Cooling device for vehicle fuel cell

Abstract

The utility model provides a cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell, and relates to the field of fuel cell cooling. The cooling device for the fuel cell of the vehicle comprises a box body, wherein an inner cavity for placing the fuel cell is formed in the box body; the liquid cooling assembly is connected with the box body; the liquid cooling assembly comprises a liquid source part, a cooling part and a backflow part which are communicated end to end in sequence to form a flowing loop of cooling liquid; the cooling part is attached to the fuel cell; and the air cooling assembly comprises a plurality of fans which are detachably connected with the box body, and each fan is arranged towards the fuel cell. The liquid cooling assembly and the air cooling assembly can cool the fuel cell at the same time, and the heat dissipation efficiency of the fuel cell is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel cell cooling, and more particularly to a cooling device for vehicle fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cells directly convert hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy through chemical reactions, a process that does not produce harmful byproducts. Furthermore, fuel cells have an energy conversion efficiency that is 2 to 3 times higher than that of internal combustion engines. As a highly efficient and environmentally friendly power generation device, fuel cells have broad application prospects in the field of new energy vehicles. With continuous technological advancements and cost reductions, fuel cell vehicles are expected to become one of the mainstream modes of transportation in the future.

[0003] Fuel cells require cooling devices to maintain their temperature during operation and ensure safe performance. Existing cooling devices typically use fans to blow air onto the fuel cells, which are simple in structure and rely on a single cooling method, resulting in low heat dissipation efficiency. Furthermore, most fans in existing cooling devices are bolted on, making it difficult to quickly disassemble, repair, and replace them. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a cooling device for vehicle fuel cells to solve the problem of low heat dissipation efficiency of existing vehicle fuel cell cooling devices.

[0005] In accordance with the above objectives, the present invention provides a cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell, wherein the cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell comprises:

[0006] The housing has an internal cavity for housing the fuel cell;

[0007] A liquid cooling assembly is connected to the housing; the liquid cooling assembly includes a liquid source section, a cooling section, and a return section connected end to end to form a flow loop for the coolant; the cooling section is fitted into the fuel cell.

[0008] The air-cooled assembly includes a plurality of fans detachably connected to the housing, each fan being oriented toward the fuel cell.

[0009] Preferably, the liquid source includes a liquid storage tank, which is fixed to the side wall of the housing by a support member; the liquid storage tank is filled with the coolant, a liquid filling pipe is provided on the top of the liquid storage tank, and heat dissipation fins are provided on the side wall of the liquid storage tank.

[0010] Preferably, the cooling section includes an infusion pipe, the first end of which extends to the bottom of the storage tank, and a pump is also provided at the pipe body of the infusion pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the cooling section further includes a first cooling pipe and a second cooling pipe, the first ends of the first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe being connected to the second end of the infusion pipe;

[0012] Both the first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe are formed into a snake-shaped bend structure, and the first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe are respectively attached to the first side and the second side facing each other of the fuel cell.

[0013] Preferably, the reflux section includes a reflux pipe, the second ends of the first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe are respectively connected to the reflux pipe, the first end of the reflux pipe is connected to the bottom end of the liquid storage tank, and a radiator is also provided at the first end of the reflux pipe.

[0014] Preferably, the air-cooling assembly includes two fans, which are respectively disposed facing the third and fourth sides of the fuel cell; the corresponding side of the housing is formed with mounting through holes that are adapted to the fans.

[0015] Preferably, two fixing blocks are provided on the outer side walls at both ends of the fan in the diameter direction, and the housing is formed with receiving grooves corresponding to the fixing blocks; the housing is also formed with grooves communicating with the receiving grooves.

[0016] Preferably, a snap-fit ​​assembly is provided in the groove, the snap-fit ​​assembly includes a support shaft, and the inner wall of the groove is provided with a mounting hole corresponding to the support shaft, so that the support shaft is rotatably connected to the groove.

[0017] Preferably, a rotating plate is sleeved on the outer side of the first end of the support shaft, and the rotating plate is arranged perpendicular to the support shaft; a torsion spring is also sleeved on the outer side of the support shaft, the first end of the torsion spring is fixed to the side wall of the rotating plate, and the second end of the torsion spring is fixed to the groove.

[0018] Preferably, the bottom of the fixing block has a slot corresponding to the top of the rotating plate; the top of the rotating plate has an arc-shaped structure.

[0019] According to the present invention, a cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell specifically includes a liquid cooling component and an air cooling component. The liquid cooling component is provided with a liquid source section, a cooling section (in contact with the fuel cell) and a return section connected end to end to form a flow loop for the coolant. The air cooling component includes multiple fans. The liquid cooling component and the air cooling component can cool the fuel cell simultaneously, effectively improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the fuel cell.

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of a cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the liquid cooling assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a partial assembly diagram of the housing and air-cooling components according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional and partially exploded schematic diagram of the box body according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of point A in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the real-time fan of this utility model.

[0029] Icons: 1-Box body; 11-Support component; 12-Assembly through hole; 13-Mounting ear; 14-Groove; 15-Mounting hole; 16-Limiting groove; 17-Receiving groove; 2-Fuel cell; 3-Liquid cooling assembly; 31-Reservoir tank; 311-Liquid filling pipe; 32-Liquid delivery pipe; 33-Liquid pump; 34-First cooling pipe; 35-Second cooling pipe; 36-Return pipe; 37-Heat sink; 38-Radiator; 4-Fan; 41-Mesh plate; 42-Fixing block; 421-Slot; 5-Controller; 6-Temperature sensor; 7-Snap-fit ​​assembly; 71-Support shaft; 72-Rotating plate; 721-Inclined part; 7211-Arc-shaped structure; 73-Limiting sleeve; 74-Torsion spring; 75-Handle. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following detailed embodiments are provided to help the reader gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein; changes that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application are possible, except for operations that must occur in a specific order. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0031] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided merely to illustrate some of the many feasible ways of implementing the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0032] Throughout the specification, when an element (such as a layer, region, or substrate) is described as being "on" another element, "connected to" another element, "bonded to" another element, "on" another element, or "covering" another element, it may be directly "on" another element, "connected to" another element, "bonded to" another element, "on" another element, or "covering" another element, or there may be one or more other elements in between. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element, "directly connected to" another element, "directly bonded to" another element, "directly on" another element, or "directly covering" another element, there may be no other elements in between.

[0033] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the relevant items listed and any combination of any two or more items.

[0034] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe individual components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or part from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, assembly, region, layer, or part referred to as the second component, assembly, region, layer, or part may also be referred to as the second component, assembly, region, layer, or part.

[0035] For ease of description, spatial relation terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. Such spatial relation terms are intended to include not only the orientation depicted in the drawings but also different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “upper” relative to another element will subsequently be “below” or “lower” relative to that other element. Therefore, the term “above” includes both “above” and “below” orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be positioned in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relation terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0036] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” enumerate the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0037] Variations in the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may occur due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the accompanying drawings, but include changes in shape that may occur during manufacturing.

[0038] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways that will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. Furthermore, although the examples described herein have a wide variety of constructions, other constructions are possible, as will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0039] This utility model provides a cooling device for vehicle fuel cells, such as... Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this cooling device includes a housing 1, a liquid cooling assembly 3, and an air cooling assembly. The housing 1 is used to fix the fuel cell 2, and the liquid cooling assembly 3 and the air cooling assembly are also connected and fixed to the housing 1. The specific structure and connection relationships of the above-mentioned parts of the cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell according to this invention will be described in detail below.

[0040] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2As shown, the housing 1 in this embodiment is formed into a cuboid structure, which has an inner cavity for housing the fuel cell 2. The housing 1 can be specifically formed as a detachable structure (this is prior art and will not be described further), to facilitate the assembly of the fuel cell 2 and the various components described below. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the connection method between the fuel cell 2 and the housing 1; for example, a stable connection between the two can be achieved through threaded connections or adhesive bonding.

[0041] In this embodiment, the liquid cooling assembly 3 includes a liquid source section, a cooling section, and a return section connected sequentially to form a coolant flow loop. The cooling effect on the fuel cell 2 can be achieved through the circulating flow of the coolant. Further, as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the liquid source unit includes a liquid storage tank 31, which is fixed to the side wall of the housing 1 via a support member 11 (i.e., the support member 11 is connected to the housing 1, and the liquid storage tank 31 is fixed to the top of the support member 11). The liquid storage tank 31 is filled with coolant. In addition, a liquid filling pipe 311 is provided on the top of the liquid storage tank 31 to facilitate the filling of coolant. Furthermore, a heat sink 37 is provided on the side wall of the liquid storage tank 31, which can cool the liquid storage tank 31 to achieve secondary cooling of the coolant in the liquid storage tank 31, thereby ensuring that the coolant can always maintain a low temperature state to ensure its heat dissipation effect.

[0042] Furthermore, the cooling section includes a liquid inlet pipe 32, the first end of which extends to the bottom of the liquid storage tank 31. A liquid pump 33 is also installed on the body of the liquid inlet pipe 32; in this embodiment, the liquid pump 33 is positioned near the top of the liquid storage tank 31. In addition, the cooling section includes a first cooling pipe 34 and a second cooling pipe 35, the first ends of which are connected to the second end of the liquid inlet pipe 32. The first cooling pipe 34 and the second cooling pipe 35 are respectively fitted onto the first and second facing sides of the fuel cell 2. To improve the heat dissipation effect of the cooling section on the fuel cell 2, both the first cooling pipe 34 and the second cooling pipe 35 are formed into a snake-like bend structure, thus increasing the contact area between the cooling section and the fuel cell 2.

[0043] In this embodiment, the reflux section includes a reflux pipe 36. The second ends of the first cooling pipe 34 and the second cooling pipe 35 are respectively connected to the reflux pipe 36, and the first end of the reflux pipe 36 is connected to the bottom end of the liquid storage tank 31. In addition, a radiator 38 is also provided at the first end of the reflux pipe 36. In order to improve the overall stability of the liquid cooling assembly 3, the reflux pipe 36 is configured as a bent structure in this embodiment.

[0044] In operation, the coolant in the storage tank 31 is pumped by the pump 33 to the delivery pipe 32. The delivery pipe 32 further distributes the coolant to the first cooling pipe 34 and the second cooling pipe 35 to absorb heat and cool the fuel cell 2. The coolant, after absorbing heat and heating up in the first cooling pipe 34 and the second cooling pipe 35, flows through the return pipe 36 to the radiator 38 for cooling, and then flows back to the storage tank 31. In this way, the coolant is circulated.

[0045] In addition to the aforementioned liquid cooling component 3, this cooling device also uses an air-cooling component to blow and extract air into the interior cavity of the housing 1 to remove heat from the fuel cell 2. This air-cooling component includes multiple fans 4 detachably connected to the housing 1, each fan 4 facing the fuel cell 2 (blowing air towards the fuel cell 2). Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, the air-cooling assembly in this embodiment includes two fans 4, which are respectively positioned facing the third and fourth sides of the fuel cell 2, allowing the two fans 4 to complement the cooling unit for heat dissipation. Mounting through holes 12, corresponding to and adapted to the fans 4, are formed on the corresponding sides of the housing 1. In this embodiment, the two mounting through holes are at different heights, which improves the heat dissipation effect of the air-cooling assembly.

[0046] Furthermore, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, two fixing blocks 42 are provided on the outer side walls at both ends of the fan 4 in the diameter direction to facilitate quick assembly and disassembly of the fan 4; the housing 1 is formed with receiving grooves 17 corresponding to the fixing blocks 42, and the receiving grooves 17 are connected to the assembly through holes 12. In addition, the housing 1 is also formed with a groove 14 that is connected to the receiving grooves 17. A snap-fit ​​component 7 is provided in the groove 14. By cooperating with the fixing blocks 42, the fan 4 can be quickly assembled and disassembled.

[0047] like Figure 6As shown, the snap-fit ​​assembly 7 includes a support shaft 71. The inner wall of the groove 14 is provided with a mounting hole 15 corresponding to the support shaft 71, so that the support shaft 71 is rotatably connected to the groove 14 (this can be achieved through components such as bearings, which are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here). A rotating plate 72 is sleeved on the outer side of the first end of the support shaft 71. The rotating plate 72 is perpendicular to the support shaft 71. The rotating plate 72 includes an inclined portion 721 and a straight portion connected in sequence. The top end of the inclined portion 721 is formed into an arc-shaped structure 7211, and a handle 75 is provided on the side wall of its straight portion. In addition, a torsion spring 74 is also sleeved on the outer side of the support shaft 71. The first end of the torsion spring 74 is fixed to the side wall of the rotating plate 72 (in this embodiment, it is fixed by a limiting sleeve 73, which can also be directly welded to the rotating plate 72). The second end of the torsion spring 74 is fixed to the groove 14 (a limiting groove 16 corresponding to the torsion spring 74 is further provided in the groove 14). In addition, a slot 421 corresponding to the top of the rotating plate 72 is formed at the bottom of the fixing block 42.

[0048] Thus, when fan 4 needs to be installed, push fan 4 along the axis of mounting through hole 12. This will cause the two fixing blocks 42 on the side wall of fan 4 to push the corresponding rotating plate 72 (and support shaft 71) to rotate. Under the combined action of torsion spring 74 and the thrust of fan 4, the slot 421 will engage with the top of the inclined part 721 of rotating plate 72, thus achieving a stable connection between fan 4 and housing 1. When fan 4 needs to be disassembled, pull handle 75 away from housing 1 to drive rotating plate 72 (and support shaft 71) to rotate synchronously. This will cause the top of the inclined part 721 of rotating plate 72 to disengage from the slot 421 of fixing block 42. Thus, fixing block 42 is no longer restricted, and fan 4 can be quickly disassembled.

[0049] In this embodiment, the fan 4 is also provided with a mesh plate 41, which can prevent dust and other impurities from entering the interior of the housing 1, thereby ensuring the safe use of the fuel cell 2.

[0050] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, a controller 5 (which can be specifically configured as a PCB board) is installed on the outer side of the housing 1, and a temperature sensor 6 is installed on the inner side of the housing 1. The controller 5 is communicatively or electrically connected to the fan 4, and the temperature sensor 6 is communicatively or electrically connected to the controller 5. The temperature sensor 6 can detect the temperature inside the housing 1 in real time. When the detected temperature is higher than its preset value, the temperature sensor 6 can send a signal to the controller 5, which then drives the fan 4 to turn on to cool the fuel cell 2. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 6 is lower than its preset value, the controller 5 controls the fan 4 to turn off. Through the coordinated use of the controller 5 and the temperature sensor 6, the fan 4 can operate intermittently, saving electrical energy and improving economic efficiency.

[0051] In addition, the housing 1 is also provided with mounting ears 13 to facilitate its fixation to the vehicle body.

[0052] According to the present invention, a cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell specifically includes a liquid cooling component 3 and an air cooling component. The liquid cooling component 3 is provided with a liquid source section, a cooling section (fitted with the fuel cell 2) and a return section connected end to end in sequence to form a flow loop for the coolant. The air cooling component includes multiple fans 4. The liquid cooling component 3 and the air cooling component can simultaneously cool the fuel cell 2, effectively improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the fuel cell 2.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of this application, used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. The protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features, within the technical scope disclosed in this application. Such modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be covered within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell, characterized in that, The cooling device for the vehicle fuel cell includes: The housing has an internal cavity for housing the fuel cell; A liquid cooling assembly is connected to the housing; the liquid cooling assembly includes a liquid source section, a cooling section, and a return section connected end to end to form a flow loop for the coolant; the cooling section is fitted into the fuel cell. The air-cooled assembly includes a plurality of fans detachably connected to the housing, each fan being oriented toward the fuel cell.

2. The cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid source unit includes a liquid storage tank, which is fixed to the side wall of the housing by a support member; the liquid storage tank is filled with the coolant, a liquid filling pipe is provided on the top of the liquid storage tank, and heat sinks are provided on the side wall of the liquid storage tank.

3. The cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cooling unit includes an infusion pipe, the first end of which extends to the bottom of the storage tank, and a pump is also provided at the pipe body of the infusion pipe.

4. The cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cooling section further includes a first cooling pipe and a second cooling pipe, the first ends of the first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe being connected to the second end of the infusion pipe; Both the first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe are formed into a snake-shaped bend structure, and the first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe are respectively attached to the first side and the second side facing each other of the fuel cell.

5. The cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reflux section includes a reflux pipe, the second ends of the first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe are respectively connected to the reflux pipe, the first end of the reflux pipe is connected to the bottom end of the liquid storage tank, and a radiator is also provided at the first end of the reflux pipe.

6. The cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air-cooling assembly includes two fans, which are respectively positioned facing the third and fourth sides of the fuel cell; the corresponding side of the housing has mounting through holes that are adapted to the fans.

7. The cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, Two fixing blocks are provided on the outer side walls at both ends of the fan in the diameter direction, and the housing is formed with receiving grooves corresponding to the fixing blocks; the housing is also formed with grooves communicating with the receiving grooves.

8. The cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell according to claim 7, characterized in that, A snap-fit ​​assembly is provided in the groove. The snap-fit ​​assembly includes a support shaft. The inner wall of the groove is provided with a mounting hole corresponding to the support shaft, so that the support shaft is rotatably connected to the groove.

9. The cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell according to claim 8, characterized in that, A rotating plate is fitted on the outer side of the first end of the support shaft, and the rotating plate is perpendicular to the support shaft; a torsion spring is also fitted on the outer side of the support shaft, the first end of the torsion spring is fixed to the side wall of the rotating plate, and the second end of the torsion spring is fixed to the groove.

10. The cooling device for a vehicle fuel cell according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bottom of the fixing block has a slot corresponding to the top of the rotating plate; the top of the rotating plate has an arc-shaped structure.

Images