Fuel cell hydrothermal management system
By designing a fuel cell water-heat management system, the problem of improper heat and water management in the fuel cell is solved, the self-circulation of heat and water is achieved, and the energy conversion efficiency is improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421912242.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-08-08
AI Technical Summary
In the process of converting chemical energy into electrical energy, improper heat and water management in existing fuel cells leads to high energy consumption and reduced conversion efficiency.
A fuel cell water and heat management system is designed, which includes a water and heat management unit, an oxidant management unit, a fuel gas management unit and a gas humidification unit. The sensor monitoring and control system regulates the recycling of heat and water, realizes the self-circulation of heat and water, and reduces energy consumption.
The internal circulation of fuel cell heat and water is realized, which reduces the heat dissipation demand and improves the energy conversion efficiency of the fuel cell.
Smart Images
Figure CN223333809U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present application relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular to a fuel cell water heat management system. Background Art
[0002] A fuel cell is a chemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy, also known as an electrochemical generator. It represents the fourth generation of power generation technology, following hydropower, thermal power, and nuclear power. Because fuel cells convert the Gibbs free energy portion of the fuel's chemical energy into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction, they are not subject to the limitations of the Carnot cycle and therefore offer high efficiency. Furthermore, fuel cells use fuel and oxygen as raw materials and lack mechanical transmission components, resulting in zero noise pollution and minimal emissions of harmful gases. Therefore, from the perspective of energy conservation and ecological protection, fuel cells are the most promising power generation technology.
[0003] Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy, requiring a reaction gas management unit, a hydrothermal management unit, and an electrical management unit. This conversion process releases a significant amount of heat, requiring a heat sink to maintain continuous fuel cell operation. This process also consumes significant energy. Furthermore, to ensure fuel cell conversion efficiency, the supplied reaction gas requires humidity management. This typically involves humidification, which consumes significant energy to vaporize the water required for humidification. This reduces fuel cell conversion efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a fuel cell water heat management system to achieve self-circulation of heat released by the fuel cell, reduce energy consumption, and improve the energy conversion efficiency of the fuel cell.
[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present utility model provides the following technical solutions.
[0006] The embodiment of the present application discloses a fuel cell water and heat management system, wherein the fuel cell device includes a water and heat management unit, an oxidant management unit, a fuel gas management unit, and a gas humidification unit.
[0007] The hydrothermal management unit is used to effectively discharge the heat generated by the battery stack during the electrochemical reaction process to maintain the battery stack operating within a suitable temperature range;
[0008] The oxidant management unit provides the required oxygen to the fuel cell stack during the electrochemical reaction process;
[0009] The fuel gas management unit provides the required hydrogen for the fuel cell stack during the electrochemical reaction process;
[0010] The gas humidification unit provides the required water vapor for the fuel cell stack during the electrochemical reaction process.
[0011] Preferably, in the above-mentioned fuel cell hydrothermal management system, the hydrothermal management unit includes the fuel cell stack, heat exchanger, and thermostat to which the heat transfer medium is connected in a circular manner through pipelines at the head and tail ends, and also includes a sensor for monitoring the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet and outlet of the fuel cell stack. Two thermostats are provided, and a cooling fan is provided on the pipeline between the two thermostats. The opening of the thermostat, the speed of the water pump, and the speed of the cooling fan are adjusted in real time according to the temperature data of the sensor monitored in real time.
[0012] Preferably, in the above-mentioned fuel cell water thermal management system, the heat generated by the fuel cell stack is transferred to the gas humidification unit through the heat exchanger.
[0013] Preferably, in the above-mentioned fuel cell water thermal management system, the oxidant management unit includes a filter, an air compressor and a first humidifier arranged in sequence along the oxidant gas delivery direction. After the oxidant gas is filtered by the filter, it is pressurized to a suitable pressure by the air compressor, and then undergoes gas-liquid humidification treatment by the first humidifier before entering the fuel cell stack to participate in the electrochemical reaction. After the remaining oxidant and the generated hot water pass through the first gas-liquid separator, the oxidant is discharged through the tail drain, and the hot water is circulated to the gas humidification unit through a water pump for recycling.
[0014] Preferably, in the above-mentioned fuel cell water thermal management system, the fuel gas management unit includes a filter, a pressure reducing valve and a second humidifier arranged in sequence along the fuel gas delivery direction. After the fuel gas is filtered by the filter, it is reduced to a pressure suitable for the operation of the fuel cell stack through the pressure reducing valve, and then enters the fuel cell stack after gas-liquid humidification treatment by the second humidifier to participate in the electrochemical reaction. After the remaining fuel gas and the generated hot water pass through the second gas-liquid separator, the unreacted fuel gas enters the hydrogen circulation system through the solenoid valve, and the hot water is circulated to the gas humidification unit through a water pump for recycling.
[0015] Preferably, in the above-mentioned fuel cell water thermal management system, the gas humidification unit includes a membrane humidifier with a hydrophilic hollow membrane tube, and the dry gas flows through the inside of the membrane tube, while hot water flows on the outside of the membrane tube. Through the heat and moisture exchange between the inside and outside of the membrane tube, the dry gas absorbs moisture and heat, thereby achieving a humidification effect.
[0016] Preferably, the above-mentioned fuel cell water thermal management system also includes a water tank with its own heating device. The water pump drives the hot water separated by the gas-liquid separator into the water tank for heating and then transported to the membrane humidifier through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger provides additional heat, and the flowing water out of the membrane humidifier flows back to the water tank.
[0017] Preferably, in the above-mentioned fuel cell water thermal management system, the gas humidification unit includes a bubbling humidifier or a spray humidifier with its own heating device. The water pump drives the hot water separated by the gas-liquid separator to be transported to the bubbling humidifier or the spray humidifier through the heat exchanger for heating. The heat exchanger provides additional heat, and the flowing water coming out of the bubbling humidifier or the spray humidifier continues to be transported to the heat exchanger.
[0018] Compared to existing technologies, the present invention offers the advantage of controlling the heat and water generated by the fuel cell for humidity management of the fuel cell's supply gas. This achieves internal circulation of fuel cell heat and water, alleviating the fuel cell's heat dissipation requirements while also addressing the heat and water requirements for humidification control of the fuel cell's reactant gas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.
[0020] Figure 1 Flowchart of the fuel cell water thermal management system in Example 1;
[0021] Figure 2 The flowchart of the fuel cell water thermal management system in Example 2 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following is a detailed description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0023] In Example 1, the fuel cell water heat management system is as follows Figure 1 As shown:
[0024] 1. Hydrothermal management unit: The hydrothermal management module of the fuel cell is mainly used to effectively discharge the heat generated by the stack during the electrochemical reaction process to maintain the stack operating within a suitable temperature range. Deionized water or special coolant is usually used as the heat transfer medium in the hydrothermal management system. The circulation is driven by water pump 1. Sensors 1 and 2 monitor the inlet and outlet coolant temperatures of the stack in real time and transmit the data to the control system. The control system adjusts the opening of thermostat 1 and thermostat 2, the speed of the water pump and the speed of the radiator fan according to the real-time data to ensure that the stack operates within the optimal temperature range. Part of the heat generated by the stack can be transferred to the humidification unit through the heat exchanger to humidify the reaction gas.
[0025] 2. Oxidant Management Unit: The OMU is a key component for ensuring efficient and stable operation of the fuel cell. Its function is to provide the oxygen required for the reaction, which can be pure oxygen or air. The oxidant gas is filtered through filter 1 and pressurized to an appropriate pressure by an air compressor. After undergoing gas-to-liquid exchange treatment in humidifier 1, it enters the fuel cell stack and participates in the electrochemical reaction. The remaining oxidant and the generated hot water pass through gas-liquid separator 1. The oxidant is then discharged through the tailpipe, while the hot water is circulated to the humidification unit via a water pump for recycling.
[0026] 3. Fuel Gas Management Unit: The fuel gas management unit is a key component for ensuring efficient and stable operation of the fuel cell. It provides the hydrogen required for the reaction, typically pure hydrogen. After being filtered through filter 2, the fuel gas is reduced to a pressure suitable for the stack by a pressure reducing valve. After undergoing gas-to-liquid exchange in humidifier 2, it enters the stack and participates in the electrochemical reaction. The remaining fuel gas and the generated hot water pass through gas-liquid separator 2. The unreacted fuel gas enters the hydrogen circulation system through solenoid valve 1, and the hot water is circulated to the humidification unit via a water pump for recycling.
[0027] 4. Gas Humidification Unit: The main purpose of the gas humidification unit is to add an appropriate amount of water vapor to the gas (usually air, pure oxygen, or hydrogen) entering the fuel cell. This is because the proton exchange membrane must remain moist to effectively conduct protons, thereby improving the conductivity and performance of the fuel cell. The humidifier uses a special hydrophilic hollow membrane tube. Dry gas (air, pure oxygen, or hydrogen) flows through the membrane tube, while hot water flows outside the membrane tube. Through the heat and moisture exchange between the inside and outside of the membrane tube, the dry gas absorbs water and heat, achieving the humidification effect. The gas humidification unit primarily uses deionized water as the heat transfer medium. The water tank has a built-in heating device (heating water tank) to provide the hot water required for humidification. A water pump circulates the deionized water. A heat exchanger provides additional heat to the gas humidification unit (waste heat generated by the fuel cell reaction), which reduces the power consumption of the water tank heating device. A gas-liquid separator provides water replenishment for the gas humidification unit.
[0028] In Example 2, the fuel cell water heat management system is as follows Figure 2 As shown:
[0029] 1. Hydrothermal management unit: The hydrothermal management module of the fuel cell is mainly used to effectively discharge the heat generated by the stack during the electrochemical reaction process to maintain the stack operating within a suitable temperature range. Deionized water or special coolant is usually used as the heat transfer medium in the hydrothermal management system. The circulation is driven by water pump 1. Sensors 1 and 2 monitor the inlet and outlet coolant temperatures of the stack in real time and transmit the data to the control system. The control system adjusts the opening of thermostat 1 and thermostat 2, the speed of the water pump and the speed of the radiator fan according to the real-time data to ensure that the stack operates within the optimal temperature range. Part of the heat generated by the stack can be transferred to the humidification unit through the heat exchanger to humidify the reaction gas.
[0030] 2. Oxidant Management Unit: The OMU is a key component for ensuring efficient and stable operation of the fuel cell. Its function is to provide the oxygen required for the reaction, which can be pure oxygen or air. The oxidant gas is filtered through filter 1 and pressurized to an appropriate pressure by an air compressor. After undergoing gas-to-liquid exchange treatment in humidifier 1, it enters the fuel cell stack and participates in the electrochemical reaction. The remaining oxidant and the generated hot water pass through gas-liquid separator 1. The oxidant is then discharged through the tailpipe, while the hot water is circulated to the humidification unit via a water pump for recycling.
[0031] 3. Fuel Gas Management Unit: The fuel gas management unit is a key component for ensuring efficient and stable operation of the fuel cell. It provides the hydrogen required for the reaction, typically pure hydrogen. After being filtered through filter 2, the fuel gas is reduced to a pressure suitable for the stack by a pressure reducing valve. After undergoing gas-to-liquid exchange in humidifier 2, it enters the stack and participates in the electrochemical reaction. The remaining fuel gas and the generated hot water pass through gas-liquid separator 2. The unreacted fuel gas enters the hydrogen circulation system through solenoid valve 3, and the hot water is circulated to the humidification unit via a water pump for recycling.
[0032] 4. Gas Humidification Unit: The main purpose of the gas humidification unit is to add an appropriate amount of water vapor to the gas (usually air, pure oxygen, or hydrogen) entering the fuel cell. This is because the proton exchange membrane must remain moist to effectively conduct protons, thereby improving the conductivity and performance of the fuel cell. The humidifier uses a bubbler or spray humidifier, and the dry gas (air, pure oxygen, or hydrogen) absorbs moisture and heat, thereby achieving the humidification effect. The gas humidification unit primarily uses deionized water as the heat transfer medium. The humidifier has an internal heating device to provide the hot water required for humidification. A water pump circulates the deionized water, and a heat exchanger provides additional heat (waste heat generated by the stack reaction) to the gas humidification unit, thereby reducing the power consumption of the water tank heating device. A gas-liquid separator provides water replenishment for the gas humidification unit.
[0033] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply the existence of any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the element.
[0034] The above is only a specific implementation method of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present application.
Claims
1. A fuel cell water thermal management system, characterized in that: The fuel cell device includes a hydrothermal management unit, an oxidant management unit, a fuel gas management unit, and a gas humidification unit. The hydrothermal management unit is used to effectively discharge the heat generated by the battery stack during the electrochemical reaction process to maintain the battery stack operating within a suitable temperature range; The oxidant management unit provides the required oxygen to the fuel cell stack during the electrochemical reaction process; The fuel gas management unit provides the required hydrogen for the fuel cell stack during the electrochemical reaction process; The gas humidification unit provides the required water vapor for the fuel cell stack during the electrochemical reaction process.
2. The fuel cell water thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrothermal management unit includes the fuel cell stack, heat exchanger, and thermostat, to which the heat transfer medium is connected in a circular manner through a pipeline. It also includes a sensor for monitoring the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet and outlet of the fuel cell stack. Two thermostats are provided, and a cooling fan is provided on the pipeline between the two thermostats. The opening of the thermostat, the speed of the water pump, and the speed of the cooling fan are adjusted in real time according to the temperature data of the sensor monitored in real time.
3. The fuel cell water thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat generated by the fuel cell stack is transferred to the gas humidification unit through the heat exchanger.
4. The fuel cell water thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oxidant management unit includes a filter, an air compressor and a first humidifier arranged in sequence along the oxidant gas delivery direction. After the oxidant gas is filtered by the filter, it is pressurized to an appropriate pressure by the air compressor, and then undergoes gas-liquid humidification treatment by the first humidifier before entering the fuel cell stack to participate in the electrochemical reaction. After the remaining oxidant and the generated hot water pass through the first gas-liquid separator, the oxidant is discharged through the tail drain, and the hot water is circulated to the gas humidification unit through a water pump for recycling.
5. The fuel cell water thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fuel gas management unit includes a filter, a pressure reducing valve and a second humidifier arranged in sequence along the fuel gas delivery direction. After the fuel gas is filtered by the filter, it is reduced to a pressure suitable for the operation of the fuel cell stack through the pressure reducing valve. After the fuel gas is subjected to gas-liquid humidification treatment by the second humidifier, it enters the fuel cell stack to participate in the electrochemical reaction. After the remaining fuel gas and the generated hot water pass through the second gas-liquid separator, the unreacted fuel gas enters the hydrogen circulation system through the solenoid valve, and the hot water is circulated to the gas humidification unit through a water pump for recycling.
6. The fuel cell water thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas humidification unit includes a membrane humidifier with a hydrophilic hollow membrane tube. Dry gas flows through the inside of the membrane tube, and hot water flows outside the membrane tube. Through the heat and moisture exchange between the inside and outside of the membrane tube, the dry gas absorbs moisture and heat, thereby achieving a humidification effect.
7. The fuel cell water thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a water tank with a built-in heating device. The water pump drives the hot water separated by the gas-liquid separator into the water tank for heating and then transported to the membrane humidifier through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger provides additional heat, and the water coming out of the membrane humidifier flows back to the water tank.
8. The fuel cell water thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas humidification unit includes a bubbling humidifier or a spray humidifier with a built-in heating device. The hot water separated by the gas-liquid separator is driven by a water pump and transported to the bubbling humidifier or the spray humidifier through a heat exchanger for heating. The heat exchanger provides additional heat, and the flowing water from the bubbling humidifier or the spray humidifier is continued to be transported to the heat exchanger.