

[0016] The fuel cell system according to the embodiment of the utility model comprises a fuel cell and the muffler assembly described above, the gas supply path is connected to the inlet end of the fuel cell, and the outlet end of the fuel cell is connected to the gas-liquid separator.

[0017] The utility model also provides a vehicle.

[0018] The vehicle according to the embodiment of the present utility model is provided with the above-mentioned fuel cell system.

[0019] The advantages of the vehicle, the muffler assembly, the fuel cell system and the gas-liquid separation device described above over the prior art are the same and will not be elaborated herein.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description, and in part will become apparent from the following description, or will be learned through the practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a gas-liquid separation device according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0024] Reference numerals:

[0025] Fuel cell system 100, muffler assembly 101, gas-liquid separation device 102,

[0026] Gas-liquid separator 1, gas-liquid separation chamber 12, gas-liquid separation baffle 121, water storage chamber 13, first shell 131, second shell 132, drain port 133, heating chamber 14, gas inlet 15, gas outlet 16,

[0027] air supply path 2, air compressor 21, first connecting branch 22, first control valve 221, intercooler 23, second connecting branch 24, second control valve 241, humidifier 24, third connecting branch 25, third control valve 251, common branch 26,

[0028] control unit 3, first temperature detector 31, second temperature detector 32, third temperature detector 33,

[0029] The fuel cell 4 , the muffler 61 , and the exhaust pipe 62 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0031] In the description of the present utility model, it is necessary to understand that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present utility model 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 a limitation on the present utility model. In addition, features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0032] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0033] Reference below Figure 1-Figure 2 The gas-liquid separation device 102 according to the embodiment of the utility model is described. The gas-liquid separation device 102 can ensure that the liquid water separated in the water storage chamber 13 can be discharged continuously, and effectively avoid the problem of liquid water freezing and clogging the water storage chamber 13 due to low temperature.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown in 2 , the gas-liquid separation device 102 according to the embodiment of the utility model comprises: a gas-liquid separator 1 and a gas supply path 2 .

[0035] The gas-liquid separator 1 is used to separate gas and liquid. In practice, the gas-liquid separator 1 can be constructed as a hollow cylindrical structure, a square structure, etc., so that a gas-liquid separation chamber 12 and a water storage chamber 13 can be formed inside. The gas-liquid separation chamber 12 is used to effectively separate gas (such as hydrogen or air, etc.) and liquid (such as water, etc.) so that they can be discharged separately to prevent gas and liquid from entering other components and causing damage. The water storage chamber 13 is mainly used to collect and store the liquid separated from the gas-liquid separation chamber 12 and discharge it, wherein the water storage chamber 13 is located below the gas-liquid separation chamber 12 and is connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber 12, that is, the liquid separated from the gas-liquid separation chamber 12 can directly enter the water storage chamber 13 below, thereby facilitating the accumulation and discharge of the liquid. When the liquid in the water storage chamber 13 accumulates to a certain extent, it can be discharged from the water storage chamber 13.

[0036] A heating chamber 14 is also formed in the gas-liquid separator 1 and is distributed around the water storage chamber 13, that is, the heating chamber 14 can heat the liquid water in the water storage chamber 13 to prevent the liquid water from forming ice cubes or accumulating too much condensed water in the water storage chamber 13 under low temperature environment, thereby blocking the drainage of the water storage chamber 13 and causing the liquid water to be unable to be discharged to the outside. The heating chamber 14 is distributed around the water storage chamber 13, and can heat the water in the water storage chamber 13 evenly and comprehensively, thereby improving the heating efficiency, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the gas-liquid separation device 102 under low temperature environment.

[0037] Furthermore, an air compressor 21 is provided in the air supply path 2 , and the gas compressed by the air compressor 21 in the air supply path 2 is suitable to selectively flow into the heating chamber 14 .

[0038] Specifically, the gas supply path 2 is a channel for gas flow, that is, the gas can flow in the gas supply path 2 and can be selectively circulated to the required place. When the gas flows into the air compressor 21, the air compressor 21 compresses the gas so that the gas is compressed into high-pressure and high-temperature gas. The compressed gas can selectively flow into the heating chamber 14, that is, when the heating chamber 14 needs to be heated, the gas supply path 2 can be connected with the heating chamber 14, so that the compressed high-temperature gas can flow into the heating chamber 14 and circulate in the heating chamber 14. Thus, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas compressed in the air compressor 21 can be diverted to the heating chamber 14. At this time, the temperature in the heating chamber 14 increases, and the high-temperature gas inside can exchange heat with the water storage chamber 13, so that the water storage chamber 13 is heated and the temperature is increased, so that the liquid water in the water storage chamber 13 can be discharged in time, preventing the residual liquid water from forming ice cubes in the water storage chamber 13 to block the water storage chamber 13, and the high temperature accelerates the evaporation of water, greatly improving the efficiency of discharging liquid water, and there is no need to set up other heating devices, thereby reducing costs and saving energy.

[0039] According to the gas-liquid separation device 102 of the embodiment of the utility model, the gas-liquid separation device 102 is connected with the heating chamber 14 through the gas supply path 2, so that the high-temperature gas compressed by the air compressor 21 in the gas supply path 2 can flow into the heating chamber 14, and perform heat exchange with liquid water in the heating chamber 14 to achieve continuous heating of the water storage chamber 13, thereby ensuring that the liquid water separated in the water storage chamber 13 can be continuously discharged, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of liquid water freezing and clogging the water storage chamber 13 due to low temperature.

[0040] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid separation device 102 also includes a control unit 3 and a first temperature detector 31. The air supply path 2 is connected with a first connecting branch 22 between the outlet end of the air compressor 21 and the heating chamber 14. The first connecting branch 22 is provided with a first control valve 221 that can be selectively opened or closed. The first temperature detector 31 is used to detect the ambient temperature. The control unit 3 is suitable for controlling the first control valve 221 to be opened when the temperature detected by the first temperature detector 31 is less than or equal to the first set temperature.

[0041] Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the gas-liquid separation device 102 also includes a control unit 3 and a first temperature detector 31. The gas supply path 2 is connected with a first connecting branch 22 between the outlet end of the air compressor 21 and the heating chamber 14, and the high-temperature gas can be circulated from the gas supply path 2 to the heating chamber 14 by turning on and off the first connecting branch 22. The on and off of the first connecting branch 22 is realized by turning on or off the first control valve 221. The first temperature detector 31 detects the temperature of the external environment in real time and transmits the detected temperature signal to the control unit 3. After receiving the temperature signal, the control unit 3 The dehydration mode is determined according to the set temperature. If the temperature detected by the first temperature detector 31 is less than or equal to the first set temperature, the control unit 3 determines that the dehydration mode is turned on. In other words, it is determined that the current ambient temperature is too low and the heating chamber needs to be connected to the first connecting branch 22. At this time, the control unit 3 sends a corresponding control signal to the first control valve 221. The first control valve 221 selectively turns on the first connecting branch 22 according to the signal, so that the high-temperature gas compressed by the air compressor 21 can flow through the first connecting branch 22 to the heating chamber 14, thereby heating the heating chamber 14.

[0042] Similarly, if the temperature detected by the first temperature detector 31 is greater than the first set temperature, the control unit 3 determines that the dehydration mode is not turned on. In other words, it is determined that the current ambient temperature is appropriate and the heating chamber does not need to be connected to the first connecting branch 22. At this time, the control unit 3 sends a corresponding control signal to the first control valve 221, and the first control valve 221 selectively closes the first connecting branch 22 according to the signal, so that the high-temperature gas cannot flow into the heating chamber 14.

[0043] Therefore, the heating chamber 14 can be selectively heated by selectively opening and closing the first connecting branch 22 .

[0044] In practice, when the first temperature detector 31 detects that the ambient temperature is ≤0°C, the control unit 3 can determine to start the dewatering mode, that is, the first control valve 221 is in the on state, and the high-temperature gas flowing out from the outlet of the air compressor 21 can flow through the first connecting branch 22 to the heating chamber 14, so as to achieve continuous heating of the water storage chamber 13, and ensure that the diverted liquid water can be continuously discharged from the water storage chamber 13 in a timely manner, thereby avoiding the problem that the liquid water in the water storage chamber 13 freezes and blocks the water storage chamber 13 due to the low temperature environment, so that the water cannot be discharged in time. Similarly, when the first temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature is greater than 0°C, the control unit 3 can determine not to start the dewatering mode, that is, the control valve can be closed according to the signal of the control unit 3, so that the first connecting branch 22 is not connected to the heating chamber 14, and there is no need to heat the water storage chamber 13.

[0045] In some embodiments, the air supply path 2 is used to supply air to the fuel cell 4, the air outlet of the fuel cell 4 is connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber 12, and the air supply path 2 is also provided with an intercooler 23 and a humidifier 24 which are distributed sequentially between the air compressor 21 and the fuel cell 4, and the control unit 3 is also used to control the airflow after heat exchange in the heating chamber 14 to selectively flow to the intercooler 23, and to control the airflow after heat exchange in the heating chamber 14 to selectively flow to the humidifier 24.

[0046] Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, an intercooler 23 and a humidifier 24 are also provided in the air supply path 2. The air supply path 2 is used to continuously provide the required gas to the fuel cell 4 to ensure the normal operation of the fuel cell. The intercooler 23 is used to cool the gas, and the humidifier 24 is used to humidify the gas to increase its humidity. The intercooler 23 and the humidifier 24 are sequentially distributed between the air compressor 21 and the fuel cell 4. That is to say, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas compressed in the air compressor 21 can continue to flow into the intercooler 23. The intercooler 23 cools the temperature of the high-temperature and high-pressure gas output by the air compressor 21 to increase the air density, thereby The air intake and efficiency of the fuel cell 4 are increased, and the cooled gas can continue to flow into the humidifier 24. The humidifier 24 humidifies the air cooled by the intercooler 23 to increase the humidity of the air, which can improve the operating efficiency of the fuel cell 4. Finally, the humidified air is transported to the fuel cell 4 to supply the fuel cell 4 with electrochemical reaction to generate electricity. The gas-liquid mixture generated during the reaction flows out from the gas outlet of the fuel cell 4 and enters the gas-liquid separation chamber 12 to separate the gas and liquid, which is beneficial to discharge the gas and liquid separately, thereby achieving the normal operation of the fuel cell 4 and improving its reliability.

[0047] In practice, after the gas exchanges heat with the water storage chamber 13 in the heating chamber 14, its temperature decreases, and the control unit 3 can control the gas after heat exchange to flow to the intercooler 23 for continued cooling treatment, or can control the gas after heat exchange to flow to the intercooler 23 for continued humidification treatment, and finally continue to flow to the fuel cell 4 to participate in the electrochemical reaction, thereby realizing the circulation of gas and saving energy.

[0048] In some embodiments, the air supply path 2 is connected with a second connecting branch 24 between the outlet end of the intercooler 23 and the heating chamber 14, and a second control valve 241 that can be selectively turned on or off is provided in the second connecting branch 24, as shown in the figure, that is, the gas circulation between the intercooler 23 and the heating chamber 14 can be achieved by the opening and closing of the second connecting branch 24, and the opening and closing of the second connecting branch 24 can be achieved by the opening or closing of the second control valve 241. Therefore, when the second control valve 241 is turned on, the second connecting branch 24 is connected, and the high-temperature gas in the heating chamber 14 can flow out of the heating chamber 14 into the intercooler 23 for continued cooling and temperature reduction treatment after heat exchange with the water storage chamber 13.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the air supply path 2 is connected with a third connecting branch 25 between the outlet end of the humidifier 24 and the heating chamber 14, and the third connecting branch 25 is provided with a third control valve 251 which can be selectively turned on or off. That is to say, the gas flow between the humidifier 24 and the heating chamber 14 can be achieved by the opening and closing of the third connecting branch 25, and the opening and closing of the third connecting branch 25 can be achieved by the opening or closing of the third control valve 251. Therefore, when the third control valve 251 is turned on, the third connecting branch 25 is connected, and the high-temperature gas in the heating chamber 14 can flow out of the heating chamber 14 and enter the humidifier 24 to continue to participate in the humidification reaction after heat exchange with the water storage chamber 13.

[0050] The second control valve 241 and the third control valve 251 are both electrically connected to the control unit 3, that is, the control unit 3 can send signals to the second control valve 241 and the third control valve 251, so as to control the opening and closing states of the second control valve 241 and the third control valve 251, so that the gas after heat exchange flows to different places.

[0051] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid separation device 102 further includes a second temperature detector 32 and a third temperature detector 33 . The second temperature detector 32 is used to detect the outlet water temperature of the water storage chamber 13 , and the third temperature detector 33 is used to detect the reaction temperature of the fuel cell 4 .

[0052] Specifically, the second temperature detector 32 can be used to detect the water outlet temperature of the water storage chamber 13 in real time, so as to promptly detect whether the water outlet of the water storage chamber 13 is frozen or condensed, causing the water outlet of the water storage chamber 13 to be blocked. The third temperature detector 33 can be used to detect the reaction temperature of the fuel cell 4, which is beneficial for comparing with the gas temperature after heat exchange, and then the gas after heat exchange can be controlled to flow to different places according to the temperature comparison result.

[0053] In which, the control unit 3 is suitable for controlling the second control valve 241 to be turned on and the third control valve 251 to be turned off when the temperature detected by the second temperature detector 32 is greater than the temperature detected by the third temperature detector 33, and controlling the third control valve 251 to be turned on and the second control valve 241 to be turned off when the temperature detected by the second temperature detector 32 is less than or equal to the temperature detected by the third temperature detector 33.

[0054] Specifically, in practice, when the temperature detected by the second temperature detector 32 is greater than the temperature detected by the third temperature detector 33, that is, when the outlet water temperature of the water storage chamber 13 is greater than the reaction temperature of the fuel cell 4, in other words, when the gas temperature in the heating chamber 14 is too high, it needs to continue to be cooled down and cannot directly participate in the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell 4. At this time, the control unit 3 controls the third control valve 251 to be closed and the second control valve 241 to be turned on, that is, the second connecting branch 24 is in a connected state, and the gas after heat exchange in the heating chamber 14 can enter the intercooler 23 and continue to participate in the cooling process to meet The temperature required for the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell 4, and when the temperature detected by the second temperature detector 32 is less than or equal to the temperature detected by the third temperature detector 33, that is, the outlet water temperature of the water storage chamber 13 is less than or equal to the reaction temperature of the fuel cell 4, in other words, the gas temperature in the heating chamber 14 does not need to be cooled down, and can be humidified to participate in the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell 4. At this time, the control unit 3 controls the second control valve 241 to close and the third control valve 251 to turn on, that is, the third connecting branch 25 is in a connected state, and the gas after heat exchange in the heating chamber 14 can enter the humidifier and continue to be humidified.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second connecting branch 24 and the third connecting branch 25 have a common branch 26 , the common branch 26 is in communication with the heating chamber 14 , and a driving pump is disposed in the common branch 26 .

[0056] Specifically, by setting the common branch 26, the number of pipelines can be reduced, which facilitates the maintenance of the pipelines. In practice, the heat-exchanged gas flowing out of the heating chamber 14 can enter the second connecting branch 24 or the third connecting branch 25 through the common branch 26, and the driving pump in the common branch 26 can provide power to drive the gas to circulate rapidly in the second connecting branch 24 or the third connecting branch 25, thereby improving the circulation efficiency of the gas, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heating chamber 14, realize continuous heating of the water storage chamber 13, and allow liquid water to be quickly discharged from the water storage chamber 13.

[0057] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid separator 1 includes a first shell 131 defining a water storage chamber 13, a second shell 132 is further provided outside the first shell 131, and a heating chamber 14 is defined between the first shell 131 and the second shell 132. Figure 2 As shown, the water storage chamber 13 can be constructed as a square structure, that is, the first shell 131 and the second shell 132 are both square, the second shell 132 is larger than the first shell 131 so as to be mounted outside the first shell 131, and the first shell 131 and the second shell 132 are separated by a certain distance to form a heating chamber 14, so that the heating chamber 14 is distributed around the water storage chamber 13, and liquid water can be surrounded therein to fully heat the liquid water.

[0058] The second shell 132 is formed with an air inlet hole and an air outlet hole for connecting the heating chamber 14 to the air supply path 2, that is, the high-temperature gas in the first connecting branch 22 can flow with the heating chamber 14 through the air inlet hole and the air outlet hole to realize the circulation of the high-temperature gas. The first shell 131 and the second shell 132 are also provided with a drain port 133 connected to the water storage chamber 13, that is, the liquid water in the water storage chamber 13 can flow out from the drain port 133 to the outside to realize the discharge of separated liquid water.

[0059] Specifically, during heating, the high-temperature gas coming out of the air compressor 21 can enter the heating chamber 14 from the air inlet hole on the second shell 132 and circulate in the heating chamber 14, uniformly heating the liquid water in the water storage chamber 13 to achieve heat exchange. The gas after heat exchange can flow out from the air outlet and enter the intercooler 23 or the humidifier 24, thereby continuing to circulate to the air supply flow path 2 and entering the fuel cell 4 to participate in the electrochemical reaction. At the same time, the liquid water after absorbing heat can be discharged from the drain port 133, avoiding the problem that the liquid water remaining in the water storage chamber 13 freezes and blocks the drain port 133 in a low temperature environment, resulting in the water storage chamber 13 being unable to continue to discharge liquid.

[0060] And / or, the gas-liquid separator 1 is provided with a gas inlet 15 and a gas outlet 16, the gas inlet 15 and the gas outlet 16 are connected through the gas-liquid separation chamber 12, and a gas-liquid separation baffle 121 is also provided in the gas-liquid separation chamber 12, and the gas-liquid separation baffle 121 is located between the gas inlet 15 and the gas outlet 16.

[0061] That is, the gas-liquid separator 1 can be set as a baffle type, and the gas-liquid mixture can enter the gas-liquid separation chamber 12 from the gas inlet 15. The gas-liquid separation baffle 121 in the gas-liquid separation chamber 12 is mainly used to separate gas and liquid. Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of gas-liquid separation baffles 121 are provided in the gas-liquid separation chamber 12. When the gas-liquid mixture enters the gas-liquid separation chamber 12, it begins to partially separate under the action of gravity and reduced flow rate. When it contacts the gas-liquid separation baffle 121, the gas-liquid separation baffle 121 further promotes further separation of liquid and gas by changing the flow direction and speed of the gas-liquid mixture, so that the separated gas can continue to flow upward and flow out from the gas outlet 16, and the separated liquid flows downward to the water storage chamber 13 and flows out from the drain outlet 133.

[0062] Among them, the gas-liquid separation baffle 121 is arranged between the gas inlet 15 and the gas outlet 16, which can further enhance the gas-liquid separation effect and ensure that the gas is free of the mixed liquid as much as possible when leaving the gas-liquid separation chamber 12, so that the liquid flows downward along the baffle or the inner wall of the gas-liquid separation chamber 12 and gathers in the water storage chamber 13.

[0063] The utility model also provides a muffler assembly 101.

[0064] According to the muffler assembly 101 of the embodiment of the utility model, it includes a muffler 61, an exhaust pipe 62 and a gas-liquid separation device 102 of any of the above-mentioned embodiments, the gas-liquid separator 1 is provided with a gas outlet 16, the gas outlet 16 is connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber 12, the exhaust pipe 62 is connected to the gas outlet 16, the muffler 61 is sleeved outside the exhaust pipe 62, and the exhaust pipe 62 is provided with a silencing hole connected to the inner cavity of the muffler 61.

[0065] Specifically, Figure 2 As shown, the muffler assembly 101 includes a muffler 61, an exhaust pipe 62 and a gas-liquid separation device 102, wherein the muffler 61 can be constructed in a circular tube shape with an inner cavity formed therein, and the inner circumferential wall of the muffler 61 can be adapted to the shape and size of the outer circumferential wall of the exhaust pipe 62, so that the muffler can be mounted outside the exhaust pipe 6262, and the exhaust pipe 62 is provided with a muffler hole connected to the inner cavity of the muffler 61, that is, when the gas flows through the exhaust pipe 62 to generate noise, the muffler hole disperses and absorbs the noise, and at the same time, the noise sound waves can enter the inner cavity of the muffler through the muffler hole to form a resonance cavity, further dispersing and absorbing the noise sound waves, thereby reducing or eliminating the noise generated by the gas through the muffler 61.

[0066] As a result, the gas after gas-liquid separation in the gas-liquid separator 1 can flow out from the gas outlet 16 and smoothly enter the exhaust pipe 62. Through the silencing hole connected to the inner cavity of the muffler 61, a resonance cavity is formed to silence the exhaust gas flow, reduce the noise generation, and allow the gas to be quietly discharged from the exhaust pipe 62, thereby effectively improving the reliability and operating stability of the muffler assembly 101.

[0067] The utility model also provides a fuel cell system 100 .

[0068] The fuel cell system 100 according to the embodiment of the utility model comprises a fuel cell 4 and a muffler assembly 101 of any one of the above embodiments, the air supply path 2 is connected to the inlet end of the fuel cell 4, and the outlet end of the fuel cell 4 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 1.

[0069] Specifically, after the gas flows out of the humidifier 24 in the gas supply path 2, it can flow from the inlet end of the fuel cell 4 into the fuel cell 4 to participate in the electrochemical reaction. The gas-liquid mixture generated during the reaction can flow out from the outlet end of the fuel cell 4 and enter the gas-liquid separation chamber 12 through the gas inlet 15 of the gas-liquid separator 1 to effectively separate the gas and liquid. The separated gas can be quietly discharged after being silenced by the muffler 61 in the exhaust pipe 62, and the separated gas is discharged from the water storage chamber 13. In this way, the efficient and stable operation of the fuel cell 475 system can be ensured, and liquid water can be prevented from entering the fuel cell 4 and affecting the fuel cell 4.

[0070] The utility model also provides a vehicle.

[0071] According to the vehicle of the embodiment of the utility model, a fuel cell system 100 of any of the above embodiments is provided. In the fuel cell system 100, the air supply path 2 is connected with the heating chamber 14, so that the high-temperature gas in the air supply path 2 after being compressed by the air compressor 21 can flow into the heating chamber 14, and perform heat exchange with liquid water in the heating chamber 14 to achieve continuous heating of the water storage chamber 13, thereby achieving effective utilization of the pressurized high-temperature gas, ensuring that the liquid water separated in the water storage chamber 13 can be continuously discharged, and thus effectively avoiding the occurrence of the problem of pipeline icing due to the inability to discharge condensed water out of the vehicle in time, thereby improving the reliability and operation stability of the vehicle and ensuring the normal operation of the vehicle.

[0072] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the utility model. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0073] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separation device, characterized in that: include: A gas-liquid separator, wherein a gas-liquid separation chamber and a water storage chamber are formed in the gas-liquid separator, wherein the water storage chamber is located below the gas-liquid separation chamber and is in communication with the gas-liquid separation chamber, and wherein a heating chamber is also formed in the gas-liquid separator and is distributed around the water storage chamber; An air supply path is provided with an air compressor in the air supply path, and the gas compressed by the air compressor in the air supply path is suitable for selectively flowing into the heating chamber.

2. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control unit and a first temperature detector. The air supply path is connected with a first connecting branch between the outlet end of the air compressor and the heating chamber. The first connecting branch is provided with a first control valve that can be selectively opened or closed. The first temperature detector is used to detect the ambient temperature. The control unit is suitable for controlling the first control valve to be opened when the temperature detected by the first temperature detector is less than or equal to the first set temperature.

3. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air supply path is used to supply air to the fuel cell, the air outlet of the fuel cell is connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber, and the air supply path is also provided with an intercooler and a humidifier which are sequentially distributed between the air compressor and the fuel cell. The control unit is also used to control the airflow after heat exchange in the heating chamber to selectively flow to the intercooler, and to control the airflow after heat exchange in the heating chamber to selectively flow to the humidifier.

4. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air supply path is connected with a second connecting branch between the outlet end of the intercooler and the heating chamber, and a second control valve that can be selectively turned on or off is provided in the second connecting branch. The air supply path is connected with a third connecting branch between the outlet end of the humidifier and the heating chamber, and a third control valve that can be selectively turned on or off is provided in the third connecting branch. The second control valve and the third control valve are both electrically connected to the control unit.

5. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a second temperature detector and a third temperature detector, wherein the second temperature detector is used to detect the outlet water temperature of the water storage chamber, and the third temperature detector is used to detect the reaction temperature of the fuel cell; Wherein, the control unit is suitable for controlling the second control valve to be turned on and the third control valve to be turned off when the temperature detected by the second temperature detector is greater than the temperature detected by the third temperature detector, and for controlling the third control valve to be turned on and the second control valve to be turned off when the temperature detected by the second temperature detector is less than or equal to the temperature detected by the third temperature detector.

6. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second connecting branch and the third connecting branch have a common branch, the common branch is communicated with the heating chamber, and a driving pump is arranged in the common branch.

7. The gas-liquid separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separator comprises a first shell defining the water storage chamber, a second shell is further provided on the outer side of the first shell, the heating chamber is defined between the first shell and the second shell, the second shell is formed with an air inlet and an air outlet for connecting the heating chamber to the air supply path, and the first shell and the second shell are provided with a drain port connected to the water storage chamber; And / or, the gas-liquid separator is provided with a gas inlet and a gas outlet, the gas inlet and the gas outlet are connected through the gas-liquid separation chamber, and a gas-liquid separation baffle is also provided in the gas-liquid separation chamber, and the gas-liquid separation baffle is located between the gas inlet and the gas outlet.

8. A muffler assembly, characterized in that: It comprises a muffler, an exhaust pipe and a gas-liquid separation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gas-liquid separator is provided with a gas outlet, the gas outlet is communicated with the gas-liquid separation chamber, the exhaust pipe is communicated with the gas outlet, the muffler is sleeved outside the exhaust pipe, and the exhaust pipe is provided with a silencing hole communicated with the inner cavity of the muffler.

9. A fuel cell system, characterized in that: It comprises a fuel cell and the muffler assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the gas supply path is connected to the inlet end of the fuel cell, and the outlet end of the fuel cell is connected to the gas-liquid separator.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: A fuel cell system according to claim 9 is provided.

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