Anti-icing structure of fuel cell expansion machine
By adding sealing valves and pipelines to the fuel cell expander and using high-temperature, high-pressure gas from an air compressor for purging, the problem of icing on the expander impeller nozzles was solved, enabling the expander to operate normally and extend its lifespan.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422647821.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-31
AI Technical Summary
The nozzles of the fuel cell expander impeller are prone to icing in low-temperature environments, which affects their use and lifespan.
A fuel cell expander anti-icing structure is designed by adding a sealing valve and related pipelines after the intercooler, and using high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by an air compressor to purge and melt ice, thus preventing the impeller from icing.
Recovering excess gas energy during low-power phases prevents expander icing, ensures normal startup, and extends expander life.
Smart Images
Figure CN223552552U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically to an anti-icing structure for a fuel cell expander. Background Technology
[0002] During operation, the fuel cell system requires an air compressor to supply a large amount of air with a certain temperature, pressure and humidity to the fuel cell stack. At the same time, the high-temperature, high-pressure and high-humidity exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell engine passes through an expander to recover the energy of the exhaust gas, thereby reducing the power consumption of the air compressor.
[0003] However, the exhaust gas emitted by the fuel cell engine contains a large amount of water vapor. When the fuel cell engine is shut down in a low-temperature environment, the water vapor will freeze and freeze the impeller nozzles in the expander, affecting the next use and lifespan of the expander. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides an anti-icing structure for a fuel cell expander, solving the problem of easy icing of the expander impeller nozzle.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, an anti-icing structure for a fuel cell expander is designed, comprising a fuel cell system, an air compressor, and an expander. The outlet of the air compressor is connected to an intercooler, and the outlet of the intercooler is divided into two paths: one path is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell system, and the other path is connected to the expander through a sealing valve. The air outlet of the fuel cell system is connected to a gas-liquid separator, the liquid outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to a discharge pipe through a sealing valve, and the gas outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the expander through a sealing valve.
[0006] A humidifier is provided between the intercooler and the fuel cell system.
[0007] The dry-side inlet of the humidifier is connected to the outlet of the intercooler, the dry-side outlet of the humidifier is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell system, the wet-side inlet of the humidifier is connected to the air outlet of the fuel cell system, and the wet-side outlet of the humidifier is connected to the gas-liquid separator.
[0008] An air filter is connected to the inlet of the air compressor.
[0009] Compared with existing technologies, this invention can recover excess gas energy during low-power operation. The expander is purged during shutdown to prevent icing. If icing does occur in the expander, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas generated by the air compressor can be used to melt the ice. Attached Figure Description
[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0011] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0012] like Figure 1 As shown, the outlet of the air compressor 1 is connected to the intercooler 2. The outlet of the intercooler 2 is divided into two paths: one path is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell system 3, and the other path is connected to the expander 5 through the sealing valve 4. The air outlet of the fuel cell system 3 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 6. The liquid outlet of the gas-liquid separator 6 is connected to the discharge pipe 8 through the sealing valve 7. The gas outlet of the gas-liquid separator 6 is connected to the expander 5 through the sealing valve 9.
[0013] A humidifier 10 is installed between the intercooler 2 and the fuel cell system 3. The dry-side inlet of the humidifier 10 is connected to the outlet of the intercooler 2, the dry-side outlet of the humidifier 10 is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell system 3, the wet-side inlet of the humidifier 10 is connected to the air outlet of the fuel cell system 3, and the wet-side outlet of the humidifier 10 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 6. The air obtains the humidity required by the fuel cell system 3 after passing through the humidifier 10.
[0014] An air filter 11 is connected to the inlet of the air compressor 1 to filter the air entering the air compressor 1.
[0015] In the existing fuel cell system 3, air compressor 1, and expander 5, dry air enters air compressor 1, which compresses it to produce high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This high-temperature, high-pressure gas is then cooled by intercooler 2 to obtain the gas required by the fuel cell stack in fuel cell system 3. The air reacts in the fuel cell stack of fuel cell system 3 to produce a large amount of water, so the exhaust gas contains a large amount of gaseous and liquid water. The exhaust gas, with its high temperature, high pressure, and high humidity, enters the expander 5, driving it to perform work and recovering energy from the exhaust gas, thereby reducing the power consumption of the air compressor.
[0016] This invention adds a sealing valve 4 and related pipelines after the intercooler 2 and before the expander 5. When the fuel cell system 3 is in the low-power stage, if the compressed air flow rate provided by the air compressor 1 is greater than the gas flow rate required for the reaction of the fuel cell system 3, the sealing valve 4 is opened and its opening degree is adjusted to discharge the excess gas. The discharged high-temperature and high-pressure gas passes through the expander 5, recovering the energy of the high-temperature and high-pressure gas, thereby reducing the power consumption of the air compressor. When the air flow rate provided by the air compressor 1 meets the flow rate required by the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system 3, the sealing valve 4 is closed.
[0017] During operation, the fuel cell system 3 generates a large amount of water, and inevitably a small amount of liquid water will enter the expander 5, affecting its normal function. When the expander 5 stops, the sealing valve 4 is opened, and gas is used to purge the expander 5, removing the water and preventing it from freezing and affecting the next startup.
[0018] If the turbine of expander 5 freezes during the start-up phase, the sealing valve 4 is opened, and high-temperature, high-pressure gas enters the turbine of expander 5 to melt the ice and ensure the normal operation of expander 5.
Claims
1. An anti-icing structure for a fuel cell expander, comprising a fuel cell system, an air compressor, and an expander, characterized in that: The outlet of the air compressor (1) is connected to the intercooler (2). The outlet of the intercooler (2) is divided into two paths. One path is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell system (3), and the other path is connected to the expander (5) through the sealing valve (4). The air outlet of the fuel cell system (3) is connected to the gas-liquid separator (6). The liquid outlet of the gas-liquid separator (6) is connected to the discharge pipe (8) through the sealing valve (7). The gas outlet of the gas-liquid separator (6) is connected to the expander (5) through the sealing valve (9).
2. The anti-icing structure for a fuel cell expander according to claim 1, characterized in that: A humidifier (10) is provided between the intercooler (2) and the fuel cell system (3).
3. The anti-icing structure for a fuel cell expander according to claim 2, characterized in that: The dry side inlet of the humidifier (10) is connected to the outlet of the intercooler (2), the dry side outlet of the humidifier (10) is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell system (3), the wet side inlet of the humidifier (10) is connected to the air outlet of the fuel cell system (3), and the wet side outlet of the humidifier (10) is connected to the gas-liquid separator (6).
4. The anti-icing structure for a fuel cell expander according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air compressor (1) is connected to an air filter (11) at its inlet.