Double-stack air path manifold structure of hydrogen fuel cell

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, in particular to a double-stack air path manifold structure of a hydrogen fuel cell, which comprises an air compressor, an intercooler, an expansion machine, a humidifier and a double electric stack, an air compressor air outlet pipe is connected between the air compressor and the intercooler, a first air inlet pipe is connected between the intercooler and the humidifier, the humidifier is connected with a second air inlet pipe, and the double electric stack is connected with the expansion machine. The second gas inlet pipe is connected with a galvanic pile gas inlet pipe, the galvanic pile gas inlet pipe is connected with a double galvanic pile, the double galvanic pile is connected with a galvanic pile gas outlet pipe, the galvanic pile gas outlet pipe is connected with a waste gas inlet pipe, the waste gas inlet pipe is connected with a humidifier, the humidifier is connected with a waste gas inlet pipe, the waste gas inlet pipe is connected with an expansion machine gas inlet pipe, and the expansion machine gas inlet pipe is connected with an expansion machine. A bypass valve is installed on the intercooler and connected with a bypass valve air outlet pipe, and the bypass valve air outlet pipe is connected with the expansion machine air inlet pipe. The air circulation resistance is reduced, the energy consumption of the air compressor is reduced, the energy recovery efficiency of the expansion machine side is improved, and the energy consumption of the system is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more specifically to a dual-stack air manifold structure for a hydrogen fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] With increasing environmental awareness and changes in the energy structure, new energy vehicles, especially hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, are considered one of the future development trends of the automotive industry due to their clean and pollution-free characteristics. The core component of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle—the hydrogen fuel cell system—directly affects the efficiency and reliability of the entire vehicle. Among these components, the air supply system, as a crucial part of the fuel cell system, is responsible for supplying oxygen to the fuel cell stack and discharging the exhaust gases from the reaction. Therefore, the performance of the air supply system is vital for improving the efficiency of the fuel cell system.

[0003] A typical air module in a hydrogen fuel cell system includes an air compressor, expander, bypass valve, pre- and post-stop valves, intercooler, humidifier, sensors, and related piping. The air compressor pressurizes outside air, which is then cooled by the intercooler, humidified by the humidifier, and finally fed into the fuel cell stack to allow the oxygen and hydrogen to react. However, during operation, the work done by the compressed air causes the gas temperature at the compressor outlet to rise. To ensure normal system operation, this high-temperature gas needs to be cooled. Furthermore, the expander recovers energy from the exhaust gas to reduce the air compressor's energy consumption. Sensors monitor parameters such as pressure, temperature, and humidity during airflow to assist in system regulation.

[0004] In existing technologies, the air module components within hydrogen fuel cell systems are relatively dispersed, with air compressors, intercoolers, and humidifiers mostly located at the bottom of the system. Air travels through relatively long pipelines from the air compressor inlet to the fuel cell stack, which not only increases airflow resistance and compressor power consumption but also reduces overall system efficiency. Therefore, optimizing the airflow path layout, reducing pipeline length, lowering flow resistance, and improving system efficiency are urgent issues to be addressed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dual-stack air manifold structure for hydrogen fuel cells, which reduces airflow resistance, lowers the energy consumption of the air compressor, improves the overall efficiency of the system, introduces excess gas from the intercooler into the expander for energy recovery, improves the energy recovery efficiency on the expander side, and further reduces the energy consumption of the system.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A dual-stack air manifold structure for a hydrogen fuel cell includes an air compressor, an intercooler, an expander, a humidifier, and a dual stack. An air compressor outlet pipe connects the air compressor and the intercooler. A first inlet pipe connects the intercooler and the humidifier. A second inlet pipe connects to the outlet of the humidifier. The end of the second inlet pipe furthest from the humidifier is connected to the stack inlet pipe. The stack inlet pipe is connected to the inlet end of the dual stack. A front shut-off valve is installed on the second inlet pipe. The outlet end of the dual stack is connected to... The device includes a fuel cell stack exhaust pipe, with an exhaust gas inlet pipe connected to the end of the fuel cell stack furthest from the dual fuel cell stacks. The exhaust gas inlet pipe is connected to the humidifier. A rear shut-off valve is installed on the fuel cell stack exhaust pipe. An exhaust gas outlet pipe is connected to the humidifier. An expander inlet pipe is connected to the end of the exhaust gas outlet pipe furthest from the humidifier. The expander inlet pipe is connected to the expander. A bypass valve is installed on the intercooler. A bypass valve exhaust pipe is connected to the bypass valve and is connected to the expander inlet pipe.

[0008] Furthermore, the dual fuel cell stack includes an upper fuel cell stack and a lower fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack air inlet pipe is connected to the air inlet end of the upper fuel cell stack and the lower fuel cell stack respectively through a first upper rubber tube and a first lower rubber tube. The fuel cell stack air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet end of the upper fuel cell stack and the lower fuel cell stack respectively through a second upper rubber tube and a second lower rubber tube.

[0009] Furthermore, the diameters of the first upper and lower rubber tubes are smaller than the diameter of the fuel cell stack inlet pipe, and the diameters of the second upper and lower rubber tubes are smaller than the diameter of the fuel cell stack outlet pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, the intercooler is located below the air outlet of the air compressor.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0012] This invention rationally arranges the air compressor outlet pipe between the air compressor and the intercooler, the first air inlet pipe between the intercooler and the humidifier, and the second air inlet pipe between the humidifier and the dual fuel cell stack. This ensures a smooth airflow path from the air compressor to the intake end of the dual fuel cell stack, reducing airflow resistance, lowering the air compressor's energy consumption, and improving the overall system efficiency. By connecting the bypass valve to the expander's air inlet pipe, excess gas from the intercooler is introduced into the expander for energy recovery, improving the expander's energy recovery efficiency and further reducing the system's energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention. Figure 2;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the dual-pile structure in this utility model.

[0017] 1. Air compressor; 2. Intercooler; 3. Expander; 4. Humidifier; 5. Air compressor outlet pipe; 6. First inlet pipe; 7. Second inlet pipe; 8. Fuel cell stack inlet pipe; 9. Front shut-off valve; 10. Fuel cell stack outlet pipe; 11. Exhaust gas inlet pipe; 12. Rear shut-off valve; 13. Expander inlet pipe; 14. Bypass valve; 15. Bypass valve outlet pipe; 16. Upper fuel cell stack; 17. Lower fuel cell stack; 18. First upper hose; 19. First lower hose; 20. Exhaust gas outlet pipe; 21. Second upper hose; 22. Second lower hose. Detailed Implementation

[0018] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a dual-stack air manifold structure for a hydrogen fuel cell includes an air compressor 1, an intercooler 2, an expander 3, a humidifier 4, and a dual fuel cell stack. An air compressor outlet pipe 5 connects the air compressor 1 and the intercooler 2. A first inlet pipe 6 connects the intercooler 2 and the humidifier 4. A second inlet pipe 7 connects to the outlet of the humidifier 4. The end of the second inlet pipe 7 furthest from the humidifier 4 is connected to a fuel cell stack inlet pipe 8. The fuel cell stack inlet pipe 8 is connected to the inlet end of the dual fuel cell stack. A front shut-off valve 9 is installed on the second inlet pipe 7. The outlet end of the dual fuel cell stack is connected to a fuel cell stack outlet pipe 1. 0. The end of the fuel cell stack outlet pipe 10 away from the dual fuel cell stacks is connected to an exhaust gas inlet pipe 11. The exhaust gas inlet pipe 11 is connected to the humidifier 4. A rear shut-off valve 12 is installed on the fuel cell stack outlet pipe 10. An exhaust gas outlet pipe 20 is connected to the humidifier 4. The end of the exhaust gas outlet pipe 20 away from the humidifier 4 is connected to an expander inlet pipe 13. The expander inlet pipe 13 is connected to the expander 3. A bypass valve 14 is installed on the intercooler 2. A bypass valve outlet pipe 15 is connected to the bypass valve 14. The bypass valve outlet pipe 15 is connected to the expander inlet pipe 13.

[0019] The dual fuel cell stack includes an upper fuel cell stack 16 and a lower fuel cell stack 17. The fuel cell stack air inlet pipe 8 is connected to the air inlet ends of the upper fuel cell stack 16 and the lower fuel cell stack 17 through a first upper rubber pipe 18 and a first lower rubber pipe 19, respectively. The fuel cell stack air outlet pipe 10 is connected to the air outlet ends of the upper fuel cell stack 16 and the lower fuel cell stack 17 through a second upper rubber pipe 21 and a second lower rubber pipe 22, respectively.

[0020] The diameters of the first upper adhesive tube 18 and the first lower adhesive tube 19 are smaller than the diameter of the fuel cell stack air inlet pipe 8, and the diameters of the second upper adhesive tube 21 and the second lower adhesive tube 22 are smaller than the diameter of the fuel cell stack air outlet pipe 10.

[0021] The intercooler 2 is located below the air outlet of the air compressor 1.

[0022] Working principle:

[0023] Clean air filtered by the air filter is compressed by the air compressor 1. The air at a certain temperature and pressure enters the intercooler 2 through the air compressor outlet pipe 5. The intercooler 2 cools the air. The intercooler 2 is equipped with a bypass valve 14 to regulate the pressure of the system entering the fuel cell stack. Excess gas can enter the expander inlet pipe 13 through the bypass valve outlet pipe 15. Energy is recovered through the expander 3. The cooled air enters the humidifier 4 through the first inlet pipe 6. The gas is humidified in the humidifier 4. The humidified air enters the upper fuel cell stack 16 and the lower fuel cell stack 17 through the second inlet pipe 7 and the fuel cell stack inlet pipe, respectively. The remaining gas and some liquid after the fuel cell stack reaction enter the humidifier 4 through the fuel cell stack outlet pipe 10 and the exhaust gas inlet pipe 11. This part of the exhaust gas enters the expander 3 through the exhaust gas outlet pipe 20 and the expander inlet pipe 13, and then enters the expander 3 for energy recovery. Finally, it is discharged outside the fuel cell system through the expander 3.

[0024] In this invention, the fuel cell stack has a dual-stack structure with two air inlets and two exhaust outlets. Air intake and exhaust for both stacks are achieved through a first upper hose 18, a first lower hose 19, a second upper hose 21, and a second lower hose 22. The flow distribution between the stack and the fuel cell stack is achieved with the front shut-off valve 9 and the rear shut-off valve 12. The structure is simple and low-cost. An integrated structure of air compressor 1 and expander 3 is used, arranged on the system's intake and exhaust side, reducing the length of the pipeline and lowering the flow resistance. Simultaneously, the intercooler 2 is located below the outlet of air compressor 1, and the bypass valve outlet pipe 15 is directly connected to the inlet of expander 3, which greatly improves the energy recovery efficiency on the expander 3 side, resulting in high system efficiency. The humidifier 4 is arranged according to the gas flow direction, with the humidified air outlet direction of the humidifier approximately aligned with the fuel cell stack's intake direction. The exhaust gas outlet of the humidifier 4 is also aligned with the intake direction of expander 3. This smooth intake and exhaust flow reduces flow resistance, decreases air compressor consumption, and increases expander energy recovery.

[0025] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A dual-stack air manifold structure for a hydrogen fuel cell, characterized in that: The system includes an air compressor (1), an intercooler (2), an expander (3), a humidifier (4), and a dual fuel cell stack. An air compressor outlet pipe (5) connects the air compressor (1) and the intercooler (2). A first inlet pipe (6) connects the intercooler (2) and the humidifier (4). A second inlet pipe (7) connects to the outlet of the humidifier (4). An end of the second inlet pipe (7) away from the humidifier (4) is connected to a fuel cell stack inlet pipe (8). The fuel cell stack inlet pipe (8) is connected to the inlet end of the dual fuel cell stack. A front shut-off valve (9) is installed on the second inlet pipe (7). The outlet end of the dual fuel cell stack is connected to a fuel cell stack outlet pipe (10). 10) An exhaust gas inlet pipe (11) is connected to the end away from the dual fuel cell stack. The exhaust gas inlet pipe (11) is connected to the humidifier (4). A rear shut-off valve (12) is installed on the fuel cell stack outlet pipe (10). An exhaust gas outlet pipe (20) is connected to the humidifier (4). An expander inlet pipe (13) is connected to the end of the exhaust gas outlet pipe (20) away from the humidifier (4). The expander inlet pipe (13) is connected to the expander (3). A bypass valve (14) is installed on the intercooler (2). A bypass valve outlet pipe (15) is connected to the bypass valve (14). The bypass valve outlet pipe (15) is connected to the expander inlet pipe (13).

2. The hydrogen fuel cell dual-stack air manifold structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The dual fuel cell stack includes an upper fuel cell stack (16) and a lower fuel cell stack (17). The fuel cell stack air inlet pipe (8) is connected to the air inlet ends of the upper fuel cell stack (16) and the lower fuel cell stack (17) through a first upper rubber pipe (18) and a first lower rubber pipe (19), respectively. The fuel cell stack air outlet pipe (10) is connected to the air outlet ends of the upper fuel cell stack (16) and the lower fuel cell stack (17) through a second upper rubber pipe (21) and a second lower rubber pipe (22), respectively.

3. The hydrogen fuel cell dual-stack air manifold structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The diameters of the first upper adhesive tube (18) and the first lower adhesive tube (19) are smaller than the diameter of the fuel cell stack air inlet pipe (8), and the diameters of the second upper adhesive tube (21) and the second lower adhesive tube (22) are smaller than the diameter of the fuel cell stack air outlet pipe (10).

4. The dual-stack air manifold structure for hydrogen fuel cells as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The intercooler (2) is located below the air outlet of the air compressor (1).

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