Air inlet filtering system of hydrogen fuel cell

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, in particular to an air inlet filtering system of a hydrogen fuel cell. The device comprises an air system and an air blower which are connected with an air inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell, the air system comprises an air filter element assembly, a control switch assembly, a detection unit and a control unit, and the air filter element assembly comprises an air filter element I and an air filter element II which are connected in series and used for primary and secondary filtration; the control switch assembly comprises a control switch I and a control switch II which are connected in series with the air filter element assembly, a control switch III and a control switch IV which are connected in parallel with the air filter element assembly, and a control switch V which is connected in series with the air blower; the detection unit comprises a differential pressure sensor I and a differential pressure sensor II which are connected with the air filter element assembly in parallel; by means of series connection and parallel connection of the control switch assemblies, the filter element can be replaced without shutdown, shutdown time and production loss are reduced, and system reliability is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology, and specifically to an air intake filtration system for a hydrogen fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), as a leading clean energy technology, have shown broad application prospects in the field of new energy vehicles. However, the start-up process of hydrogen fuel cells is cumbersome and time-consuming, especially since the performance of the air intake system directly affects the efficiency and lifespan of the fuel cell. To address these challenges, engineers have made tireless efforts. For example, Chinese patent CN213743772U proposes a filter device that allows for filter element replacement without shutting down the system. Through a main oil inlet circuit, a main oil outlet circuit, a dual reversing valve, and parallel filters, seamless filter element replacement is achieved. Nevertheless, the problem of traditional air filtration systems still requiring shutdown for filter element replacement persists, which not only prolongs downtime but may also affect production efficiency and economic benefits. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an air intake filtration system for hydrogen fuel cells.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0005] A hydrogen fuel cell air intake filtration system includes an air system connected to the hydrogen fuel cell air intake and a blower. The air system includes an air filter assembly, a control switch assembly, a detection unit, and a control unit, wherein:

[0006] An air filter assembly, comprising air filter I and air filter II connected in series, for primary and secondary filtration;

[0007] The control switch assembly includes control switches I and II connected in series with the air filter assembly, control switches III and IV connected in parallel with the air filter assembly, and control switch V connected in series with the blower;

[0008] The detection unit includes differential pressure sensor I and differential pressure sensor II connected in parallel with the air filter assembly;

[0009] The control unit includes a controller, the input of which is connected to the detection unit, and the output of which is connected to the blower and the control switch assembly.

[0010] This technical solution employs a series air filter structure, providing two-stage filtration under normal conditions, improving filtration efficiency and reliability. Filter replacement can be performed without shutting down the system. Specifically, air filter I and air filter II are connected in series to achieve two-stage filtration. The first stage filters larger particles, reducing the burden on the second stage and thus improving overall filtration efficiency and lifespan. The two-stage filtration more effectively blocks impurities in the air, protecting the hydrogen fuel cell from damage and improving its operational reliability. Through the series and parallel configuration of the control switch components, the air system can replace filters without shutting down the system. For example, when air filter I needs to be replaced, control switch I is closed while control switch III is opened, allowing air to bypass air filter I and continue filtration through air filter II, ensuring continuous operation of the hydrogen fuel cell. Similarly, air filter II can also be replaced without shutting down the system. Replacement is performed under the following conditions; differential pressure sensors I and II monitor the clogging status of air filter I and air filter II, respectively; when the differential pressure of a filter reaches a preset value, the controller issues a warning, prompting the operator to replace the filter, which not only improves the timeliness of maintenance but also ensures the stable operation of the air system before filter replacement; the controller controls the working status of the blower and various control switch components by receiving signals from the detection unit; when a severe blockage of an air filter is detected, the controller automatically shuts off the corresponding control switch and opens the parallel bypass switch to achieve online filter replacement; the controller also adjusts the blower speed according to the operating status of the hydrogen fuel cell and air demand to achieve the optimal energy efficiency ratio.

[0011] In addition, the hydrogen fuel cell air intake filtration system proposed above according to this utility model also has the following additional technical features:

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air filter assembly includes a circular outer frame, a filter screen disposed inside the circular outer frame, and a sealing ring disposed on the side of the circular outer frame.

[0013] In this technical solution, the filter screen is composed of multiple layers of fiber or mesh materials with different materials and pore sizes, which can efficiently block and capture tiny particles such as dust, pollen, and bacteria in the air. The sealing ring is made of elastic materials, such as rubber or silicone, which have good elasticity and wear resistance. The sealing ring is located on the side of the circular outer frame to ensure the seal between the filter element assembly and other components of the filtration system. When the filter screen becomes clogged or reaches the end of its lifespan, the old filter element assembly can be easily removed and a new filter element installed, thereby ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of the air system.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air filter element I and the control switch I form a series circuit, and a bypass branch is set on the series circuit through the control switch III; the air filter element II and the control switch II form a series circuit, and another bypass branch is set on the series circuit through the control switch IV.

[0015] In this technical solution, a bypass branch is set in the series circuit by control switch III and control switch IV to provide a redundant path for the air system. When an air filter needs to be bypassed due to blockage, damage or maintenance, the corresponding control switch III or control switch IV is opened to allow air to bypass the air filter and continue to flow, avoiding the shutdown of the entire system due to the failure of a single filter, thereby reducing downtime and production losses.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the replacement value range of the detection unit is set to 0.1~0.2MPa.

[0017] In this technical solution, the replacement value range is set at 0.1~0.2MPa based on experimental data, empirical values, or industry standards. This ensures that the air filter is replaced in a timely manner when the degree of clogging is moderate, so as to maintain the filtration efficiency of the system. Timely replacement of clogged filter elements reduces wear and corrosion inside the system and extends the service life of the entire equipment.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when control switch I is closed and control switch III is activated, air filter I can be replaced without shutting down the machine; when control switch II is closed and control switch IV is activated, air filter II can be replaced without shutting down the machine.

[0019] This technical solution uses control switches III and IV as parallel bypasses for air filter I and air filter II, respectively. The air system can replace either filter without shutting down, improving system redundancy and ensuring continued operation even when one filter needs replacement, thus enhancing overall reliability. For example, when replacing air filter I, activating control switch III allows more airflow through air filter II, ensuring the overall filtration effect remains unaffected. If an air filter becomes severely clogged due to prolonged lack of replacement, it can lead to system overload or damage. Regularly replacing the filter and activating the bypass switches prevents this, protecting the system from damage.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the control switch I, control switch III, and control switch V are activated, the control unit controls the blower to perform reverse blowing towards the air inlet where the air filter assembly is located, thereby removing the solid particles, dust, and impurities adsorbed by the air filter assembly to the outside of the air inlet.

[0021] In this technical solution, if the filter element is not back-purged for a long time and becomes severely clogged, it will cause the blower to overload or be damaged. Regular back-purging can significantly extend the service life of the air filter element, reduce the replacement frequency, and reduce maintenance costs.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages:

[0023] (1) By using the series and parallel connection of control switch components, filter element replacement can be achieved without stopping the machine, reducing downtime and production losses, and improving system reliability;

[0024] (2) Two-stage filtration is achieved by connecting air filter I and air filter II in series, which effectively blocks impurities in the air and protects the hydrogen fuel cell;

[0025] (3) The differential pressure sensor monitors the filter element blockage in real time, and the controller automatically adjusts the blower speed and control switch status according to the signal to ensure that the system operates stably before the filter element is replaced. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Air filter element I; 2. Air filter element II; 3. Blower; 4. Control switch I; 5. Control switch II; 6. Control switch III; 7. Control switch IV; 8. Control switch V; 9. Differential pressure sensor I; 10. Differential pressure sensor II. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a hydrogen fuel cell air intake filtration system, including an air system connected to the hydrogen fuel cell air intake and a blower 3. The air system includes an air filter assembly, a control switch assembly, a detection unit, and a control unit, wherein:

[0031] An air filter assembly, comprising air filter I1 and air filter II2 connected in series for primary and secondary filtration;

[0032] The control switch assembly includes control switches I4 and II5 connected in series with the air filter assembly, control switches III6 and IV7 connected in parallel with the air filter assembly, and control switch V8 connected in series with the blower 3.

[0033] The detection unit includes differential pressure sensor I9 and differential pressure sensor II10 connected in parallel with the air filter assembly;

[0034] The control unit includes a controller, the input of which is connected to the detection unit, and the output of which is connected to the blower 3 and the control switch assembly respectively.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, this technical solution adopts a series air filter structure, providing two-stage filtration under normal conditions, improving filtration efficiency and reliability. Filter replacement can be performed without shutting down the system. Specifically, air filter I1 and air filter II2 are connected in series to achieve two-stage filtration. The first-stage filtration blocks larger particles, reducing the burden on the second-stage filtration, thereby improving overall filtration efficiency and lifespan. The two-stage filtration more effectively blocks impurities in the air, protecting the hydrogen fuel cell from damage and improving its operational reliability. Through the series and parallel configuration of the control switch components, the air system can replace the filter without shutting down the system. For example, when air filter I1 needs to be replaced, control switch I4 is closed while control switch III6 is opened, allowing air to bypass air filter I1 and continue filtration through air filter II2, thus ensuring the continuous operation of the hydrogen fuel cell. Similarly, air filter II2 can also be replaced without shutting down the system. Replacement is performed under certain conditions; differential pressure sensors I9 and II monitor the clogging status of air filter I1 and air filter II2, respectively; when the differential pressure of a filter reaches a preset value, the controller issues a warning, prompting the operator to replace the filter, which not only improves the timeliness of maintenance but also ensures the stable operation of the air system before filter replacement; the controller controls the working status of blower 3 and various control switch components by receiving signals from the detection unit; when a severe blockage of an air filter is detected, the controller automatically shuts off the corresponding control switch and opens the parallel bypass switch to achieve online filter replacement; the controller also adjusts the speed of blower 3 according to the operating status of the hydrogen fuel cell and air demand to achieve the optimal energy efficiency ratio.

[0036] In addition, the hydrogen fuel cell air intake filtration system proposed above according to this utility model also has the following additional technical features:

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air filter assembly includes a circular outer frame, a filter screen disposed inside the circular outer frame, and a sealing ring disposed on the side of the circular outer frame.

[0038] In this technical solution, the filter screen is composed of multiple layers of fiber or mesh materials with different materials and pore sizes, which can efficiently block and capture tiny particles such as dust, pollen, and bacteria in the air. The sealing ring is made of elastic materials, such as rubber or silicone, which have good elasticity and wear resistance. The sealing ring is located on the side of the circular outer frame to ensure the seal between the filter element assembly and other components of the filtration system. When the filter screen becomes clogged or reaches the end of its lifespan, the old filter element assembly can be easily removed and a new filter element installed, thereby ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of the air system.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air filter element I1 and the control switch I4 form a series circuit, and a bypass branch is set on the series circuit through the control switch III6; the air filter element II2 and the control switch II5 form a series circuit, and another bypass branch is set on the series circuit through the control switch IV7.

[0040] In this technical solution, a bypass branch is set in the series circuit by control switch Ⅲ6 and control switch Ⅳ7 to provide a redundant path for the air system. When an air filter needs to be bypassed due to blockage, damage or maintenance, the corresponding control switch Ⅲ6 or control switch Ⅳ7 is opened to allow air to bypass the air filter and continue to flow, avoiding the shutdown of the entire system due to the failure of a single filter, thereby reducing downtime and production losses.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the replacement value range of the detection unit is set to 0.1~0.2MPa.

[0042] In this technical solution, the replacement value range is set at 0.1~0.2MPa based on experimental data, empirical values, or industry standards. This ensures that the air filter is replaced in a timely manner when the degree of clogging is moderate, so as to maintain the filtration efficiency of the system. Timely replacement of clogged filter elements reduces wear and corrosion inside the system and extends the service life of the entire equipment.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when control switch I4 is closed and control switch III6 is activated, air filter I1 is replaced without shutting down the machine; when control switch II5 is closed and control switch IV7 is activated, air filter II2 is replaced without shutting down the machine.

[0044] This technical solution uses control switches III6 and IV7 as parallel bypasses for air filter I1 and air filter II2, respectively. This allows the air system to replace either filter without shutting down, improving system redundancy and ensuring continued operation even when one filter needs replacement, thus enhancing overall reliability. For example, when replacing air filter I1, activating control switch III6 allows more airflow through air filter II2, ensuring the overall filtration effect remains unaffected. If an air filter becomes severely clogged due to prolonged lack of replacement, it can lead to system overload or damage. Regularly replacing the filter and activating the bypass switches prevents this, protecting the system from damage.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the control switch I4, control switch III6, and control switch V8 are activated, the control unit controls the blower 3 to perform reverse blowing towards the air inlet where the air filter assembly is located, thereby removing the solid particles, dust, and impurities adsorbed by the air filter assembly to the outside of the air inlet.

[0046] In this technical solution, if the filter element is not back-purged for a long time and becomes severely clogged, it will cause the blower 3 to be overloaded or damaged. Regular back-purging can significantly extend the service life of the air filter element, reduce the replacement frequency, and reduce maintenance costs.

[0047] The usage process of the above embodiments is as follows:

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, during normal operation, air enters the system after being filtered through two stages of filters. Simultaneously, differential pressure sensors I9 and II monitor the filter status. If the reading of differential pressure sensor I9 exceeds the limit, control switch I4 is turned off and control switch II5 is turned on. Air then enters the system after primary filtration through air filter II2. At this time, air filter I1 can be replaced without shutting down the system. After replacement, control switch I4 is turned on and control switch II5 is turned off, restoring the two-stage filtration system. If the reading of differential pressure sensor II10 exceeds the limit, the operation is similar: control switch III6 is turned off and control switch IV7 is turned on. Air then enters the system after primary filtration through air filter I1, and air filter II2 is replaced. After replacement, the control switches are turned off, and the system operates normally. Additionally, periodic reverse cleaning extends the filter's lifespan. Control switches I4, III, and V are turned on, and blower 3 performs reverse cleaning to remove impurities from the filter until the differential pressure sensor reading reaches the limit, at which point blower 3 is turned off.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Various equivalent modifications or substitutions can be made to the embodiments of the present invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and such modifications or substitutions should all be within the scope of the present invention. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should also be included within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hydrogen fuel cell air intake filtration system, comprising: The air system connected with the hydrogen fuel cell air inlet includes an air filter assembly, a control switch assembly, a detection unit and a control unit, wherein: The air filter assembly includes air filter I (1) and air filter II (2) connected in series, for primary and secondary filtration; The control switch assembly includes control switch I (4) and control switch II (5) connected in series with the air filter assembly, control switch III (6) and control switch IV (7) connected in parallel with the air filter assembly, and control switch V (8) connected in series with the air blower (3); The detection unit includes differential pressure sensor I (9) and differential pressure sensor II (10) connected in parallel with the air filter assembly; The control unit includes a controller, the input end of the controller is connected with the detection unit, and the output end of the controller is connected with the air blower (3) and the control switch assembly respectively.

2. The hydrogen fuel cell air intake filtration system of claim 1, wherein, The air filter assembly includes a circular outer frame, a filter screen arranged inside the circular outer frame, and a sealing ring arranged on the side of the circular outer frame.

3. The hydrogen fuel cell air intake filtration system of claim 1, wherein, The air filter I (1) and the control switch I (4) form a series circuit, and a bypass branch is arranged on the series circuit through the control switch III (6); the air filter II (2) and the control switch II (5) form a series circuit, and another bypass branch is arranged on the series circuit through the control switch IV (7).

4. The hydrogen fuel cell air intake filtration system of claim 1, wherein, The replacement value range of the detection unit is 0.1-0.2 MPa.

5. The hydrogen fuel cell air intake filtration system of claim 1 or 4, wherein, The control switch I (4) is closed, the control switch III (6) is started, and the air filter I (1) is replaced without shutdown; the control switch II (5) is closed, the control switch IV (7) is started, and the air filter II (2) is replaced without shutdown.

6. The hydrogen fuel cell air intake filtration system of claim 5, wherein, The control switch I (4), the control switch III (6) and the control switch V (8) are started, and the control unit controls the air blower (3) to perform reverse blowing towards the air inlet where the air filter assembly is located, so as to remove the solid dust and impurities adsorbed by the air filter assembly to the outside of the air inlet.

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