Fuel cell wastewater recovery treatment device and fuel cell vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a fuel cell waste water recovery treatment device and a fuel cell vehicle, the fuel cell waste water recovery treatment device comprises a gas-water separation assembly, the gas-water separation assembly comprises a first gas-water separator and a second gas-water separator, the first gas-water separator is installed on an air discharge pipeline of a galvanic pile, and the second gas-water separator is installed on an air discharge pipeline of a galvanic pile; the second gas-water separator is mounted on a hydrogen discharge pipeline of the electric pile; the water collecting tank assembly comprises a water collecting tank, the water collecting tank is provided with two separated water inlets and at least one water outlet, and the two water inlets are connected with the first gas-water separator and the second gas-water separator respectively; and the recycling assembly is connected with at least one water outlet of the water collecting tank. According to the device, product moisture on the air side and the hydrogen side can be recovered at the same time, waste water is collected in the water collecting tank for reuse of the recycling assembly, the problem that the road surface is iced due to the fact that the product water is directly scattered on the road surface is solved, and economic benefits and environmental benefits of vehicle operation are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more specifically, to a fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device and a fuel cell vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] A hydrogen fuel cell system is a power generation system that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through an oxidation-reduction reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. When the fuel cell is working, hydrogen at the anode decomposes into hydrogen ions and electrons under the action of a catalyst. The hydrogen ions pass through the proton exchange membrane to the cathode, while the electrons travel along the external circuit to the cathode (positive electrode), generating an electric current. At the cathode, oxygen in the air reacts with hydrogen ions and electrons to produce water. Most of the water produced is on the air system side. Because the proton exchange membrane has a certain humidity requirement, the water in the air path is first humidified by a humidifier before entering the fuel cell stack and then discharged directly through the exhaust pipe. A small portion is on the hydrogen side, separated by a gas-water separator and then discharged through the exhaust pipe. For example, Chinese patent CN202222931126.3 discloses a fuel cell vehicle with an exhaust structure. In existing fuel cell vehicles, water is directly discharged onto the ground. If this water is not treated, it can easily cause icy roads in winter when temperatures are below 0°C, leading to accidents such as vehicle skidding and pedestrian falls. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device and a fuel cell vehicle to solve the problem that the byproduct water of fuel cell vehicles in the prior art is directly discharged into the road, causing road surface icing and affecting travel safety.

[0004] A fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device according to this application includes:

[0005] The gas-water separation assembly includes: a first gas-water separator and a second gas-water separator. The first gas-water separator is installed on the air exhaust pipe of the fuel cell stack, and the second gas-water separator is installed on the hydrogen exhaust pipe of the fuel cell stack.

[0006] A water collection tank assembly includes a water collection tank, which is provided with two separate water inlets and at least one water outlet. The two water inlets are respectively connected to a first air-water separator and a second air-water separator.

[0007] The component is reused, and at least one outlet of the water collection tank is connected to the reused component.

[0008] In some embodiments, the fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device further includes a water storage tank assembly, which includes an external water storage tank; the water collection tank is provided with a main water outlet and several auxiliary water outlets, the main water outlet can be connected to the external water storage tank, and the several auxiliary water outlets are respectively connected to several reuse components.

[0009] In some embodiments, a liquid level sensor is installed inside the water collection tank, and the liquid level sensor is connected to an alarm reminder mechanism.

[0010] In some embodiments, an internal seal is provided inside the main outlet of the water collection tank, and an external sealing cover is provided outside the main outlet.

[0011] In some embodiments, the main outlet is located at the top of the water collection tank, and the external water storage tank is equipped with a water pump system.

[0012] In some embodiments, a first gas-water separator is disposed between the humidifier and the back pressure valve in the air exhaust pipeline, and a second gas-water separator is disposed between the hydrogen outlet of the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen inlet of the hydrogen supply module.

[0013] In some embodiments, the reuse component includes: a windshield washer fluid emergency mechanism, which includes a windshield washer fluid reservoir equipped with a solenoid valve for pumping water.

[0014] In some embodiments, the reused component includes a cockpit humidification mechanism, which includes a filter and a humidifier, the humidifier being disposed in the vehicle cockpit and connected to a water collection tank via the filter.

[0015] In some embodiments, the reused component includes a spraying and watering mechanism, which includes nozzles disposed on both the left and right sides of the vehicle.

[0016] According to another aspect of this application, a fuel cell vehicle is provided, including the fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device described above.

[0017] The technical solution of this application sets up a first gas-water separator and a second gas-water separator on the air exhaust pipe and hydrogen exhaust pipe of the fuel cell, respectively. This can simultaneously recover the product water from the air side and the hydrogen side, collect the wastewater in the water collection tank for reuse in the recycling module, realize the recycling of wastewater, and avoid the problem of road icing caused by the direct spillage of product water on the road surface. In addition, the water collection tank in this solution is connected to the two gas-water separators with two separate water inlets, which also facilitates the isolation of the hydrogen side and the air side in case of failure, so as to ensure the safety of the fuel cell. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the reuse component structure of a fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device according to another embodiment of this application is shown;

[0022] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0023] 11. First gas-liquid separator; 12. Second gas-liquid separator; 21. Water collection tank; 211. First water inlet; 212. Second water inlet; 213. Main water outlet; 214. Auxiliary water outlet; 31. External water storage tank; 41. Fuel cell stack; 42. Hydrogen supply module; 43. Shut-off valve; 44. Humidifier; 45. Intercooler; 46. Air compressor; 47. Back pressure valve; 48. Tailpipe; 51. Glass washer fluid storage tank; 61. Filter; 62. Humidifier; 71. Nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0024] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0025] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0026] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways, rotated 90 degrees, or in other orientations, and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0027] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0028] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic embodiment of the fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device of this application is shown.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, this application discloses a fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device, which includes: a gas-water separation assembly, comprising a first gas-water separator 11 and a second gas-water separator 12, wherein the first gas-water separator 11 is installed on the air exhaust pipe of the fuel cell stack 41, and the second gas-water separator 12 is installed on the hydrogen exhaust pipe of the fuel cell stack 41; a water collection tank assembly, comprising a water collection tank 21, wherein the water collection tank 21 is provided with two separate water inlets and at least one water outlet, the two water inlets being respectively connected to the first gas-water separator 11 and the second gas-water separator 12; and a reuse assembly, which is connected to at least one water outlet of the water collection tank 21.

[0031] Through the above structural design, this embodiment of the application sets a first gas-water separator 11 and a second gas-water separator 12 on the air exhaust pipe and hydrogen exhaust pipe of the fuel cell, respectively. This can simultaneously collect the product water from the air side and the hydrogen side, thereby collecting the wastewater in the water collection tank 21 for reuse by the recycling component. This realizes the recycling of wastewater and avoids the problem of road icing caused by the direct spillage of product water on the road surface. In addition, in this embodiment, the water collection tank 21 is connected to the two gas-water separators with two separately set water inlets, which also facilitates the isolation of the hydrogen side and the air side in case of failure, so as to ensure the safety of the fuel cell.

[0032] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device also includes a water storage tank assembly, which includes an external water storage tank 31, i.e., a detachable and movable external water storage device. The external water storage tank 31 can be placed on the fuel cell vehicle normally and removed for use with the collection tank 21 when needed. The collection tank 21 is equipped with a main outlet 213 and several auxiliary outlets 214. The main outlet 213 can be connected to the external water storage tank 31 to achieve rapid transfer and discharge of wastewater; the several auxiliary outlets 214 are respectively connected to several recycling components to meet the operational needs of fuel cell vehicles such as glass washing, cab humidification, and irrigation spraying.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, a level sensor is installed inside the water collection tank 21, and the level sensor is connected to an alarm mechanism of the type of sound and light. In actual use, the wastewater in the water collection tank 21 is consumed through several recycling components. If too much wastewater is accumulated even with less wastewater used, the level sensor will sound an alarm to remind the personnel on the vehicle to use the external water storage tank 31 to transfer the wastewater in time, so as to prevent the water collection tank 21 from overflowing.

[0034] In some embodiments of this application, considering the risk of water freezing in the water collection tank 21 during winter, the liquid level sensor and alarm reminder mechanism are linked with the vehicle's electronic control system. That is, when the electronic control system detects that the ambient temperature is lower than a preset value (e.g., zero degrees Celsius), the alarm reminder mechanism will alert the occupants of the vehicle to the liquid level value in the water collection tank 21 when the vehicle's fuel cell is turned off. This will promptly remind the occupants to drain the accumulated wastewater in the water collection tank 21, preventing the wastewater in the water collection tank 21 from freezing and endangering the safety of the vehicle equipment.

[0035] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, a heat exchange mechanism is provided between the water collection tank 21 and the fuel cell stack 41. The heat exchange mechanism includes heat exchange tubes filled with a heat exchange medium. The heat exchange tubes are arranged to cover the water collection tank 21 and the fuel cell stack 41, thereby using the heat generated by the fuel cell stack 41 to insulate the water collection tank 21, while also providing working cooling for the fuel cell stack 41.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, since the main outlet 213 of the water collection tank 21 does not need to be constantly connected to the external water storage tank 31, it needs to be sealed normally. In order to better achieve the sealed management of the water collection tank 21, this embodiment sets up a double sealing structure at the main outlet 213 of the water collection tank 21. Specifically, an internal seal is set on the inner side of the main outlet 213 to prevent wastewater leakage, and an external sealing cover is set on the outer side of the main outlet 213 to protect the main outlet 213 from dust. This improves the sealing performance, protects the water collection tank 21, and maintains the cleanliness of the wastewater in the water collection tank 21, providing water quality assurance for the reuse of wastewater in the water collection tank 21.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, in the actual tank structure design of the water collection tank 21, the main outlet 213 and the auxiliary outlet 214 can be located at the upper end of the water collection tank 21 to avoid the possibility of leakage at the outlet. Correspondingly, the external water storage tank 31 integrates a water pump system. When the main outlet 213 is connected to the inlet of the external water storage tank 31, the water pump system can be activated to pump out the water in the water collection tank 21 for rapid transfer.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1As shown, the first gas-water separator 11 is installed between the humidifier 44 and the back pressure valve 47 in the air exhaust pipeline and connected to the first water inlet 211 of the water collection tank 21 to achieve gas-water separation of the exhaust air. The second gas-water separator 12 is installed between the hydrogen outlet of the fuel cell stack 41 and the hydrogen inlet of the hydrogen supply module 42 and connected to the second water inlet 212 of the water collection tank 21 to achieve gas-water separation of the exhaust hydrogen. Since the air and hydrogen flowing into the fuel cell are purified beforehand, the wastewater generated by the reaction is relatively clean and has high recycling value. The first gas-water separator 11 and the second gas-water separator 12 can be condensation devices, achieving gas-water separation by condensing water vapor into liquefaction. The first gas-water separator 11 can also effectively regulate the air pressure in the air exhaust pipeline, preventing wastewater from accumulating at the valve body of the back pressure valve 47, thereby reducing the risk of the back pressure valve 47 becoming unresponsive due to freezing at low temperatures and improving the operational reliability of the fuel cell system. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell system consists of a stack 41, a hydrogen supply module 42, a shut-off valve 43, a humidifier 44, an intercooler 45, an air compressor 46, a back pressure valve 47, and a tailpipe 48. This application achieves the collection and reuse of product water from the exhaust of the stack 41 by adding a gas-water separation bypass. The air after gas-water separation flows from the first gas-water separator 11 to the back pressure valve 47 through a hose, and is finally discharged through the tailpipe 48. The hydrogen after gas-water separation flows from the second gas-water separator 12 to the hydrogen inlet of the hydrogen supply module 42, realizing the recovery and utilization of hydrogen energy.

[0039] In this application, the reused components are any water-requiring mechanisms on a fuel cell vehicle, such as units for cleaning, humidification, or irrigation. For example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the reuse component includes a windshield washer fluid emergency mechanism, which includes a windshield washer fluid reservoir 51. The windshield washer fluid reservoir 51 is equipped with a solenoid valve for pumping water. Specifically, the windshield washer fluid reservoir 51 is connected to a water outlet 214 of the water collection tank 21 for water intake. When the vehicle's windshield washer fluid is depleted and the windshield needs to be cleaned, the solenoid valve opens, drawing water from the water collection tank 21 into the windshield washer fluid reservoir 51 to temporarily replace the windshield washer fluid, in order to address the driving hazard of the windshield being obstructed under extreme conditions.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, the water collection tank 21 is provided with multiple auxiliary water outlets 214, which can be connected to multiple different types of recycling components simultaneously for water intake. (Refer to this application) Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the reuse components include: the aforementioned windshield washer fluid emergency mechanism, the cabin humidification mechanism, and the spraying and irrigation mechanism. The cabin humidification mechanism includes a filter 61 and a humidifier 62. The humidifier 62 is located inside the vehicle's cabin and is connected to an auxiliary outlet 214 of the water collection tank 21 via the filter 61. The filter 61 performs secondary cleaning and filtration of wastewater for cabin humidification. The humidifier 62 can be used independently or as part of the cabin's fresh air system. The spraying and irrigation mechanism includes nozzles 71, which are located on both the left and right sides of the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to irrigate the target planting area or the factory's green belt from either side when performing specialized irrigation operations or when ordinary transport vehicles are entering or leaving the factory area, ensuring the proper use of the product water collected in the water collection tank 21. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the reuse components may also be an electrolysis hydrogen production mechanism and a road surface sprinkling and cleaning mechanism for warmer weather.

[0041] According to another aspect of this application, a fuel cell vehicle is also disclosed, which includes a fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device as described in any of the above embodiments, thereby enabling the collection and reuse of product water generated during fuel cell operation, avoiding road icing caused by product water spillage on the road surface in severe winter, and making full use of water resources to improve the economic and environmental benefits of vehicle operation.

[0042] In summary, the technical solution of this application, by setting a first gas-water separator and a second gas-water separator on the air exhaust pipe and hydrogen exhaust pipe of the fuel cell respectively, can simultaneously recover the product water from both the air and hydrogen sides, collect the wastewater in a water collection tank for reuse in the recycling module, realize the recycling of wastewater, and avoid the problem of road icing caused by the direct spillage of product water on the road surface. Furthermore, in this solution, the water collection tank is connected to the two gas-water separators by two separately set water inlets, which also facilitates the isolation of the hydrogen side and the air side in case of failure, so as to ensure the safety of the fuel cell.

[0043] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device, characterized in that, include: A gas-water separation assembly, comprising: a first gas-water separator (11) and a second gas-water separator (12), wherein the first gas-water separator (11) is installed on the air exhaust pipe of the fuel cell stack (41) and the second gas-water separator (12) is installed on the hydrogen exhaust pipe of the fuel cell stack (41). A water collection tank assembly, comprising a water collection tank (21), wherein the water collection tank (21) is provided with two separate water inlets and at least one water outlet, wherein the two water inlets are respectively connected to the first gas-water separator (11) and the second gas-water separator (12); A reuse component is connected to at least one of the outlets of the water collection tank (21).

2. The fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device also includes a water storage tank assembly, which includes an external water storage tank (31); the water collection tank (21) is provided with a main outlet (213) and several auxiliary outlets (214), the main outlet (213) can be connected to the external water storage tank (31), and the several auxiliary outlets (214) are respectively connected to several of the reuse components.

3. The fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A liquid level sensor is installed inside the water collection tank (21), and the liquid level sensor is connected to an alarm reminder mechanism.

4. The fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main outlet (213) of the water collection tank (21) is provided with an internal seal on the inside and an external sealing cover on the outside of the main outlet (213).

5. The fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main outlet (213) is located at the upper end of the water collection tank (21), and the external water storage tank (31) is equipped with a water pump system.

6. The fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first gas-water separator (11) is located between the humidifier (44) and the back pressure valve (47) in the air exhaust pipeline, and the second gas-water separator (12) is located between the hydrogen outlet of the fuel cell stack (41) and the hydrogen inlet of the hydrogen supply module (42).

7. The fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reuse component includes a windshield washer fluid emergency mechanism, which includes a windshield washer fluid storage tank (51) and is equipped with a solenoid valve for pumping water.

8. The fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reused component includes a cockpit humidification mechanism, which includes a filter (61) and a humidifier (62). The humidifier (62) is disposed in the vehicle cockpit and connected to the water collection tank (21) through the filter (61).

9. The fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reuse component includes a spraying and watering mechanism, which includes a nozzle (71) that is provided on both the left and right sides of the vehicle.

10. A fuel cell vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the fuel cell wastewater recycling and treatment device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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