Purge valve for electrochemical cell and electrochemical cell

Abstract

The present application proposes a purge valve for an electrochemical cell, provided with: a discharge port configured to allow a discharge fluid from a stack of the electrochemical cell to be discharged through the discharge port; a spool adapted to open and close the discharge port; a pressure stabilizing cavity is defined by the first shell, and the pressure stabilizing cavity is provided with a pressure stabilizing cavity inlet used for introducing and discharging fluid; and the pressure stabilizer is arranged in the pressure stabilizing cavity and divides the pressure stabilizing cavity into an inner cavity adjacent to the discharge port and an outer cavity far away from the discharge port, and the pressure stabilizer is provided with at least one pressure stabilizing opening, so that the discharged fluid is allowed to pass through the pressure stabilizing cavity inlet, the outer cavity, the pressure stabilizing opening, the inner cavity and the discharge port in sequence to be discharged. The utility model also provides an electrochemical cell. According to the invention, the reliability of the electrochemical cell can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a purge valve for an electrochemical cell and an electrochemical cell. Background Art

[0002] Currently, electrochemical cells are increasingly widely used in various fields. An electrochemical cell can generate electricity by means of an electrochemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidant, and thus provide power, for example, in an electric vehicle.

[0003] Taking a hydrogen fuel cell as an example, it can use hydrogen as a fuel and oxygen in the air as an oxidant. During the operation of the hydrogen fuel cell, product water, unconsumed hydrogen, and inert gases accumulate at the anode outlet. Generally, a recirculation line and a purge valve (also referred to as a "purge valve" or an exhaust valve) can be used to improve the hydrogen utilization rate and reaction efficiency of the hydrogen fuel cell. Via the recirculation line, the unconsumed hydrogen output from the anode outlet can be recycled to the anode inlet. Since the fluid output from the anode outlet also contains inert gases, etc., the purge valve is intermittently opened to discharge a part of the fluid output from the anode outlet. On the other hand, fresh hydrogen is continuously supplied to the anode side. Thus, the required hydrogen concentration can be ensured.

[0004] During the operation of the electrochemical cell, the purge valve is frequently opened and closed, resulting in the generation of pressure waves in the circuit of the electrochemical cell. The pressure waves cause the pressure inside the electrochemical cell to be unstable and may even cause component damage. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to provide an improved purge valve for an electrochemical cell and a corresponding electrochemical cell, thereby improving the reliability of the electrochemical cell.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a purge valve for an electrochemical cell. The purge valve is provided with: a discharge port configured to allow the discharge fluid from the cell stack of the electrochemical cell to be discharged via the discharge port; a valve core adapted to open and close the discharge port; a first housing enclosing a pressure stabilizing chamber, the pressure stabilizing chamber being provided with a pressure stabilizing chamber inlet for introducing the discharge fluid; and a pressure stabilizer disposed in the pressure stabilizing chamber and dividing the pressure stabilizing chamber into an inner chamber adjacent to the discharge port and an outer chamber away from the discharge port, the pressure stabilizer being provided with at least one pressure stabilizing opening, so that the discharge fluid is allowed to pass through the pressure stabilizing chamber inlet, the outer chamber, the pressure stabilizing opening, the inner chamber, and the discharge port in sequence and be discharged.

[0007] During the operation of the electrochemical cell, the valve core can intermittently open and close the discharge port. Therefore, pressure waves are generated at the discharge port. By providing a pressure stabilizing chamber and a pressure stabilizer, the pressure waves generated at the discharge port can be reflected, dispersed, and dissipated in the inner chamber and the outer chamber. Thereby, the pressure waves propagating to the battery stack can be reduced, the undesired pressure fluctuations in the electrochemical cell can be avoided, and component damage caused by the pressure waves can be prevented. Therefore, the reliability of the electrochemical cell can be improved.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present application, the pressure stabilizer can be arranged between the pressure stabilizing chamber inlet and the discharge port so as to block all straight propagation paths of the pressure waves from the discharge port to the pressure stabilizing chamber inlet.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present application, the outer chamber can surround the inner chamber on the outside of the inner chamber.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present application, the pressure stabilizer can include a cylindrical wall that extends around an axial direction and has a first end and a second end opposite to each other along the axial direction. The first end faces the discharge port and is open.

[0011] Optionally, at least one pressure stabilizing opening is provided in the cylindrical wall.

[0012] Optionally, the pressure stabilizer can further include an end wall that closes the second end of the cylindrical wall.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present application, the at least one pressure stabilizing opening can include a plurality of pressure stabilizing openings arranged uniformly around the axial direction.

[0014] The at least one pressure stabilizing opening can, for example, include multiple rows of pressure stabilizing openings arranged around the axial direction, and adjacent two rows of pressure stabilizing openings among the multiple rows of pressure stabilizing openings are arranged staggeredly in the axial direction.

[0015] Optionally, at least one pressure stabilizing opening is arranged staggeredly in the axial direction with respect to the pressure stabilizing chamber inlet.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present application, the diameter of the pressure stabilizing opening can be between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present application, the pressure stabilizer is configured as a metal part.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present application, a plurality of protrusions and / or a plurality of recesses can be provided on at least one of the inner surface of the pressure stabilizer facing the inner chamber, the outer surface of the pressure stabilizer facing the outer chamber, and the inner surface of the first housing facing the pressure stabilizing chamber.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present application, the first housing may include a first wall and a second wall opposite to each other and a side wall connecting the first wall and the second wall. The first wall, the second wall and the side wall together enclose a pressure stabilizing chamber. The outlet of the pressure stabilizing chamber may be provided in the first wall so that the discharged fluid can flow out of the pressure stabilizing chamber via the outlet of the pressure stabilizing chamber.

[0020] The pressure stabilizer may be arranged on the first wall so that the pressure stabilizer and the first wall together enclose an inner cavity.

[0021] Optionally, both the second wall and the side wall are spaced apart from the pressure stabilizer so that an outer cavity is formed between the second wall, the side wall and the pressure stabilizer.

[0022] The inlet of the pressure stabilizing chamber may be formed in the side wall, for example.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present application, the purge valve may further include a second housing enclosing a spool chamber. The discharge port may be formed in the second housing. The spool may be at least partially received in the spool chamber. The spool is movable between a closed position and an open position so that the spool closes the discharge port in the closed position and opens the discharge port in the open position.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present application, the second housing may be embedded in the first housing.

[0025] Optionally, the second housing partially extends into the inner cavity.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided an electrochemical cell including a battery stack and a purge valve according to the present application. The purge valve is connected to the battery stack such that the discharged fluid from the battery stack of the electrochemical cell can be discharged via the discharge port of the purge valve.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present application, the electrochemical cell is a hydrogen fuel cell.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present application, the purge valve may be connected to the anode of the battery stack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Hereinafter, the present application will be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in more detail. The drawings include:

[0030] Figure 1 Schematically shows an electrochemical cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C Schematically shows a purge valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 3Schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the purge valve taken along the section line B-B in Figure 2A ;

[0033] Figure 4 and Figure 5 schematically shows the voltage stabilizer in the purge valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application in a perspective view; and

[0034] Figure 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the purge valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0035] List of Reference Numerals

[0036] 1 Battery stack

[0037] 11 Anode

[0038] 12 Cathode

[0039] 91 Anode supply line

[0040] 911 Injection pump

[0041] 92 Cathode supply line

[0042] 921 Air compressor

[0043] 922 Cut-off valve

[0044] 93 Anode discharge line

[0045] 931 Water separator

[0046] 932 Drain valve

[0047] 94 Cathode discharge line

[0048] 95 Recirculation line

[0049] 951 Circulation pump

[0050] 2 Purge valve

[0051] 21 Discharge port

[0052] 22 Valve core

[0053] 23 First housing

[0054] 231 Voltage stabilizer chamber

[0055] 2311 Voltage stabilizer chamber inlet

[0056] 2312 Inner cavity

[0057] 2313 Outer cavity

[0058] 232 First wall

[0059] 233 Second wall

[0060] 234 side wall

[0061] 235 voltage stabilizing cavity outlet

[0062] 24 pressure stabilizer

[0063] 241 pressure stabilizing opening

[0064] 242 cylinder wall

[0065] 2421 first end

[0066] 2422 second end

[0067] 243 end wall

[0068] 244 protrusion

[0069] 245 recess

[0070] 25 second housing

[0071] 251 spool cavity

[0072] 26 drive assembly

[0073] 261 permanent magnet

[0074] 262 electromagnetic coil

[0075] 263 spring Detailed implementation manners

[0076] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial technical effects to be solved by the present application clearer and more understandable, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application, rather than to limit the protection scope of the present application.

[0077] It should be understood that in this text, expressions such as "first" and "second" are only for descriptive purposes, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, nor should they be construed as implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature.

[0078] Figure 1 An electrochemical cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0079] An electrochemical cell can convert the chemical energy of a fuel (such as a hydrocarbon like hydrogen or methane) and an oxidant into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. The electrochemical cell can be used in mobile application scenarios with high power requirements, such as in a vehicle to provide power to drive the vehicle's motor or enable in-vehicle systems to perform various functions. The electrochemical cell can also be applied to fixed application scenarios, such as in a power plant. The electrochemical cell can be implemented, for example, as a hydrogen fuel cell, especially a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC).

[0080] The concept of the present application will be described in detail below by taking a hydrogen fuel cell as an example. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present application is not only applicable to hydrogen fuel cells, but also applicable to any electrochemical cell with a purging requirement. To more clearly elaborate on the concept of the present application, the basic structure and purging function of the electrochemical cell will be described first.

[0081] As Figure 1 shown, the hydrogen fuel cell includes a fuel cell stack 1. Hydrogen as the fuel and the oxidant undergo an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell stack 1 to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. The fuel cell stack 1 has an anode 11 and a cathode 12. The hydrogen fuel cell further includes an anode supply line 91 for supplying an anode fluid to the anode 11 and a cathode supply line 92 for supplying a cathode fluid to the cathode 12.

[0082] Generally, the anode fluid is a fuel gas (hydrogen in this embodiment), and the cathode fluid is an oxidant (air containing oxygen in this embodiment). Of course, in an electrochemical cell, other suitable anode fluids (such as methane) and cathode fluids (such as pure oxygen) can also be used.

[0083] The anode supply line 91 may be provided with an ejector pump 911, for example, to introduce hydrogen from a hydrogen source into the anode 11 of the fuel cell stack 1. The hydrogen source is, for example, a hydrogen storage tank. The cathode supply line 92 may be provided with an air compressor 921 and a shut-off valve 922, for example, to introduce air from the surrounding environment into the cathode 12. Additional components such as filters and / or humidifiers may also be provided in the cathode supply line 92.

[0084] The introduced hydrogen can undergo the following reaction within the fuel cell stack 1:

[0085]

[0086] The generated protons can undergo an electrochemical reaction with oxygen, which can be represented by the following chemical reaction equation in this embodiment:

[0087]

[0088] Thus, the chemical energy of the reaction gas is converted into electrical energy. The product of the reaction is water.

[0089] The hydrogen fuel cell further includes an anode discharge pipeline 93 for discharging anode products and a cathode discharge pipeline 94 for discharging cathode products. Through the anode discharge pipeline 93 and the cathode discharge pipeline 94, the water generated by the reaction, the unconsumed hydrogen and oxygen, and the ineffective gases that do not participate in the reaction (such as nitrogen in the air, etc.) can be discharged.

[0090] As Figure 1 shown, the hydrogen fuel cell includes a purge valve 2, and the purge valve 2 is connected to the fuel cell stack 1 such that the discharge fluid from the fuel cell stack 1 can be discharged via the purge valve 2. The purge valve 2 can be directly connected to the fuel cell stack 1 or indirectly connected to the fuel cell stack 1 through other components, such as pipelines, etc. The purge valve 2 can be arranged in the anode discharge pipeline 93. By opening and closing the purge valve 2 as needed, the on-off of the anode discharge pipeline 93 can be controlled.

[0091] During the reaction process, the water generated by the reaction and the nitrogen in the cathode fluid will infiltrate into the anode 11. This will cause the hydrogen concentration on the anode side to decrease. The purge valve 2 can be intermittently opened to perform purging, so as to discharge the anode side discharge fluid containing unconsumed hydrogen, water and nitrogen, and prevent the accumulation of water and nitrogen on the anode side. After the purging is completed, the purge valve 2 is closed, thereby improving the utilization rate of hydrogen and maintaining a relatively high pressure in the pipeline.

[0092] The hydrogen fuel cell can also be provided with a recirculation pipeline 95, and the unconsumed hydrogen can be recirculated from the output end on the anode side to the anode supply pipeline 91 via the recirculation pipeline 95, and mixed with the fresh hydrogen from the hydrogen source to be supplied to the anode input end again. The recirculation pipeline 95 can be provided with a circulation pump 951 to guide the unconsumed hydrogen to the anode supply pipeline 91.

[0093] In addition, the anode discharge pipeline 93 can also be provided with other components, such as a water separator 931, a drain valve 932, etc. The recirculation pipeline 95 can be connected to the anode discharge pipeline 93 downstream of the water separator 931 and downstream of the purge valve 2.

[0094] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C Schematically shows the purge valve 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 2A The purge valve 2 is shown in a three-dimensional view, Figure 2B and Figure 2C in a sectional view taken along the Figure 2A section line A-A through the purge valve 2 shows the purge valve 2 in the open state and the closed state, respectively.

[0095] It can be seen that the purge valve 2 is provided with a discharge port 21 and a valve core 22. The discharge port 21 is configured to allow the discharge fluid from the battery stack 1 of the electrochemical cell to be discharged via the discharge port 21. The valve core 22 is arranged to open and close the discharge port 21.

[0096] The purge valve 2 is further provided with: a first housing 23 that encloses a pressure stabilizing chamber 231, and the pressure stabilizing chamber 231 is provided with a pressure stabilizing chamber inlet 2311 for introducing the discharge fluid; and a pressure stabilizer 24 that is arranged in the pressure stabilizing chamber 231 and divides the pressure stabilizing chamber 231 into an inner chamber 2312 adjacent to the discharge port 21 and an outer chamber 2313 away from the discharge port 21. The pressure stabilizer 24 is provided with at least one pressure stabilizing opening 241, so that the discharge fluid can be discharged in sequence through the pressure stabilizing chamber inlet 2311, the outer chamber 2313, the pressure stabilizing opening 241, the inner chamber 2312 and the discharge port 21.

[0097] During the operation of the electrochemical cell, the valve core 22 can intermittently open and close the discharge port 21. Therefore, a pressure wave is generated at the discharge port 21. The pressure wave can propagate towards the battery stack 1 in the anode discharge pipeline 93. This may cause the pressure inside the battery stack 1 to be unstable and may even cause component damage. By providing the pressure stabilizing chamber 231 and the pressure stabilizer 24, the pressure wave generated at the discharge port 21 can be reflected, dispersed and dissipated in the inner chamber 2312 and the outer chamber 2313. Thus, the pressure wave propagating towards the battery stack 1 can be reduced, the undesired pressure fluctuations inside the electrochemical cell can be avoided, and component damage caused by the pressure wave can be prevented. Therefore, the reliability of the electrochemical cell can be improved.

[0098] Figure 2B The flow path of the discharge fluid in the purge valve 2 is schematically shown by dotted arrows. In the open state of the purge valve 2, the valve core 22 is in the open position and the discharge port 21 is open. The discharge fluid from the battery stack 1 can enter the outer chamber 2313 of the pressure stabilizing chamber 231 from the pressure stabilizing chamber inlet 2311, enter the inner chamber 2312 from the outer chamber 2313 via the pressure stabilizing opening 241, and then flow out via the discharge port 21.

[0099] Figure 2C The reflection of the pressure wave in the inner chamber 2312 and the outer chamber 2313 is schematically shown by dotted arrows. When the purge valve 2 is closed, the discharge port 21 is closed by the valve core 22. A pressure wave is generated at the discharge port 21, then is dispersed and undergoes multiple reflections. Figure 2C Only a part of the reflection route of the pressure wave is schematically shown. During this process, the pressure wave attenuates and cancels each other, and its energy is dissipated. Thus, the pressure wave propagating towards the battery stack 1 through the pressure stabilizing chamber inlet 2311 of the pressure stabilizing chamber 231 is significantly reduced.

[0100] See Figure 2B and Figure 2C, the voltage stabilizer 24 is arranged in the voltage stabilizing chamber 231 so as to be able to at least partially block the straight propagation path of the pressure wave between the inlet 2311 of the voltage stabilizing chamber and the discharge port 21. In particular, the voltage stabilizer 24 is arranged between the inlet 2311 of the voltage stabilizing chamber and the discharge port 21 so as to block all straight propagation paths of the pressure wave from the discharge port 21 to the inlet 2311 of the voltage stabilizing chamber.

[0101] Figure 3 Schematically shows along Figure 2A The cross-sectional view taken along the section line B-B through the purge valve 2.

[0102] As Figure 3 shown, the outer chamber 2313 can surround the inner chamber 2312 on the outside of the inner chamber 2312. In other words, the outer chamber 2313 can completely surround the inner chamber 2312 on the outside for one full circle. This helps to dissipate the pressure wave in the voltage stabilizing chamber 231.

[0103] In another embodiment, it is also feasible that the outer chamber 2313 partially surrounds the inner chamber 2312 or the outer chamber 2313 and the inner chamber 2312 are arranged one above the other or side by side with each other.

[0104] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Schematically shows the voltage stabilizer 24 in the purge valve 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application in a perspective view.

[0105] Combined with Figure 2B and Figure 4 and Figure 5 It can be seen that the voltage stabilizer 24 may include a cylindrical wall 242 extending around an axial direction (as shown by the dash-dotted line). The cylindrical wall 242 has a first end 2421 and a second end 2422 opposite to each other along the axial direction. The first end 2421 may be open towards the discharge port 21. The at least one voltage stabilizing opening 241 may all be provided in the cylindrical wall 242.

[0106] In this embodiment, the voltage stabilizing opening 241 is formed as a circular through-hole. In another embodiment, the voltage stabilizing opening 241 may also be formed into other shapes, such as square or oval, etc.

[0107] The at least one voltage stabilizing opening 241 may particularly include a plurality of voltage stabilizing openings 241 arranged uniformly around the axial direction. This helps to avoid pressure fluctuations in the electrochemical cell.

[0108] The diameter of the voltage stabilizing opening 241 may particularly be between 5 mm and 10 mm. This enables the voltage stabilizer 24 to neither impede the flow of the discharged fluid nor hinder the propagation of the pressure wave.

[0109] For example, the at least one pressure stabilizing opening 241 includes multiple columns of pressure stabilizing openings 241 arranged around the axial direction. The adjacent two columns of pressure stabilizing openings 241 among the multiple columns of pressure stabilizing openings 241 can be arranged staggeredly in the axial direction. The adjacent pressure stabilizing openings 241 in the adjacent two columns of pressure stabilizing openings 241 are not arranged side by side at the same axial position.

[0110] See Figure 5 , the pressure stabilizer 24 may include an end wall 243, and the end wall 243 closes the second end 2422 of the cylindrical wall 242. No opening is provided in the end wall 243. This is conducive to enabling the pressure wave to experience multiple reflections in the pressure stabilizing cavity 231.

[0111] In this embodiment, the pressure stabilizer 24 is formed as a cylinder. In other embodiments, the pressure stabilizer 24 can also be formed into other shapes such as a hemisphere, a cone, a cuboid, or a dome.

[0112] The pressure stabilizer 24 can in particular be constructed as a metal part. The pressure stabilizer 24 can have a high fatigue strength. In the case where the purge valve 2 is frequently opened and closed, the pressure stabilizer 24 can work reliably.

[0113] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the purge valve 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0114] This embodiment is similar to the Figure 2C shown embodiment. One difference is that in the Figure 6 shown purge valve 2, all the pressure stabilizing openings 241 are arranged staggeredly in the axial direction with respect to the pressure stabilizing cavity inlet 2311. This is also conducive to enabling the pressure wave to experience multiple reflections in the pressure stabilizing cavity 231.

[0115] In addition, in the Figure 6 shown embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 244 can be provided on at least one of the inner surface of the pressure stabilizer 24 facing the inner cavity 2312, the outer surface of the pressure stabilizer 24 facing the outer cavity 2313, and the inner surface of the first housing 23 facing the pressure stabilizing cavity 231. This further helps to attenuate the pressure wave in the pressure stabilizing cavity 231.

[0116] Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of recesses 245 can be provided on at least one of the inner surface of the pressure stabilizer 24 facing the inner cavity 2312, the outer surface of the pressure stabilizer 24 facing the outer cavity 2313, and the inner surface of the first housing 23 facing the pressure stabilizing cavity 231. This is also conducive to attenuating the pressure wave in the pressure stabilizing cavity 231.

[0117] Next, with reference to Figure 2B and Figure 2C again, an exemplary embodiment of the present application is further described.

[0118] In this embodiment, the first housing 23 of the purge valve 2 may include a first wall 232 and a second wall 233 opposite to each other and a side wall 234 connecting the first wall 232 and the second wall 233. The first wall 232, the second wall 233 and the side wall 234 together enclose a pressure stabilizing chamber 231. A pressure stabilizing chamber outlet 235 may be provided in the first wall 232 so that the discharged fluid can flow out of the pressure stabilizing chamber 231 through the pressure stabilizing chamber outlet 235.

[0119] The voltage stabilizer 24 may be arranged on the first wall 232, for example, so that the voltage stabilizer 24 and the first wall 232 together enclose an inner cavity 2312. The voltage stabilizer 24 may be installed on the first wall 232 by, for example, threaded connection, adhesive connection, welding connection or fitting connection.

[0120] Optionally, both the second wall 233 and the side wall 234 are spaced apart from the voltage stabilizer 24, so that an outer cavity 2313 is formed between the second wall 233 and the side wall 234 and the voltage stabilizer 24.

[0121] A pressure stabilizing chamber inlet 2311 may be formed in the side wall 234. The pressure stabilizing chamber inlet 2311 may define the inflow direction of the discharged fluid. The pressure stabilizing chamber outlet 235 may define the outflow direction of the discharged fluid. The outflow direction may be set to be transverse to the inflow direction.

[0122] The purge valve 2 may further include a second housing 25 that encloses a spool chamber 251. A discharge port 21 may be formed in the second housing 25. The spool 22 may be at least partially received in the spool chamber 251, and the spool 22 can move between a closed position and an open position, so that the spool 22 closes the discharge port 21 in the closed position and opens the discharge port 21 in the open position.

[0123] The second housing 25 may be embedded in the first housing 23. For example, the second housing 25 may be embedded in the pressure stabilizing chamber outlet 235. The second housing 25 is fixed to the first housing 23 by, for example, threaded connection, snap connection or welding connection.

[0124] The second housing 25 may partially extend into the inner cavity 2312, for example. Refer to Figure 2B and Figure 2C , the second housing 25 may be arranged such that the discharge port 21 is at least partially located in the pressure stabilizing chamber 231.

[0125] In another embodiment, the discharge port 21 may be provided outside the first housing 23 and downstream of the pressure stabilizing chamber 231. It is also feasible that the second housing 25 is not directly connected to the first housing 23.

[0126] The purge valve 2 may further include a drive assembly 26 for driving the valve core 22 to move so as to open and close the discharge port 21. The drive assembly 26 may in particular be configured as an electromagnetic drive assembly. The drive assembly 26 may include a permanent magnet 261 and an electromagnetic coil 262. The permanent magnet 261 may be fixed to the valve core 22 or formed integrally with the valve core 22. The electromagnetic coil 262 may be arranged to be able to apply a driving force to the permanent magnet 261. The drive assembly 26 may further include a spring 263 which is arranged to be able to apply a restoring force to the valve core 22. The restoring force is used to hold the valve core 22 in the closed position or to drive the valve core 22 to move from the open position to the closed position.

[0127] Although specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail herein, they are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present application. Various substitutions, changes and modifications can be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. In specific implementations, multiple features may be combined with each other according to actual needs and where technically feasible. In particular, features in different embodiments may also be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A purge valve for an electrochemical cell, characterized in that: The purge valve (2) is provided with: a drain port (21) configured to allow drain fluid from a cell stack (1) of electrochemical cells to be drained through the drain port (21); a valve core (22) adapted to open and close the discharge port (21); A first housing (23) enclosing a pressure-stabilizing chamber (231), wherein the pressure-stabilizing chamber (231) is provided with a pressure-stabilizing chamber inlet (2311) for introducing exhaust fluid; and A pressure stabilizer (24) is arranged in a pressure stabilizing chamber (231) and divides the pressure stabilizing chamber (231) into an inner chamber (2312) adjacent to a discharge port (21) and an outer chamber (2313) away from the discharge port (21). The pressure stabilizer (24) is provided with at least one pressure stabilizing opening (241), thereby allowing the discharge fluid to be discharged sequentially through the pressure stabilizing chamber inlet (2311), the outer chamber (2313), the pressure stabilizing opening (241), the inner chamber (2312) and the discharge port (21).

2. The purge valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure stabilizer (24) is arranged between the pressure stabilization chamber inlet (2311) and the exhaust port (21) so as to block all straight-line propagation paths of the pressure wave from the exhaust port (21) to the pressure stabilization chamber inlet (2311); and / or The outer cavity (2313) surrounds the inner cavity (2312) on the outside of the inner cavity (2312).

3. The purge valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The pressure stabilizer (24) comprises a cylindrical wall (242), the cylindrical wall (242) extending around an axial direction and having a first end (2421) and a second end (2422) opposite to each other along the axial direction, wherein: The first end (2421) is open toward the discharge outlet (21); and / or The at least one pressure-stabilizing opening (241) is arranged in the cylinder wall (242); and / or The pressurizer (24) further includes an end wall (243) which closes the second end (2422) of the cylinder wall (242).

4. The purge valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The at least one pressure stabilizing opening (241) comprises a plurality of pressure stabilizing openings (241) uniformly arranged around the axial direction; and / or The at least one pressure-stabilizing opening (241) comprises a plurality of rows of pressure-stabilizing openings (241) arranged around the axial direction, and two adjacent rows of pressure-stabilizing openings (241) in the plurality of rows of pressure-stabilizing openings (241) are arranged staggered in the axial direction; and / or The at least one pressure stabilizing opening (241) is arranged offset in the axial direction relative to the pressure stabilizing chamber inlet (2311).

5. The purge valve according to any one of claims 1 to 2 and 4, characterized in that: The diameter of the pressure stabilizing opening (241) is between 5 mm and 10 mm; and / or The voltage stabilizer (24) is constructed as a metal part; and / or A plurality of protrusions (244) and / or a plurality of recesses (245) are provided on at least one of the inner surface of the regulator (24) facing the inner cavity (2312), the outer surface of the regulator (24) facing the outer cavity (2313), and the inner surface of the first shell (23) facing the pressure stabilizing cavity (231).

6. The purge valve according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4, characterized in that: The first housing (23) comprises a first wall (232) and a second wall (233) opposite to each other, and a side wall (234) connecting the first wall (232) and the second wall (233), the first wall (232), the second wall (233) and the side wall (234) together enclose a pressure stabilizing chamber (231), and a pressure stabilizing chamber outlet (235) is arranged in the first wall (232), so that the discharged fluid can flow out of the pressure stabilizing chamber (231) through the pressure stabilizing chamber outlet (235), wherein: The pressurizer (24) is arranged on the first wall (232), so that the pressurizer (24) and the first wall (232) together enclose an inner cavity (2312); and / or The second wall (233) and the side wall (234) are both spaced apart from the pressurizer (24), so that the outer cavity (2313) is formed between the second wall (233) and the side wall (234) and the pressurizer (24); and / or A pressure-stabilizing chamber inlet (2311) is formed in the side wall (234).

7. The purge valve according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4, characterized in that: The purge valve (2) further comprises a second housing (25) enclosing a valve core cavity (251), the exhaust port (21) being formed in the second housing (25), the valve core (22) being at least partially accommodated in the valve core cavity (251), and the valve core (22) being movable between a closed position and an open position, so that the valve core (22) closes the exhaust port (21) in the closed position and opens the exhaust port (21) in the open position.

8. The purge valve according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second housing (25) is embedded in the first housing (23); and / or The second shell (25) partially extends into the inner cavity (2312).

9. An electrochemical cell, characterized in that: The electrochemical cell comprises a cell stack (1) and a purge valve (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the purge valve (2) being connected to the cell stack (1) so that exhaust fluid from the cell stack (1) of the electrochemical cell can be discharged through an exhaust port (21) of the purge valve (2).

10. The electrochemical cell according to claim 9, characterized in that The electrochemical cell is a hydrogen fuel cell; and / or The purge valve (2) is connected to the anode (11) of the battery stack (1).

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