Air compressor for fuel cell and fuel cell

Abstract

The utility model discloses an air compressor for a fuel cell and the fuel cell, and relates to the technical field of air compressors, the air compressor is characterized in that an air compressor shell defines a mounting cavity, the air compressor shell is provided with a bearing mounting wall, the bearing mounting wall is provided with an air bearing, a stator part is arranged in the mounting cavity, and the stator part is arranged in the mounting cavity; the rotor part is installed on the air bearing so that the rotor part can be rotatably arranged on the air compressor shell, an air flowing gap is formed between the air bearing and the rotor part, a first exhaust flow channel is formed in the bearing installation wall, and the first exhaust flow channel communicates with the air flowing gap and the outside of the air compressor. And the air for cooling the air bearing is exhausted out of the air compressor through the first exhaust flow channel. Therefore, the first exhaust flow channel can be separated from the end wall of the stator part, so that the cooling gas passing through the air bearing is prevented from flowing through the end wall of the stator part, the cooling gas subjected to heat exchange with the air bearing is prevented from secondarily heating the stator part, and the overheating risk of the motor can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air compressor technology, and in particular to an air compressor for fuel cells and a fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, air compressors for fuel cells operate at relatively high speeds (typically exceeding 100,000 rpm) and require an oil-free environment. Therefore, air bearings are commonly used in air compressors. When air bearings operate at high speeds, they generate significant heat due to friction with the air, which can affect their lifespan or even directly damage them. To reduce the temperature of the air bearings, cooling air is usually introduced. However, in existing air compressors, the cooling air used to cool the air bearings flows through the stator end wall. The temperature of the cooling air after passing through the air bearings can reach 190°C. When it passes through the stator end wall again, it will reheat the stator, making heat dissipation difficult, increasing the temperature, and even burning out the motor. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one objective of this invention is to provide an air compressor for fuel cells that prevents cooling gas passing through the air bearings from flowing through the end walls of the stator, thereby preventing secondary heating of the stator by the cooling gas passing through the air bearings and reducing the risk of motor overheating.

[0004] This invention further proposes a fuel cell having the above-mentioned air compressor for fuel cells.

[0005] An air compressor for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an air compressor housing defining an installation cavity, the air compressor housing having a bearing mounting wall on which an air bearing is mounted; a stator and a rotor, the stator being disposed within the installation cavity, the rotor being mounted on the air bearing to rotatably dispose of the rotor within the air compressor housing, a gas flow gap being formed between the air bearing and the rotor, the rotor and stator cooperating; a first exhaust channel being formed within the bearing mounting wall, the first exhaust channel connecting the gas flow gap and the outside of the air compressor, so that gas cooling the air bearing is discharged from the air compressor through the first exhaust channel.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air compressor for a fuel cell has a first exhaust channel formed inside the bearing mounting wall. The first exhaust channel connects the gas flow gap and the outside of the air compressor, so that the gas cooling the air bearing is discharged from the air compressor through the first exhaust channel. This can separate the first exhaust channel from the end wall of the stator, so as to prevent the cooling gas passing through the air bearing from flowing through the end wall of the stator. This avoids the cooling gas after heat exchange with the air bearing from reheating the stator, thereby reducing the risk of motor overheating.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an air bearing is sleeved on the rotor section to form a gas flow gap between the air bearing and the rotor section.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first exhaust channel has an exhaust channel inlet, and a connecting channel is formed between the side wall of the stator and the side wall of the rotor, the connecting channel connecting the exhaust channel inlet and the gas flow gap.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first exhaust channel includes multiple first channel segments, which are connected sequentially along the extension direction of the first exhaust channel, and any two adjacent first channel segments are bent and connected.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, any two adjacent first flow channel segments are perpendicular to each other.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air compressor housing has a second exhaust channel, which connects the first exhaust channel and the outside of the air compressor.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air compressor housing also has a housing sidewall adjacent to the bearing mounting wall, and the housing sidewall forms a second exhaust channel.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second exhaust channel includes multiple second channel segments, which are connected sequentially along the extension direction of the second exhaust channel, and any two adjacent second channel segments are bent and connected.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air compressor for fuel cells further includes: a heat-conducting structure disposed in the mounting cavity, the outer surface of the stator being provided with the heat-conducting structure, and the heat-conducting structure abutting against the air compressor housing.

[0015] The fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the air compressor for the fuel cell described in the above embodiments.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air compressor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure label:

[0020] Air compressor 100;

[0021] Air compressor housing 10; mounting cavity 11; bearing mounting wall 12; air bearing 13; rotor section 14; stator section 15; housing side wall 16;

[0022] Gas flow gap 20; connecting channel 21;

[0023] First exhaust channel 30; exhaust channel inlet 31; first channel section 32;

[0024] Second exhaust channel 40; Second channel section 41;

[0025] Thermally conductive structure 50. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0027] The following is for reference. Figure 1 This invention describes an air compressor 100 for a fuel cell and a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] An air compressor 100 for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an air compressor housing 10 defining a mounting cavity 11, the air compressor housing 10 having a bearing mounting wall 12, on which an air bearing 13 is mounted; a stator portion 15 and a rotor portion 14, the stator portion 15 being disposed within the mounting cavity 11, the rotor portion 14 being mounted on the air bearing 13 such that the rotor portion 14 is rotatably disposed within the air compressor housing 10, a gas flow gap 20 being formed between the air bearing 13 and the rotor portion 14, the rotor portion 14 and the stator portion 15 cooperating; a first exhaust channel 30 being formed within the bearing mounting wall 12, the first exhaust channel 30 connecting the gas flow gap 20 and the outside of the air compressor 100, so that gas cooling the air bearing 13 is discharged from the air compressor 100 through the first exhaust channel 30.

[0029] The air compressor housing 10 defines a mounting cavity 11. The air compressor housing 10 has a bearing mounting wall 12, on which an air bearing 13 is mounted. The air bearing 13 has high rotational accuracy and low spindle movement error, ensuring stable performance of the air compressor 100 during high-speed operation. The stator 15 is located within the mounting cavity 11 and fixed to the air compressor housing 10. The rotor 14 can pass through the air compressor housing 10 and is mounted on the air bearing 13, allowing the rotor 14 to be rotatably mounted on the air compressor housing 10. The rotor 14 achieves non-contact support with the air compressor housing 10 through the air bearing 13, which greatly reduces friction and wear during operation, enabling the air compressor 100 to maintain high-efficiency operation for extended periods. A gas flow gap 20 is formed between the air bearing 13 and the rotor section 14 for the flow of cooling gas. The cooling gas flowing through the gas flow gap 20 effectively removes heat, reducing the operating temperature of the air bearing 13 and the rotor section 14, helping to prevent overheating and potential thermal damage. The cooling gas in the gas flow gap 20 can form a lubricating film between the air bearing 13 and the rotor section 14, reducing physical contact and friction, thereby extending the service life of the air bearing 13 and the rotor section 14. The rotor section 14 and the stator section 15 work together, which is beneficial for the air compressor 100 to achieve more efficient and stable operation.

[0030] A first exhaust channel 30 is formed within the bearing mounting wall 12, spaced apart from the stator portion 15. The first exhaust channel 30 connects the gas flow gap 20 and the outside of the air compressor 100, allowing the gas cooling the air bearing 13 to be discharged from the air compressor 100 through the first exhaust channel 30. As an example, the first exhaust channel 30 has an exhaust channel inlet 31 and an exhaust channel outlet. The exhaust channel inlet 31 directly connects to the gas flow gap 20, and the exhaust channel outlet is located on the outer wall surface of the bearing mounting wall 12, thus connecting the first exhaust channel 30 to the gas flow gap 20 and the outside of the air compressor 100. As another example, the first exhaust channel 30 has an exhaust channel inlet 31 and an exhaust channel outlet. The exhaust channel inlet 31 can indirectly connect to the gas flow gap 20 through the mounting cavity 11, and the exhaust channel outlet can connect to the outside of the air compressor 100 through a flow channel on the air compressor housing 10, thus connecting the first exhaust channel 30 to the gas flow gap 20 and the outside of the air compressor 100.

[0031] The first exhaust channel 30 provides a smooth discharge passage for the gas cooling the air bearing 13, allowing the cooling gas to be quickly discharged from the first exhaust channel 30 to the outside of the air compressor 100. This helps to reduce the operating temperature of the air bearing 13 and prevent performance degradation or damage to the air bearing 13 due to overheating. Furthermore, the bearing mounting wall 12 abuts against the end wall of the stator portion 15, and the first exhaust channel 30 is formed inside the bearing mounting wall 12, effectively separating the first exhaust channel 30 from the end wall of the stator portion 15. This prevents the cooling gas, after absorbing heat from the air bearing 13, from contacting the end wall of the stator portion 15 and causing secondary heating of the stator portion 15. This helps protect the stator portion 15 from high-temperature damage, extends the service life of the motor, and consequently extends the service life of the air compressor 100.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air compressor 100 for a fuel cell has a first exhaust channel 30 formed in the bearing mounting wall 12. The first exhaust channel 30 connects the gas flow gap 20 and the outside of the air compressor 100, so that the gas cooling the air bearing 13 is discharged from the air compressor 100 through the first exhaust channel 30. This can separate the first exhaust channel 30 from the end wall of the stator 15, so as to prevent the cooling gas passing through the air bearing 13 from flowing through the end wall of the stator 15, thereby preventing the cooling gas after heat exchange with the air bearing 13 from reheating the stator 15, and reducing the risk of motor overheating.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the air bearing 13 is fitted onto the rotor section 14 to form a gas flow gap 20 between the air bearing 13 and the rotor section 14.

[0034] The gas flow gap 20 formed between the air bearing 13 and the rotor 14 significantly reduces friction between them. The rotor 14 does not need to directly contact the air bearing 13 during rotation, thus avoiding wear caused by friction, extending the service life of the air bearing 13, and reducing heat and energy loss due to friction. The gas flow gap 20 not only helps reduce friction and wear but also optimizes the heat dissipation of the air compressor 100. During the rotation of the rotor 14, cooling gas flows in the gap and carries away the generated heat, preventing the air bearing 13 from overheating and contributing to improved thermal stability and operating efficiency of the air compressor 100.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first exhaust channel 30 has an exhaust channel inlet 31, and a connecting channel 21 is formed between the side wall of the stator portion 15 and the side wall of the rotor portion 14. The connecting channel 21 connects the exhaust channel inlet 31 and the gas flow gap 20.

[0036] The connecting channel 21 connects the exhaust channel inlet 31 and the gas flow gap 20, allowing the cooling gas in the gas flow gap 20 to flow into the exhaust channel inlet 31 through the connecting channel 21. This allows the cooling gas, after cooling the air bearing 13, to be discharged from the air compressor 100 through the first exhaust channel 30, which helps to reduce the operating temperature of the air bearing 13 and thus improve the service life of the air bearing 13.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first exhaust channel 30 may include multiple first channel segments 32, which are connected sequentially along the extension direction of the first exhaust channel 30, and any two adjacent first channel segments 32 are bent and connected.

[0038] The first exhaust flow channel 30 includes multiple first flow channel segments 32. For example, the first exhaust flow channel 30 may include two, three, four or other first flow channel segments 32. However, this utility model is not limited to this. The first exhaust flow channel 30 may also include other numbers of first flow channel segments 32, as long as the first exhaust flow channel 30 includes multiple first flow channel segments 32.

[0039] The first exhaust channel 30 is designed as multiple first channel segments 32, which are connected sequentially along the extension direction of the first exhaust channel 30. Any two adjacent first channel segments 32 can be bent to connect, allowing for flexible adjustment of the shape and size of the first exhaust channel 30 to accommodate the thickness of the bearing mounting wall 12. Furthermore, the bending connection of any two adjacent first channel segments 32 creates a certain degree of curvature in the first exhaust channel 30, reducing the space occupied by the first exhaust channel 30 in the thickness direction of the bearing mounting wall 12. This helps to reduce the thickness of the bearing mounting wall 12, resulting in a more compact structure for the air compressor 100. Additionally, the turning and collision of the gas consume some energy. Since any two adjacent first channel segments 32 are perpendicular to each other, noise can be reduced by changing the gas flow direction and speed, and the impact force generated during gas flow can also be reduced, thus helping to reduce the vibration and noise of the air compressor 100.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1As shown, any two adjacent first flow channel sections 32 can be perpendicular to each other, which can make more efficient use of space, making the structure of the air compressor 100 more compact. Furthermore, the turning and collision of the gas consumes some energy. The perpendicularity of any two adjacent first flow channel sections 32 can reduce noise by changing the gas flow direction and speed, and also reduce the impact force generated during gas flow. This helps to reduce the vibration and noise of the air compressor 100, improves the stability and reliability of the equipment, and extends its service life. In addition, the design of the perpendicular first flow channel sections 32 simplifies the manufacturing process, helps to reduce manufacturing costs and improve production efficiency.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the air compressor housing 10 may have a second exhaust passage 40, which connects the first exhaust passage 30 and the outside of the air compressor 100.

[0042] In the air compressor 100, cooling gas is used to reduce the temperature of the air bearing 13 to prevent overheating and damage. The connection between the first exhaust channel 30 and the second exhaust channel 40 allows the first exhaust channel 30 to communicate with the outside of the air compressor 100. The cooling gas can flow through the air bearing 13 to absorb heat before being discharged outside the air compressor 100 via the first exhaust channel 30 and the second exhaust channel 40, thus achieving the cooling effect on the air bearing 13. Furthermore, by providing the second exhaust channel 40 in the air compressor housing 10, the cooling gas can carry away heat from the air compressor housing 10 during discharge, helping to reduce the overall temperature of the air compressor 100 and improving its operational stability and reliability.

[0043] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the air compressor housing 10 may also have a housing sidewall 16 adjacent to the bearing mounting wall 12, and the housing sidewall 16 forms a second exhaust passage 40.

[0044] The housing sidewall 16 is adjacent to the bearing mounting wall 12, which strengthens the overall structural strength of the air compressor housing 10, improves the stability and reliability of the equipment, helps resist vibration and impact during the operation of the air compressor 100, and extends the service life of the air compressor 100. The second exhaust channel 40 is located on the housing sidewall 16, which ensures that the cooling gas, after flowing through the air bearing 13, can smoothly enter the first exhaust channel 30 and the second exhaust channel 40 and be discharged outside the air compressor 100. The reasonable layout and size design of the first exhaust channel 30 and the second exhaust channel 40 can reduce the resistance and energy loss of the gas during the flow process, improve exhaust efficiency, reduce heat accumulation inside the air compressor 100, avoid overheating and damage to the air bearing 13, and help improve the overall performance and reliability of the air compressor 100 and reduce the failure rate.

[0045] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the second exhaust channel 40 may include multiple second channel segments 41, which are connected sequentially along the extension direction of the second exhaust channel 40, and any two adjacent second channel segments 41 are bent and connected.

[0046] The second exhaust flow channel 40 may include multiple second flow channel segments 41. For example, the second exhaust flow channel 40 may include two, three, four or other numbers of second flow channel segments 41. However, this utility model is not limited to this. The second exhaust flow channel 40 may also include other numbers of second flow channel segments 41, as long as the second exhaust flow channel 40 includes multiple second flow channel segments 41.

[0047] The second exhaust channel 40 is designed as multiple segments 41, which are connected sequentially along the extension direction of the second exhaust channel 40. Any two adjacent segments 41 are bent and connected, allowing for flexible adjustment of the shape and size of the second exhaust channel 40 to accommodate the thickness of the bearing mounting wall 12. Furthermore, the bending and connection of any two adjacent segments 41 creates a certain degree of curvature in the second exhaust channel 40, reducing the space occupied by the second exhaust channel 40 in the thickness direction of the bearing mounting wall 12. This helps to reduce the thickness of the bearing mounting wall 12, resulting in a more compact internal structure of the air compressor 100. Additionally, the turning and collision of the gas consume some energy; the bending and connection of any two adjacent segments 41 can reduce noise by changing the gas flow direction and speed, and also reduce the impact force generated during gas flow. This reduces the vibration and noise of the air compressor 100, contributing to improved equipment stability and reliability, and extending the equipment's service life.

[0048] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1As shown, the air compressor 100 for fuel cells may further include: a heat-conducting structure 50, which is disposed in the mounting cavity 11, and the outer surface of the stator portion 15 is provided with the heat-conducting structure 50, which abuts against the air compressor housing 10.

[0049] The heat-conducting structure 50 can be made of heat-conducting materials such as resin or phase change materials. This application uses resin as an example for illustration. Resin has excellent thermal conductivity and insulation properties, and can effectively isolate current while conducting heat, preventing electrical short circuits and other problems. The heat-conducting structure 50 is located inside the mounting cavity 11. The outer surface of the stator 15 is provided with the heat-conducting structure 50, and the heat-conducting structure 50 can abut against the air compressor housing 10 so that the heat-conducting structure 50 can promptly conduct the heat generated by the stator 15 to the air compressor housing 10 and dissipate it, thereby reducing the temperature of the stator 15 and preventing performance degradation or damage to the stator 15 due to excessive temperature. It can be noted that the heat-conducting structure 50 can be provided on part or all of the outer surface of the stator 15, and can be reasonably set according to the actual situation.

[0050] Furthermore, since the first exhaust channel 30 is located inside the bearing mounting wall 12, there is no need to set an exhaust channel between the bearing mounting wall 12 and the end wall of the stator 15, so that the heat-conducting structure 50 can fill the gap between the bearing mounting wall 12 and the end wall of the stator 15. This not only allows the heat-conducting structure 50 to absorb and dissipate the heat from the end wall of the stator 15 in a timely manner, but also prevents the first exhaust channel 30 from contacting the end wall of the stator 15. This avoids the cooling gas in the first exhaust channel 30, which has absorbed the heat from the air bearing 13, from reheating the stator 15. This improves the heat dissipation conditions of the end wall of the stator 15, thereby enhancing the cooling capacity of the motor and reducing the temperature rise of the motor.

[0051] According to the present invention, the fuel cell includes the air compressor 100 for the fuel cell in the above embodiment. It can separate the first exhaust channel 30 from the end wall of the stator 15 to prevent the cooling gas passing through the air bearing 13 from flowing through the end wall of the stator 15, thereby preventing the cooling gas after heat exchange with the air bearing 13 from reheating the stator 15 and reducing the risk of motor overheating.

[0052] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air compressor for a fuel cell, characterized in that, include: An air compressor housing defines an installation cavity and has a bearing mounting wall on which an air bearing is mounted. The compressor includes a stator and a rotor. The stator is located in the mounting cavity, and the rotor is mounted on the air bearing so that the rotor is rotatably disposed in the air compressor housing. A gas flow gap is formed between the air bearing and the rotor. The rotor and the stator work together. A first exhaust channel is formed inside the bearing mounting wall. The first exhaust channel connects the gas flow gap and the outside of the air compressor, so that the gas cooling the air bearing is discharged from the air compressor through the first exhaust channel.

2. The air compressor for fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air bearing is fitted onto the rotor portion to form the gas flow gap between the air bearing and the rotor portion.

3. The air compressor for fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first exhaust channel has an exhaust channel inlet, and a connecting channel is formed between the sidewall of the stator and the sidewall of the rotor, the connecting channel connecting the exhaust channel inlet and the gas flow gap.

4. The air compressor for fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first exhaust channel includes multiple first channel segments, which are connected sequentially along the extension direction of the first exhaust channel, and any two adjacent first channel segments are bent and connected.

5. The air compressor for a fuel cell according to claim 4, characterized in that, Any two adjacent first flow channel segments are perpendicular to each other.

6. The air compressor for a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air compressor housing has a second exhaust channel, which connects the first exhaust channel and the outside of the air compressor.

7. The air compressor for a fuel cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air compressor housing also has a housing sidewall adjacent to the bearing mounting wall, and the housing sidewall forms the second exhaust passage.

8. The air compressor for a fuel cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second exhaust channel includes multiple second channel segments, which are connected sequentially along the extension direction of the second exhaust channel, and any two adjacent second channel segments are bent and connected.

9. The air compressor for a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Also includes: A heat-conducting structure is provided inside the mounting cavity, and the outer surface of the stator is provided with the heat-conducting structure, which abuts against the air compressor housing.

10. A fuel cell, characterized in that, Includes an air compressor for a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1-9.

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