Fuel cell waste heat recovery system and fuel cell and traffic equipment comprising same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a fuel cell waste heat recovery system and a fuel cell and traffic equipment comprising the same. The fuel cell waste heat recovery system comprises a heat collection device, a thermoelectric module and a heat dissipation device, wherein the inlet end of the heat collecting device is connected with the inlet end of the air compressor, and the outlet end of the heat collecting device is connected with the inlet end of the intercooler; the hot end of the thermoelectric module is connected with the heat collection device, the cold end of the thermoelectric module is connected with the heat dissipation device, the inlet end of the heat dissipation device is connected with the inlet end of the intercooler, and the outlet end of the heat dissipation device is connected with the outlet end of the intercooler. Therefore, the influence of frequent change of heat source temperature and flow of a fuel cell air system on the hot end of the thermoelectric module is reduced, the heat exchange efficiency of the hot end is improved, and the stability of power generation performance of the thermoelectric module is improved. And the cold end of the thermoelectric module reuses the cooling liquid in the fuel cell for cooling, so that an additional heat dissipation device is not needed, and the complexity of the system is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of new energy technology, and in particular to a fuel cell waste heat recovery system and fuel cells and transportation equipment containing the same. Background Technology

[0002] In fuel cells, the air supply system provides air with a specific flow rate, temperature, pressure, and humidity to the fuel cell stack, where it reacts with hydrogen to generate electricity. To provide sufficient air pressure, an air compressor compresses and pressurizes the air to achieve the stack's operating pressure. However, this compression also raises the air temperature to approximately 180°C. An intercooler is then needed to lower the temperature of the compressed air, ensuring it enters the stack within a suitable range. Simultaneously, the fuel cell generates significant heat during the reaction process, which must be dissipated through coolant circulation to maintain the stack's normal operating temperature. This process leads to energy waste and impacts the fuel cell's thermal efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a fuel cell waste heat recovery system to improve the heat utilization rate of fuel cells.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a fuel cell waste heat recovery system, including: a heat collection device, a thermoelectric module, and a heat dissipation device;

[0005] The heat collection device is connected to the inlet of the air compressor and the outlet of the heat collection device is connected to the inlet of the intercooler. The hot end of the thermoelectric module is connected to the heat collection device and the cold end of the thermoelectric module is connected to the heat dissipation device. The inlet of the heat dissipation device is connected to the inlet of the intercooler and the outlet of the heat dissipation device is connected to the outlet of the intercooler.

[0006] Optionally, the system may further include: a heat pipe and a phase change heat storage device;

[0007] The evaporation section of the heat pipe is connected to the heat collection device, the condensation section of the heat pipe is connected to the phase change heat storage device, and the phase change heat storage device is connected to the hot end of the thermoelectric module.

[0008] Optionally, there are n heat pipes, where n is an integer greater than 1.

[0009] Optionally, the liquid target medium in the heat pipe exchanges heat with the air in the heat collection device in the evaporation section, and after becoming a gaseous target medium, flows to the condensation section. The gaseous target medium exchanges heat with the coolant in the phase change heat storage device in the condensation section, and after becoming a liquid target medium, flows back to the evaporation section.

[0010] Optionally, the system further includes a voltage converter connected to the thermoelectric module for converting the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric module.

[0011] Secondly, this application provides a fuel cell, including: a stack, an air system, a coolant circulation system, and a fuel cell waste heat recovery system as described above;

[0012] The air system includes an air filter, an air compressor connected to the air filter, an intercooler connected to the air compressor, and a humidifier connected to the intercooler; the inlet of the fuel cell stack is connected to the humidifier.

[0013] The coolant circulation system includes a water pump, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the intercooler.

[0014] Thirdly, this application provides a transportation device including the aforementioned fuel cell.

[0015] One or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0016] This utility model discloses a fuel cell waste heat recovery system, comprising: a heat collection device, a thermoelectric module, and a heat dissipation device; wherein, the inlet of the heat collection device is connected to the inlet of an air compressor, and the outlet of the heat collection device is connected to the inlet of an intercooler; the hot end of the thermoelectric module is connected to the heat collection device, the cold end of the thermoelectric module is connected to the heat dissipation device, the inlet of the heat dissipation device is connected to the inlet of the intercooler, and the outlet of the heat dissipation device is connected to the outlet of the intercooler. This reduces the impact of frequent changes in the temperature and flow rate of the fuel cell air source on the hot end of the thermoelectric module, improves the heat exchange efficiency of the hot end, and enhances the stability of the power generation performance of the thermoelectric module. Furthermore, the cold end of the thermoelectric module reuses the coolant from the fuel cell for cooling, eliminating the need for additional heat dissipation devices and reducing system complexity.

[0017] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this utility model more obvious and understandable, specific embodiments of this utility model are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the same reference figures denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell waste heat recovery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] legend:

[0021] Thermoelectric module-1, phase change heat storage device-2, heat pipe-3, heat dissipation device-4, air filter-5, air compressor-6, heat collection device-7, intercooler-8, humidifier-9, water pump-10. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0023] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] Combination Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a fuel cell waste heat recovery system, including: a heat collection device 7, a thermoelectric module 1, and a heat dissipation device 4.

[0027] The inlet of the heat collection device 7 is connected to the inlet of the air compressor 6, and the outlet of the heat collection device 7 is connected to the inlet of the intercooler 8; the hot end of the thermoelectric module 1 is connected to the heat collection device 7, the cold end of the thermoelectric module 1 is connected to the heat dissipation device 4, the inlet of the heat dissipation device 4 is connected to the inlet of the intercooler 8, and the outlet of the heat dissipation device 4 is connected to the outlet of the intercooler 8.

[0028] Air compressor 6 is part of the heavy air system of the fuel cell. Air compressor 6 is used to compress and increase the pressure of air, and the temperature of the compressed air increases to approximately 180 degrees Celsius. In this embodiment, a heat collection device 7 is provided, through which high-temperature and high-pressure air flows, and this high-temperature and high-pressure air serves as the heat source for thermoelectric module 1.

[0029] The fuel cell stack generates a significant amount of heat during the reaction process, which is dissipated through a coolant circulation system. The normal temperature range of the coolant is 70-80°C. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation device 4 is integrated into the coolant circulation system, with the coolant serving as the cold source for the thermoelectric module 1. Forced air convection requires an additional power supply fan and has a low convective heat transfer coefficient, affecting the thermoelectric power generation efficiency. Coolant, on the other hand, offers relatively stable flow and temperature, and its higher thermal conductivity makes it more suitable as the cold source for the thermoelectric module 1.

[0030] The temperature of the coolant is lower than that of the high-temperature, high-pressure air, so the thermoelectric module 1 can use the waste heat in the fuel cell to generate electricity, which can provide power for various electronic devices, while improving the heat utilization efficiency in the fuel cell.

[0031] It should be noted that, considering the transient changes in the operating state of the fuel cell, the demand for air parameters also changes constantly, resulting in frequent changes in the air temperature and flow rate at the outlet of the air compressor 6. Simultaneously, the limited heat exchange area between the thermoelectric modules 1 also leads to unstable performance of the thermoelectric modules 1. The fuel cell waste heat recovery system in this embodiment also includes: heat pipe 3 and phase change heat storage device 2.

[0032] There are multiple heat pipes 3, each divided into an evaporation section, a condensation section, and a reflux section. The target medium flows through the heat pipes 3. The evaporation section of the heat pipe 3 is connected to the heat collection device 7, and the target medium absorbs heat from the air in the heat collection device 7 and undergoes a phase change.

[0033] The condensation section of heat pipe 3 is connected to phase change heat storage device 2. The target medium releases heat to the coolant in heat dissipation device 4 and undergoes phase change. Then it flows back to the evaporation section through the reflux section, thus completing an energy cycle.

[0034] The phase change heat storage device 2 is connected to the hot end of the thermoelectric module 1. The condensation and heat release process transfers heat to the phase change heat storage device 2, which then serves as the heat source for the thermoelectric module 1.

[0035] Specifically, the liquid target medium in heat pipe 3 exchanges heat with the air in heat collection device 7 in the evaporation section, becomes a gaseous target medium, and then flows to the condensation section. The gaseous target medium exchanges heat with the coolant in phase change heat storage device 2 in the condensation section, becomes a liquid target medium, and then flows back to the evaporation section.

[0036] This embodiment utilizes the high heat storage density and small temperature fluctuation range of the phase change heat storage device 2 to convert the transiently fluctuating air heat source in the fuel cell air system into a stable high-temperature heat source to continuously supply heat to the thermoelectric module 1. The coolant is used as the cold-end medium of the thermoelectric module 1, and is continuously cooled by the heat dissipation device 4. Because the fuel cell coolant has a high specific heat capacity, its temperature fluctuation is small, resulting in a relatively stable cold-end temperature of the thermoelectric module 1. Furthermore, the heat dissipation device 4 is arranged in parallel with the intercooler 8 within the fuel cell coolant circulation system. This arrangement does not affect the intercooler 8's ability to dissipate heat from the high-temperature air, and as part of the coolant circulation system, it eliminates the need for an additional cooling fan to cool the thermoelectric module 1, thus simplifying the system.

[0037] Optionally, the system also includes a voltage converter connected to the thermoelectric module 1 to convert the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric module 1 into the power required by the fuel cell system for power supply.

[0038] In summary, the fuel cell waste heat recovery system disclosed in this utility model includes: a heat collection device 7, a thermoelectric module 1, and a heat dissipation device 4; wherein, the inlet of the heat collection device 7 is connected to the inlet of the air compressor 6, and the outlet of the heat collection device 7 is connected to the inlet of the intercooler 8; the hot end of the thermoelectric module 1 is connected to the heat collection device 7, the cold end of the thermoelectric module 1 is connected to the heat dissipation device 4, the inlet of the heat dissipation device 4 is connected to the inlet of the intercooler 8, and the outlet of the heat dissipation device 4 is connected to the outlet of the intercooler 8. This reduces the impact of frequent changes in the temperature and flow rate of the heat source in the fuel cell air system on the hot end of the thermoelectric module 1, improves the heat exchange efficiency of the hot end, and enhances the stability of the power generation performance of the thermoelectric module 1. Furthermore, the cold end of the thermoelectric module 1 reuses the coolant in the fuel cell for cooling, eliminating the need for an additional heat dissipation device 4 and reducing the complexity of the system.

[0039] Based on the same concept, this utility model embodiment also provides a fuel cell, including: a stack, an air system, a coolant circulation system, and the aforementioned fuel cell waste heat recovery system;

[0040] The air system includes an air filter 5, an air compressor 6 connected to the air filter 5, an intercooler 8 connected to the air compressor 6, and a humidifier 9 connected to the intercooler 8; the inlet of the fuel cell stack is connected to the humidifier 9.

[0041] The coolant circulation system includes a water pump 10, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the intercooler 8.

[0042] In summary, the fuel cell disclosed in this utility model includes a waste heat recovery system comprising: a heat collection device 7, a thermoelectric module 1, and a heat dissipation device 4. The inlet of the heat collection device 7 is connected to the inlet of the air compressor 6, and the outlet of the heat collection device 7 is connected to the inlet of the intercooler 8. The hot end of the thermoelectric module 1 is connected to the heat collection device 7, and the cold end of the thermoelectric module 1 is connected to the heat dissipation device 4. The inlet of the heat dissipation device 4 is connected to the inlet of the intercooler 8, and the outlet of the heat dissipation device 4 is connected to the outlet of the intercooler 8. This reduces the impact of frequent changes in the temperature and flow rate of the heat source in the fuel cell air system on the hot end of the thermoelectric module 1, improves the heat exchange efficiency of the hot end, and enhances the stability of the power generation performance of the thermoelectric module 1. Furthermore, the cold end of the thermoelectric module 1 reuses the coolant in the fuel cell for cooling, eliminating the need for an additional heat dissipation device 4 and reducing the complexity of the system.

[0043] Based on the same concept, this utility model embodiment also provides a transportation device, including the aforementioned fuel cell.

[0044] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0045] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this utility model and their equivalents, this utility model also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A fuel cell waste heat recovery system, characterized in that, include: Heat collection devices, thermoelectric modules, and heat dissipation devices; The heat collection device is connected to the inlet of the air compressor and the outlet of the heat collection device is connected to the inlet of the intercooler. The hot end of the thermoelectric module is connected to the heat collection device and the cold end of the thermoelectric module is connected to the heat dissipation device. The inlet of the heat dissipation device is connected to the inlet of the intercooler and the outlet of the heat dissipation device is connected to the outlet of the intercooler.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes: a heat pipe and a phase change heat storage device; The evaporation section of the heat pipe is connected to the heat collection device, the condensation section of the heat pipe is connected to the phase change heat storage device, and the phase change heat storage device is connected to the hot end of the thermoelectric module.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are n heat pipes, where n is an integer greater than 1.

4. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid target medium in the heat pipe exchanges heat with the air in the heat collection device in the evaporation section, and then flows into the condensation section after becoming a gaseous target medium. The gaseous target medium exchanges heat with the coolant in the phase change heat storage device in the condensation section, and then flows back to the evaporation section after becoming a liquid target medium.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a voltage converter connected to the thermoelectric module for converting the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric module.

6. A fuel cell, characterized in that, include: The fuel cell stack, air system, coolant circulation system, and fuel cell waste heat recovery system as described in any one of claims 1-5; The air system includes an air filter, an air compressor connected to the air filter, an intercooler connected to the air compressor, and a humidifier connected to the intercooler; the inlet of the fuel cell stack is connected to the humidifier. The coolant circulation system includes a water pump, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the intercooler.

7. A transportation device, characterized in that, Including the fuel cell as described in claim 6.

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