Water heat exchanger and fuel cell air system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, in particular to a water heat exchanger and a fuel cell air system.The water heat exchanger comprises a cooling shell and a heat exchange shell, the cooling shell is provided with a cooling liquid channel, the heat exchange shell is arranged on the inner side of the cooling shell, the heat exchange shell is provided with a heat exchange cavity, and the heat exchange cavity is filled with heat storage materials; the heat exchange shell and the cooling shell jointly form a cooling channel, the cooling liquid and the heat storage material jointly cool air in the cooling channel, the heat exchange shell is further provided with a heating water distribution channel, a water distribution baffle is arranged in the heating water distribution channel to separate moisture in the air, and the heat storage material heats the air in the heating water distribution channel. The heat storage material utilizes energy absorbed in the cooling process to heat air in the heating water distribution channel so as to improve the energy recovery efficiency, and the water distribution baffle separates water in the air in the heating water distribution channel. The functions of a plurality of parts in the prior art are integrated, the number of the parts can be reduced, and the arrangement space is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, in particular to a hydrothermal exchanger and a fuel cell air system. Background Art

[0002] In the field of fuel cells, the high-temperature air compressed by the compression end of an air compressor needs to be cooled and then enter a humidifier and then the fuel cell stack. During this process, heat energy is directly dissipated, resulting in a large energy loss. In addition, the air coming out of the fuel cell stack has a high humidity. If it directly enters the energy recovery end of the air compressor, liquid water will be generated, which will erode the impeller at the energy recovery end of the air compressor, leading to a reduction in durability and reliability.

[0003] In this regard, in the prior art, by setting up a heat exchanger and a water separator, the heat energy during the cooling process of high-temperature air is collected and used to heat the air entering the energy recovery end, thereby improving the efficiency of energy recovery. And by setting up a water separator, water vapor separation is carried out before the air enters the energy recovery end, so as to avoid the erosion of the impeller by liquid water at the energy recovery end. Due to the additional introduction of a heat exchanger and a water separator, the number of components in the fuel cell air system is relatively large, resulting in a need for more layout space. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a hydrothermal exchanger and a fuel cell air system to solve the problem of a relatively large number of components in the existing fuel cell air system.

[0005] The utility model provides a hydrothermal exchanger, which includes a cooling housing and a heat exchange housing. The cooling housing is provided with a coolant channel, and a coolant flows in the coolant channel. The heat exchange housing is arranged inside the cooling housing. The heat exchange housing is provided with a heat exchange cavity, and a heat storage material is filled in the heat exchange cavity. The heat exchange housing and the cooling housing together form a cooling channel. The coolant and the heat storage material jointly cool the air in the cooling channel. The heat exchange housing is also provided with a heating and water separation channel, and a plurality of water separation baffles are arranged in the heating and water separation channel. The plurality of water separation baffles are arranged at intervals on the air flow path in the heating and water separation channel. The water separation baffles are used to separate the moisture in the air in the heating and water separation channel, and the heat storage material can heat the air in the heating and water separation channel.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution of the hydrothermal exchanger, the water separation baffle is provided with an inwardly concave windward wall, and the windward wall is recessed along the air flow direction in the heating and water separation channel.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution of the hydrothermal exchanger, ventilation holes are arranged on the water separation baffle.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of the hydrothermal exchanger, a drain port and a drain valve are provided on the heat exchange housing. The drain port is communicated with the heating-up water distribution channel, and the drain port is communicated at the bottom of the heating-up water distribution channel. The drain valve is used to close or open the drain port.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of the hydrothermal exchanger, the bottom wall of the heating-up water distribution channel is inclined towards the drain port.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of the hydrothermal exchanger, the heat exchange housing further includes a water storage box. The inlet of the water storage box is communicated with the drain port, and the drain valve is arranged at the outlet of the water storage box.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of the hydrothermal exchanger, a liquid level gauge is arranged in the water storage box. The liquid level gauge is used to measure the liquid level in the water storage box. When the liquid level in the water storage box reaches the first preset value, the drain valve opens.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of the hydrothermal exchanger, the heat exchange housing is further provided with a bypass air outlet. The bypass air outlet is communicated with the heating-up water distribution channel, and a bypass valve is arranged at the bypass air outlet.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the hydrothermal exchanger, the bypass air outlet is communicated at one end of the heating-up water distribution channel far from the drain port.

[0014] The present utility model provides a fuel cell air system, which includes an air compressor and a humidifier, and further includes the hydrothermal exchanger of any of the above solutions. Along the air flow direction, the air compression end of the air compressor is connected to the cooling inlet of the cooling channel, the cooling outlet of the cooling channel is connected to the humidifier, the humidifier is connected to the inlet of the fuel cell stack, the outlet of the fuel cell stack is connected to the humidifier, the humidifier is connected to the heating inlet of the heating-up water distribution channel, and the heating outlet of the heating-up water distribution channel is connected to the energy recovery end of the air compressor.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present utility model are as follows:

[0016] The present utility model provides a hydrothermal exchanger, which is provided with a cooling channel for cooling air, and a heating-up water distribution channel for heating air and separating water vapor. During the process of cooling air in the cooling channel, the heat storage material absorbs energy and heats the air in the heating-up water distribution channel to improve the energy recovery efficiency. At the same time, the water separation baffle separates the water in the air in the heating-up water distribution channel. It integrates the functions of an intercooler, a heat exchanger, and a water separator in the prior art, which is beneficial to reducing the number of components and saving the layout space.

[0017] The present utility model provides a fuel cell air system. By setting the hydrothermal exchanger of the present utility model, on the premise of meeting the functional requirements, the number of components is reduced and the layout space is saved. Description of the Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the hydrothermal exchanger in the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural view of the cooling housing in the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural view of the heat exchange housing in the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fuel cell air system in the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0022] In the figure:

[0023] 100, air compressor; 110, air compression end; 120, energy recovery end; 200, hydrothermal exchanger; 300, humidifier; 400, fuel cell stack;

[0024] 1, heat exchange housing; 11, heating water distribution channel; 111, heating inlet; 112, heating outlet; 12, water distribution baffle; 121, windward wall; 122, ventilation hole; 13, drain port; 14, bypass air outlet; 15, water storage box; 16, drain valve; 17, bypass valve;

[0025] 2, cooling housing; 211, cooling inlet; 212, cooling outlet; 22, cooling pipe; 221, coolant inlet; 222, coolant outlet. Detailed implementation manners

[0026] Next, the technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is 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. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. Among them, the terms "first position" and "second position" are two different positions. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicating that the first feature has a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "below" and "beneath" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicating that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0028] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installed", "connected" and "coupled" 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 directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0029] The embodiments of the present utility model will be described in detail below. The examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions from beginning to end. The embodiments described below by referring to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present utility model and cannot be understood as a limitation to the present utility model.

[0030] The present utility model provides a hydrothermal exchanger 200, which is used in a fuel cell air system. The air compression end 110 of the air compressor 100 in the fuel cell air system conveys high-pressure air to the fuel cell stack 400 to ensure the progress of the combustion reaction inside the fuel cell stack 400. The air at the outlet of the fuel cell stack 400 returns to the energy recovery end 120 of the air compressor 100 for energy recovery, and is conveyed to the fuel cell stack 400 again by the air compression end 110 of the air compressor 100, thus realizing a cycle. During this process, the temperature of the air rises after compression. To avoid affecting the fuel cell stack 400, it is necessary to cool the air before it enters the fuel cell stack 400. Moreover, the air at the outlet of the fuel cell stack 400 has a high humidity. To avoid adversely affecting the operation of the air compressor 100, it is necessary to separate water vapor before the air enters the energy recovery end 120 of the air compressor 100, and at the same time, use the energy released during the cooling process of the high-temperature air to heat it, thereby improving the energy conversion efficiency.

[0031] As Figures 1-4 shown, the hydrothermal exchanger 200 provided by the present utility model can heat the air entering the energy recovery end 120 of the air compressor 100 by using the energy released during the cooling process while meeting the requirement of cooling the high-temperature air, and at the same time, it can also separate water vapor from the air to avoid adversely affecting the operation of the air compressor 100. As Figures 1-3As shown in the figure, the hydrothermal exchanger 200 includes a cooling housing 2 and a heat exchange housing 1. The internal space of the cooling housing 2 is provided with cooling pipes 22. The cooling pipes 22 can be selected from the serpentine pipes or finned pipes in the prior art. A cooling channel is formed inside the cooling pipes 22. The two ends of the cooling channel are provided with a coolant inlet 221 and a coolant outlet 222, and coolant flows in the coolant channel. The cooling housing 2 is also provided with a cooling air inlet 211 and a cooling air outlet 212, and both the cooling air inlet 211 and the cooling air outlet 212 are communicated with the internal space of the cooling housing 2 where the cooling pipes 22 are arranged. The air exchanges heat with the cooling pipes 22 during the process of flowing through the internal space of the cooling housing 2, realizing the reduction of temperature. To ensure the cooling effect, in this embodiment, the position of the coolant inlet 221 is arranged below the coolant outlet 222 to ensure that the cooling pipes 22 are filled with coolant. The heat exchange housing 1 is arranged inside the cooling housing 2, and a seal is provided between the two, so that the heat exchange housing 1 and the cooling housing 2 jointly form a cooling channel. A heat exchange cavity is provided on the heat exchange housing 1, and a heat storage material is filled inside the heat exchange cavity. When cooling the air, the coolant and the heat storage material jointly cool the air in the cooling channel. The heat storage material is a new type of chemical material that can store thermal energy. It undergoes a phase change at a specific temperature, accompanied by the absorption or release of heat, and can be used to control the temperature of the surrounding environment or store thermal energy. The specific type of the heat storage material can be selected according to the actual project and will not be specifically limited here. The heat exchange housing 1 is also provided with a heating air distribution channel 11, and the heat storage material can heat the air in the heating air distribution channel 11. During the actual operation process, on the one hand, the heat storage material cools the air in the cooling channel, absorbs thermal energy at the same time, and heats the air in the heating air distribution channel 11, releases thermal energy at the same time, realizing the reuse of part of the energy during the process of cooling high-temperature air, thus improving the energy recovery efficiency. A plurality of water distribution baffles 12 are also arranged in the heating air distribution channel 11, and the plurality of water distribution baffles 12 are arranged at intervals on the air flow path in the heating air distribution channel 11. The water distribution baffles 12 are used to separate the moisture in the air in the heating air distribution channel 11. The air in the heating air distribution channel 11 collides with the water distribution baffles 12 during the flowing process, and both the flow rate and the flow direction change, thus realizing the separation of water vapor.

[0032] In this embodiment, the hydrothermal exchanger 200 is provided with a cooling channel for cooling air, and a heating air distribution channel 11 for heating air and separating water vapor. During the process of cooling air in the cooling channel, the heat storage material absorbs energy and heats the air in the heating air distribution channel 11 to improve the energy recovery efficiency. At the same time, the water distribution baffles 12 separate the moisture in the air in the heating air distribution channel 11. It integrates the functions of the intercooler, heat exchanger and water separator in the prior art, which is beneficial to reducing the number of parts and saving the layout space.

[0033] Further, as Figure 3As shown, the water separation baffle 12 is provided with a concave windward wall 121, and the windward wall 121 is recessed along the air flow direction in the heating water separation channel 11. After the air enters the heating water separation channel 11, a part of it hits the windward wall 121. Since the recessed direction of the windward wall 121 is the same as its flow direction, vortices are formed in the air upstream of the windward wall 121 of each water separation baffle 12, thereby further enhancing the water vapor separation effect. The water separation baffle 12 is also provided with ventilation holes 122. By providing the ventilation holes 122, part of the air can continue to flow along the ventilation holes 122, thereby reducing the gas flow resistance in the heating water separation channel 11.

[0034] Optionally, please continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown, to reduce the volume occupation while improving the water vapor separation effect, the heating inlet 111 and the heating outlet 112 of the heating water separation channel 11 are located on the same side of the heat exchange housing 1, so that the heating water separation channel 11 is a U-shaped structure opening to the left or right, and a partition is provided in the middle to reduce the volume occupation. And at the position where the heating water separation channel 11 turns, due to the sharp turn of the air flow direction, the water vapor separation effect can be further improved. Please combine Figure 3 As shown, on the upper side of the U-shaped heating water separation channel 11, along the air flow direction, the cross-sectional area of the heating water separation channel 11 gradually increases, and the area of the windward wall 121 of the corresponding water separation baffle 12 increases. By providing multiple water separation baffles 12, the water vapor separation effect is ensured. In addition, as the area of the windward wall 121 of the water separation baffle 12 increases, the number of ventilation holes 122 correspondingly increases to avoid excessive flow resistance at a certain stage of the water separation baffle 12.

[0035] Furthermore, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, a drain port 13 is provided in the heat exchange housing 1. The drain port 13 is communicated with the heating water distribution channel 11, and the drain port 13 is communicated at the bottom of the heating water distribution channel 11 to ensure that the separated water can be completely discharged through the drain port 13. To prevent air from escaping from the drain port 13, a drain valve 16 is provided at the drain port 13. The drain valve 16 is used to close or open the drain port 13. When the water in the heating water distribution channel 11 accumulates to a certain extent, the drain valve 16 is opened to discharge the water, and the drain valve 16 is closed after the water is drained completely. To further enhance the drainage effect, the bottom wall of the heating water distribution channel 11 is inclined towards the drain port 13, so that the separated water flows along the bottom wall towards the drain port 13 after falling onto the bottom wall, and the water can be drained completely as soon as the drain valve 16 is opened. When the drain valve 16 is closed, the high-speed air flow may blow out the accumulated water from the heating outlet 112, which has an adverse effect on the operation of the air compressor 100. Therefore, in another embodiment of the utility model, the heat exchange housing 1 further includes a water storage box 15. The inlet of the water storage box 15 is communicated with the drain port 13. The drain valve 16 is changed from being provided at the drain port 13 to being provided at the outlet of the water storage box 15, and the outlet of the water storage box 15 is set lower than the drain port 13. The separated water enters the water storage box 15 through the drain port 13 and accumulates, and the water level is below the drain port 13, ensuring that there is no water accumulation inside the heating water distribution channel 11. A liquid level gauge (not shown in the figure) is provided in the water storage box 15. The liquid level gauge is used to measure the liquid level in the water storage box 15. When the liquid level in the water storage box 15 reaches a first preset value, the drain valve 16 is opened. Specifically, the first preset value is determined according to the depth of the water storage box 15 and the elevation difference between the outlet of the water storage box 15 and the drain port 13, ensuring that when the liquid level in the water storage box 15 reaches the first preset value, the liquid level height is still lower than the drain port 13, and further ensuring that there is no water accumulation inside the heating water distribution channel 11. The liquid level gauge is preferably a liquid level sensor, and the drain valve 16 is preferably a solenoid valve. The liquid level sensor and the solenoid valve are both connected to the controller. When the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level in the water storage box 15 reaches the first preset value, the controller opens the solenoid valve. When the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level in the water storage box 15 reaches the second preset value, the controller closes the solenoid valve, where the first preset value is greater than the second preset value. The controller can be selected as a single-chip microcomputer, and its internal operation is a control program in the prior art. The related structure and control principle are not described in detail here. In other embodiments, the liquid level gauge can also be set as a float structure, which is connected to the drain valve 16. The float rises with the liquid level and lifts the valve core of the drain valve 16 to open the drain valve 16. The float drops with the liquid level, and the valve core of the drain valve 16 drops under the action of gravity to close the drain valve 16. The related specific structure is also the prior art in this field and will not be described in detail here.

[0036] Furthermore, please continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the heat exchange housing 1 is further provided with a bypass air outlet 14, and the bypass air outlet 14 is communicated with the heating water distribution channel 11. A bypass valve 17 is provided at the bypass air outlet 14. When the air flow rate in the heating water distribution channel 11 exceeds the limit value, the excess air is discharged from the bypass valve 17. In this way, the flow resistance in the heating water distribution channel 11 is prevented from increasing. The bypass air outlet 14 is communicated with one end of the heating water distribution channel 11 far from the drain outlet 13, so as to avoid the situation of water-gas interference. Specifically, the bypass air outlet 14 is arranged at a position close to the heating outlet 112, and the drain outlet 13 is arranged at a position far from the heating outlet 112.

[0037] The present utility model also provides a fuel cell air system, which includes an air compressor 100, a humidifier 300 and the hydrothermal exchanger 200 in this embodiment. Please refer to Figure 4 As shown, along the air flow direction, from the air compression end 110 of the air compressor 100 to the direction of the fuel cell stack 400, the air compression end 110 of the air compressor 100 is connected to the cooling inlet 211 of the cooling channel, the cooling outlet 212 of the cooling channel is connected to the humidifier 300, and the humidifier 300 is connected to the inlet of the fuel cell stack 400. Along the direction from the fuel cell stack 400 to the energy recovery end 120 of the air compressor 100, the outlet of the fuel cell stack 400 is connected to the humidifier 300, the humidifier 300 is connected to the heating inlet 111 of the heating water distribution channel 11 of the hydrothermal exchanger 200, and the heating outlet 112 of the heating water distribution channel 11 is connected to the energy recovery end 120 of the air compressor 100. By arranging the hydrothermal exchanger 200 of the present utility model, on the premise of meeting the functional requirements, the number of components is reduced and the layout space is saved.

[0038] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present utility model are only examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, rather than limiting the implementation manners of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made on the basis of the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the implementation manners here. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hydrothermal exchanger, characterized in that, Comprising: A cooling housing (2) provided with a coolant passage through which coolant flows; A heat exchange housing (1) disposed inside the cooling housing (2). The heat exchange housing (1) is provided with a heat exchange cavity filled with a heat storage material. The heat exchange housing (1) and the cooling housing (2) together form a cooling passage. The coolant and the heat storage material jointly cool the air in the cooling passage. The heat exchange housing (1) is further provided with a heating water distribution passage (11) in which a plurality of water distribution baffles (12) are provided. The plurality of water distribution baffles (12) are spaced apart on the air flow path in the heating water distribution passage (11). The water distribution baffles (12) are used to separate the moisture in the air in the heating water distribution passage (11), and the heat storage material can heat the air in the heating water distribution passage (11).

2. The hydrothermal exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The water distribution baffle (12) is provided with a concave windward wall (121) that is recessed along the air flow direction in the heating water distribution passage (11).

3. The hydrothermal exchanger according to claim 1, wherein Vent holes (122) are provided on the water distribution baffle (12).

4. The hydrothermal exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange housing (1) is provided with a drain port (13) and a drain valve (16). The drain port (13) is communicated with the heating water distribution passage (11). The drain port (13) is communicated at the bottom of the heating water distribution passage (11). The drain valve (16) is used to close or open the drain port (13).

5. The hydrothermal exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the heating water distribution passage (11) is inclined towards the drain port (13).

6. The hydrothermal exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat exchange housing (1) further includes a water storage box (15). The inlet of the water storage box (15) is communicated with the drain port (13), and the drain valve (16) is provided at the outlet of the water storage box (15).

7. The hydrothermal exchanger according to claim 6, characterized in that, A liquid level gauge is provided in the water storage box (15) for measuring the liquid level in the water storage box (15). When the liquid level in the water storage box (15) reaches a first preset value, the drain valve (16) opens.

8. The hydrothermal exchanger according to claim 4, wherein, The heat exchange housing (1) is further provided with a bypass air outlet (14) that is communicated with the heating water distribution passage (11), and a bypass valve (17) is provided at the bypass air outlet (14).

9. The hydrothermal exchanger according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bypass air outlet (14) is communicated at one end of the heating water distribution passage (11) away from the drain port (13).

10. Fuel cell air system, comprising an air compressor (100) and a humidifier (300), characterized in that, It further includes the hydrothermal exchanger (200) according to any one of claims 1-9. Along the air flow direction, the air compression end (110) of the air compressor (100) is connected to the cooling inlet (211) of the cooling channel, the cooling outlet (212) of the cooling channel is connected to the humidifier (300), the humidifier (300) is connected to the inlet of the fuel cell stack (400), the outlet of the fuel cell stack (400) is connected to the humidifier (300), the humidifier (300) is connected to the heating inlet (111) of the heating water distribution channel (11), and the heating outlet (112) of the heating water distribution channel (11) is connected to the energy recovery end (120) of the air compressor (100).

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