Air compressor for fuel cell device and fuel cell device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, in particular to an air compressor for fuel cell equipment, which comprises an impeller suitable for compressing air; the motor is suitable for driving the impeller to rotate around the rotation axis; the cooling device is suitable for cooling the motor, the cooling device is provided with an inlet allowing cooling liquid to flow in, an outlet allowing the cooling liquid to flow out and a cooling flow channel connecting the inlet and the outlet, and the cooling flow channel is provided with an inflow section connected with the inlet and allowing the cooling liquid to flow around the rotation axis in the first rotation direction; the inflow section is connected with the inlet, the outflow section is connected with the outlet and allows the cooling liquid to flow around the rotation axis in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and the inflow section and / or the outflow section are / is configured to rotate around the rotation axis by more than 360 degrees. The utility model also relates to a fuel cell device. According to the utility model, the cooling liquid can be ensured to be in contact with a larger surface area around the motor, the heat exchange efficiency is increased, the flow loss of the system is reduced, and the cooling effect is obviously improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cell, specifically relates to an air compressor for fuel cell equipment and a fuel cell equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the enhancement of environmental awareness and the transformation of energy structure, fuel cell as a clean and efficient energy conversion device is increasingly widely used in many fields. Fuel cell equipment needs to provide compressed air externally to supply oxygen, so the electrical air compressor (EAC) becomes one of the key components of the fuel cell equipment. The electrical air compressor compresses air through high-speed rotating impeller to provide the required oxygen for the fuel cell equipment, which is an important guarantee for the efficient operation of the whole system. In the fuel cell equipment, the core components of the electrical air compressor usually include a high-speed rotating impeller driven by a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). This motor drives the impeller to rotate at high speed to compress air, so that the air enters from the air inlet, is pressurized by the impeller and is discharged from the air outlet, and finally is provided to the cathode of the fuel cell equipment. Since the motor generates a large amount of heat during high-speed operation, in order to ensure the stable operation of the motor and prolong the service life, a cooling device needs to be provided to effectively cool the motor of the air compressor.

[0003] In the prior art, the cooling device of the air compressor for fuel cell equipment usually adopts liquid cooling method, specifically, for example, the cooling liquid composed of ethylene glycol and deionized water enters the cooling flow channel through the inlet, flows through the area around the motor and is discharged from the outlet, forming a circulating cooling system. After absorbing the heat generated by the motor, the cooling liquid is cooled by an external heat exchanger and reused. However, the cooling flow channel in the prior art either allows the cooling liquid to flow in the same direction of rotation only, which makes the effective heat exchange area small and the heat absorption and transfer efficiency low, or allows the cooling liquid to flow back and forth in opposite directions of rotation in a short distance, which easily leads to unsmooth flow of the cooling liquid, generates large local flow resistance and vortex and thus reduces the cooling efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, there is still a practical need to continue to improve the cooling structure of the air compressor for fuel cell equipment. SUMMARY

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the utility model is to provide an improved air compressor for fuel cell equipment and an improved fuel cell equipment to at least solve some problems in the prior art and / or overcome other possible drawbacks not mentioned herein.

[0006] According to the first aspect of the present application, an air compressor for a fuel cell device is provided, the air compressor comprising: an impeller configured to compress air; a motor configured to drive the impeller to rotate around a rotation axis; and a cooling device configured to cool the motor, the cooling device having an inlet for cooling liquid to flow in, an outlet for cooling liquid to flow out, and a cooling flow channel connecting the inlet and the outlet, the cooling flow channel having: an inflow section connected with the inlet, the inflow section being configured to allow cooling liquid to flow around the rotation axis in a first rotation direction; and an outflow section connected with the outlet, the outflow section being configured to allow cooling liquid to flow around the rotation axis in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, wherein the inflow section and / or the outflow section is configured to rotate more than 360 degrees around the rotation axis.

[0007] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the cooling flow channel has an arcuate section connecting the inflow section and the outflow section, the arcuate section being configured to guide cooling liquid to change from the first rotation direction to the second rotation direction.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the inflow section and the outflow section jointly form a multiple-rotation flow channel surrounding the motor.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the outflow section is configured to rotate more than 700 degrees around the rotation axis.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the arcuate section is adjacent to the inlet.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the cooling device is configured to allow cooling liquid to flow in each multiple-rotation flow channel in only one rotation direction.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the outflow section comprises a first section connected with the arcuate section and a second section connected with the outlet, the first section and the second section having an offset in an axial direction with reference to the rotation axis.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the outflow section further comprises an oblique flow section connecting the first section and the second section, the oblique flow section being configured to allow cooling liquid to flow obliquely from the first section to the second section.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the inflow section, the first section and the second section have the same rotation range around the rotation axis.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the inlet section, the first section and the second section have the same flow channel width on the rotation axis.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the inlet section and the first section have the same spacing as between the first section and the second section.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the oblique flow section is adjacent to the arched section.

[0018] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the oblique flow section is adjacent to the outlet.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the oblique flow section at least partly follows the outer contour of the arched section.

[0020] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the inlet and the outlet have the same orientation.

[0021] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the cooling flow channel has a constant flow channel cross section.

[0022] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the inlet is oriented tangentially relative to the first direction of rotation.

[0023] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the outlet is oriented tangentially relative to the second direction of rotation.

[0024] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the air compressor comprises a housing adapted to accommodate the electric machine and a water jacket surrounding the electric machine, the cooling flow channel being formed in one piece by the housing and the water jacket.

[0025] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the air compressor comprises a housing adapted to accommodate the electric machine, the cooling flow channel being formed in one piece by the housing.

[0026] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the housing is configured as an aluminum cast part, the cooling flow channel being formed by a sand core, the housing further comprising at least one opening for the sand core to flow out and at least one obturation element to obturate the opening.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell device is provided, the fuel cell device being configured as a fuel cell engine for a vehicle and comprising: a fuel cell stack; a cooling circuit having a heat exchanger; and an air compressor for the fuel cell device provided in any alternative embodiment of the first aspect above, the air compressor being configured to supply compressed air toward the cathode of the fuel cell stack, wherein a cooling device of the air compressor is in communication with the cooling circuit.

[0028] According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cooling channel is divided into two channel segments rotating in opposite directions, with at least one channel segment rotating more than 360 degrees around the axis of rotation. This design significantly improves several aspects of the cooling effect. First, by making the coolant rotate around the motor in a specific direction within the channel, it ensures that the coolant can contact a larger surface area around the motor, effectively eliminating dead zones in traditional channel designs. Second, the coolant rotating more than 360 degrees around the motor in at least one channel segment extends the flow path of the coolant around the motor, increasing heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, this design makes the coolant flow more orderly, reducing turbulence and flow resistance, lowering system flow losses, and enabling the cooling device to achieve better cooling effects with lower energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will provide a better understanding of its principles, features, and advantages. The drawings include:

[0030] Figure 1 A perspective view of an air compressor for a fuel cell device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 A sectional view cut by the section line AA shown;

[0032] Figure 3 An exploded view of the shell and water jacket forming the cooling channels is shown;

[0033] Figure 4 A perspective view of a cooling flow channel of a cooling device for an air compressor in a fuel cell device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 It shows from Figure 4 The side view shown is directed towards point B.

[0035] Figure 6 It shows from Figure 5 The front view shown is taken from the direction of view C.

[0036] Figure 7a perspective view of the cooling flow channel is shown from a viewing direction D; Figure 5 a top view is shown from a viewing direction D;

[0037] Figure 8 a perspective view of the cooling flow channel is shown from a viewing direction D;

[0038] Figure 9 a simplified view of a vehicle having a fuel cell device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application as an engine is shown.

[0039] Figure 10 a simplified view of a vehicle having a fuel cell device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application as an engine is shown.

[0040] Reference Signs:

[0041] 3000: vehicle; 2000: fuel cell device; 2100: stack; 2101: cathode; 2200: cooling circuit; 2201: heat exchanger; 1000: air compressor; 1001: rotational axis; 900: impeller; 800: electric machine; 700: cooling device; 730: cooling flow channel; 710: inlet; 720: outlet; 600: housing; 601: opening; 602: plug; 500: water jacket; 100: inflow section; 200: outflow section; 300: arched section; 201: first section; 202: second section; 203: inclined flow section; 10: first direction of rotation; 20: second direction of rotation; al: flow channel width of the inflow section; a2: flow channel width of the first section; a3: flow channel width of the second section; bl: spacing between the inflow section and the first section; b2: spacing between the first section and the second section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In order to make the technical problems to be solved by the present application, the technical solutions and the beneficial technical effects clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings and multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application, and are not used to limit the protection scope of the present application, and each embodiment can share the same view or multiple views for description, but all the features appearing in the same view cannot be interpreted as a feature that an embodiment must have.

[0043] First, for ease of understanding, the description made in the background section of the present application can be traced back or recalled. One of the purposes of the present application is to provide an air compressor for a fuel cell device, the air compressor comprising: an impeller configured to compress air; a motor configured to drive the impeller to rotate around a rotation axis; and a cooling device configured to cool the motor, the cooling device having an inlet for cooling liquid to flow in and an outlet for cooling liquid to flow out, and a cooling flow channel connecting the inlet and the outlet, the cooling flow channel having: an inflow section connected with the inlet, the inflow section being configured to allow cooling liquid to flow around the rotation axis in a first rotation direction; and an outflow section connected with the outlet, the outflow section being configured to allow cooling liquid to flow around the rotation axis in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, wherein the inflow section and / or the outflow section is configured to rotate more than 360 degrees around the rotation axis. Thus, the cooling flow channel is divided into two flow channel sections rotating in opposite directions, and at least one of the flow channel sections rotates more than 360 degrees around the rotation axis. This design significantly improves various aspects of the cooling effect. First, by making the cooling liquid rotate around the motor in a specific direction within the flow channel, it ensures that the cooling liquid can contact a larger surface area around the motor, effectively eliminating the dead zone in the traditional flow channel design. Secondly, the cooling liquid rotates more than 360 degrees around the motor in at least one flow channel section, extending the flow path of the cooling liquid around the motor and increasing the heat exchange efficiency. In addition, this design makes the cooling liquid flow more orderly, reduces turbulence and flow resistance, reduces system flow loss, and enables the cooling device to achieve better cooling effect with lower energy consumption.

[0044] The exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 A perspective view of an air compressor 1000 for a fuel cell device 2000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along Figure 3 An exploded view of the housing 600 and the water jacket 500 forming the cooling flow channel 730 is shown.

[0046] As Figure 1 In combination with the Figure 9 As shown, the air compressor 1000 is used in the fuel cell device 2000, mainly for providing compressed air to the fuel cell device 2000. To this end, as also Figure 2As shown, the air compressor 1000 includes an impeller 900 that rotates about a rotation axis 1001 for compressing air. To drive the impeller 900 to rotate, the air compressor 1000 also includes a motor 800. As described in the background art, to dissipate heat from the high-speed operating motor 800, the air compressor 1000 also includes a cooling device 700. Specifically, the cooling device 700 may include an inlet 710 for coolant inflow, an outlet 720 for coolant outflow, and a cooling channel 730 connecting the inlet 710 and the outlet 720. Figure 2 and Figure 3 One implementation of the cooling channel 730 is shown. Here, the air compressor 1000 includes a housing 600 for housing a motor 800 and a sleeve-shaped water jacket 500 surrounding the motor 800. The cooling channel 730 is formed by assembling the housing 600 and the water jacket 500 together using a sealing method (e.g., using a sealing ring). This separate design allows for optimized design and manufacturing of the housing and water jacket, enabling the use of different materials or processes to meet their respective functional requirements. For example, the housing can be made of a high-strength material to protect the motor, while the water jacket can be made of a material with better thermal conductivity, thus reducing manufacturing difficulty. In another implementation of the cooling channel 730 (not shown here), the cooling channel 730 is integrally formed solely by the housing 600. Figure 2 The schematically illustrated housing 600 and water jacket 500 are both constructed as a single unit. This integrated design significantly improves the structural integrity and reliability of the cooling device, completely eliminating seams and connection surfaces requiring additional sealing measures in a split structure, thus avoiding potential leakage risks. Here, the housing 600 is formed, for example, by casting from aluminum alloy. During the casting process of the housing 600, cooling channels 730 are formed through a sand core. For this purpose, the housing 600 also includes at least one opening 601 for the sand core to flow out and at least one plug 602 to block the opening 601. Figure 1 The example shows three openings 601 and three plugs 602 that block these openings 601, for example, corresponding to a triple rotary flow channel side by side. On the opposing surface of the housing 600 (not shown), there may be an additional three openings 601 and three plugs 602 that block these openings 601. The distribution of the openings on multiple surfaces of the housing facilitates the complete removal of the sand core.

[0047] Figure 4 A perspective view of a cooling channel 730 of a cooling device 700 for an air compressor 1000 in a fuel cell device 2000, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is shown for clarity. Figure 4 The direction of coolant flow is schematically shown with hollow arrows (not solid lines) in both the current and subsequent views.

[0048] like Figure 4As shown, the cooling channel 730 has an inlet section 100 connected to the inlet 710 and an outlet section 200 connected to the outlet 720. From Figure 4 As can be seen from the flow direction indicated by the dashed hollow arrow, the inlet section 100 is configured to allow coolant to flow around the axis of rotation 1001 in a first rotation direction 10 (clockwise in this example, viewed from view B), while the outlet section 200 is configured to allow coolant to flow around the axis of rotation 1001 in a second rotation direction 20 opposite to the first rotation direction 10 (counterclockwise in this example, viewed from view B). The inlet section 100 and outlet section 200 are preferably configured as follows: Figure 4 Combination Figure 2 The multiple rotating flow channels shown collectively form a ring around the motor 800, thereby enabling a longer flow path within a limited space and ensuring adequate cooling for all parts of the motor. Here, based on... Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment can be understood as forming a triple-rotating flow channel surrounding the motor 800, or a parallel triple-rotating flow channel. In each of these three rotating channels (i.e., each revolution or almost each revolution), the coolant is allowed to flow in only one direction of rotation, preventing it from flowing in opposite directions simultaneously or stagnating. This ensures that the coolant can flow more fully around the motor, avoiding dead zones. To further reduce flow resistance and achieve a uniform flow velocity distribution, the cooling channel 730 preferably has a constant overall cross-sectional area. This is particularly suitable for fuel cell devices 2000 used as fuel cell engines, especially for commercial vehicles requiring long-term continuous operation. This helps extend the lifespan of the motor and cooling system, reduce maintenance needs, and improve system reliability.

[0049] from Figure 4 It can be seen that the overall structure of the outflow section 200 is such that it rotates more than 360 degrees (i.e., more than one revolution) around the rotation axis 1001. Preferably, the outflow section 200 is such that it rotates more than 700 degrees around the rotation axis 1001, i.e. Figure 4 The example shows approximately 720 degrees (i.e., nearly two revolutions). This reduces flow resistance, increases coolant flow, and thus improves the heat removal capacity per unit time. It also allows the coolant to circulate more fully around the motor, ensuring adequate cooling in the circumferential direction.

[0050] from Figure 4It can also be seen that the cooling channel 730 has an arched section 300 connecting the inlet section 100 and the outlet section 200. The arched section 300 is constructed to guide the coolant from a first rotation direction 10 to a second rotation direction 20 (as shown by the dotted hollow arrow indicating the turn). On the one hand, this geometry can particularly smoothly guide the change of direction of the coolant, thereby significantly reducing turbulence and flow losses during the flow direction change process; on the other hand, the design of the arched section also increases the heat exchange area between the coolant and the motor surface, improving the overall heat exchange efficiency.

[0051] Based on Figure 4 In one embodiment, the outflow section 200 may specifically include a first section 201 and a second section 202, wherein the first section 201 is connected to the arched section 300 and the second section 202 is connected to the outlet 720. Here, the first section 201 and the second section 202 are offset in the axial direction with reference to the rotation axis 1001, specifically offset by a flow channel width.

[0052] Figure 5 It shows from Figure 4 The side view shown is directed towards point B. Figure 6 It shows from Figure 5 The front view shown is taken from the direction of view C. Figure 7 It shows from Figure 5 The top view shown is taken from the direction of view D.

[0053] from Figure 4 and Figure 6 As can be seen, the outflow section 200 also includes a diagonal flow section 203 connecting the first section 201 and the second section 202. The diagonal flow section 203 is configured to allow the coolant to flow obliquely from the first section 201 (still along the second rotation direction 20) to the second section 202. Thus, this flow path design makes full use of the limited space inside the air compressor, ensuring sufficient heat exchange area between the coolant and the motor surface, and significantly improving the overall heat exchange capacity of the cooling device.

[0054] from Figure 4 It can be seen that the inlet section 100, the first section 201, and the second section 202, as three flow channel sections arranged side by side in the axial direction, have the same range of rotation around the rotation axis 1001, that is, the same rotation angle, each rotating approximately 350 degrees. When manufacturing conditions permit, the configuration of these three sections can be further approached 360 degrees to fully utilize the limited space and achieve the largest possible area of ​​heat exchange. Within the scope of this utility model, "identical" should be understood as being consistent within a tolerance (e.g., ±5%) known to those skilled in the art.

[0055] from Figure 7 Combination Figure 4 and Figure 6It can be seen that the inlet section 100, the first section 201, and the second section 202 have the same flow channel width on the rotation axis 1001, that is, a1 = a2 = a3. When the cooling channel 730 has a rotation diameter of approximately 100 mm, the flow channel width is, for example, approximately 18 mm. Preferably, as... Figure 7 Combination Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the inlet section 100 and the first section 201 have the same spacing as the first section 201 and the second section 202, i.e., b1 = b2, for example, about 5 mm. This not only simplifies the manufacturing process of the sand core, especially in the case of one-piece molding, which is conducive to mass production, but also helps to optimize the flow path of the coolant and improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the motor.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 As shown, inlet 710 and outlet 720 have the same orientation. This allows the loop piping connected to the cooling unit to be laid along similar paths, optimizing the spatial layout. Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, the inlet 710 is tangentially oriented relative to the first rotation direction 10, and the outlet 720 is tangentially oriented relative to the second rotation direction 20. This ensures that the inflow and outflow of coolant are coordinated with the overall shape of the cooling channel, significantly reducing flow losses when coolant enters the cooling channel and ensuring smooth exit of coolant, thus reducing flow losses and energy waste. In fuel cell devices, such as those used as engines in fuel cell vehicles, where the vehicle itself has high requirements for system integration and efficiency, this optimization not only improves the performance of the air compressor's cooling device itself but also reduces the energy consumption of auxiliary systems by lowering flow resistance, indirectly improving the overall energy conversion efficiency of the fuel cell device.

[0057] Figure 5The outer contour of the cooling device 700 is shown by solid lines, and the orientation of each part relative to the axis of rotation 1001 is shown by non-solid lines (such as dotted lines, short dashed lines, long dashed lines, single dotted lines, double dotted lines, etc.) without regard to radial dimensions. Specifically, the cooling channel 730 of the cooling device 700 generally surrounds the motor 800 (shown schematically by dotted lines and radially reduced dimensions). In a preferred embodiment, the cooling channel 730 (or the inner wall of the housing 600 facing the motor 800 in the case where the cooling channel 730 is integrally formed with the housing 600) is in close contact with the outer surface of the motor 800 (or the motor stator) to achieve effective heat dissipation. Therefore, the coolant first enters the cooling channel 730 through inlet 710, as schematically shown by the short dashed hollow arrow in the figure. Then, it flows approximately 360 degrees (about 350 degrees) in the inlet section 100, which is schematically shown by a single dashed hollow arrow, along a first rotation direction 10, which is shown clockwise in this example. Then, it is diverted through the arched section 300 (not shown) to the outlet section 200, which is schematically shown by a double dashed hollow arrow. The outlet section 200 has a rotation configuration of more than 360 degrees (more than one revolution and nearly two revolutions) as shown. The outlet section 200 as a whole allows the coolant to flow along a second rotation direction 20, which is shown counterclockwise in this example. Finally, it flows out of the cooling channel 730 through outlet 720, as schematically shown by the long dashed hollow arrow in the figure. In the outflow section 200, the coolant can first flow from the arched section 300 to the first section 201 having a second rotation direction 20, and then deflect along the second rotation direction 20 to the second section 202 via the oblique flow section 203 (not shown). This reciprocating flow path significantly increases the contact time and contact area between the coolant and the motor surface. By increasing the length of the coolant flow path around the motor, the heat exchange process is fully guaranteed, allowing heat to be transferred more effectively from the motor to the coolant.

[0058] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the arched segment 300 and the inlet 710 are arranged adjacent to each other. Here, "adjacent" should be understood within the scope of this utility model as meaning that they are arranged in areas close to each other, not necessarily touching each other. Without considering manufacturing feasibility, "adjacent" can also be understood as being even closer to each other than the spacing shown in the figures, preferably touching each other. Also as... Figure 6 As shown, the oblique flow section 203 is adjacent to the arched section 300. Preferably, the oblique flow section 203 is adjacent to the outlet 720. From Figure 6 It can be seen that the oblique flow section 203 follows at least part of the outer contour of the arched section 300. Thus, this optimized layout can maximize the heat exchange area within a limited space, ensuring that the coolant can contact as many heat source surfaces as possible.

[0059] Figure 8 A perspective view of a cooling channel 730 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0060] Figure 8 and Figures 4 to 7 The illustrated embodiment differs in that the inlet section 100 is configured to rotate more than 360 degrees about the rotation axis 1001, in this example, rotating approximately two revolutions. In another embodiment not shown, both the inlet section 100 and the outlet section 200 are configured to rotate more than 360 degrees about the rotation axis 1001, for example, the outlet section 200 is configured as follows: Figure 8 The double-dotted arrow exemplarily illustrates a further circumduction extension (e.g., also at least partially along the outer contour of the arched segment 300) exceeding 360 degrees; for this purpose, the outlet 720 may be positioned in conjunction with... Figure 8 The different locations are shown.

[0061] Figure 9 A simplified view of a fuel cell device 2000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 10 A simplified view of a vehicle 3000 having a fuel cell device 2000 as an engine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0062] like Figure 9 Combination Figure 10 As shown, the fuel cell device 2000 is configured as a fuel cell engine for the vehicle 3000, meaning the vehicle 3000 is a fuel cell vehicle (FCV). By using the fuel cell device 2000 as the fuel cell engine for the vehicle 3000, electrical energy can be generated using the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to power the vehicle 3000. Figure 10 It can be seen that the fuel cell device 2000 is preferably packaged as an independent modular unit as the engine of the vehicle 3000. From Figure 9 As can be seen, the fuel cell device 2000 includes a stack 2100, which has a cathode 2101 and an anode (not shown). The fuel cell device 2000 also includes a cooling circuit 2200, schematically shown with double-dotted lines, in which a heat exchanger 2201 is provided. From... Figure 9 As can be seen from the solid arrows indicating the airflow direction, the fuel cell device 2000 includes an air compressor 1000 as described in the above embodiment in order to supply compressed air to the cathode 2101 of the fuel cell stack 2100. Here, the inlet 710 and outlet 720 of the cooling device 700 (not shown) of the air compressor 1000 are respectively connected to the cooling circuit 2200. Figure 9The dashed arrows in the diagram schematically indicate the flow direction of the coolant. Here, the coolant that has absorbed the heat of the motor in the cooling device 700 is transported to the cooling circuit 2200 through the outlet 720 and cooled after absorbing heat in the heat exchanger 2201. The coolant is then transported back to the cooling device 700 through the inlet 710 to continue cooling the motor.

[0063] Other advantages and alternative embodiments of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is not, in its broader sense, limited to the specific details, representative structures, and exemplary embodiments shown and described. Various modifications and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the basic spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An air compressor for a fuel cell device, characterized in that, The air compressor (1000) includes: The impeller (900) is designed to be suitable for compressed air; A motor (800) configured to drive the impeller (900) to rotate about a rotation axis (1001); and A cooling device (700) configured to cool the motor (800) has an inlet (710) for coolant to flow into it, an outlet (720) for coolant to flow out of it, and a cooling channel (730) connecting the inlet (710) and the outlet (720), the cooling channel (730) having: An inlet section (100) connected to the inlet (710), the inlet section (100) being configured to allow coolant to flow about the axis of rotation (1001) in a first rotational direction (10); and An outlet section (200) connected to the outlet (720) is configured to allow coolant to flow about the axis of rotation (1001) in a second rotation direction (20) opposite to the first rotation direction (10). The inlet section (100) and / or the outlet section (200) are configured to rotate more than 360 degrees about the rotation axis (1001).

2. The air compressor for fuel cell equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling channel (730) has an arched section (300) connecting the inlet section (100) and the outlet section (200), the arched section (300) being configured to guide the coolant from the first rotation direction (10) to the second rotation direction (20); and / or The inlet section (100) and the outlet section (200) together form a multi-rotation flow channel surrounding the motor (800); and / or The outflow section (200) is configured to rotate more than 700 degrees around the rotation axis (1001).

3. The air compressor for fuel cell equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The arched section (300) is adjacent to the inlet (710); and / or The cooling device (700) is configured to allow coolant to flow in only one direction of rotation in each rotary channel; and / or The outflow section (200) includes a first section (201) connected to the arched section (300) and a second section (202) connected to the outlet (720), the first section (201) and the second section (202) being offset in the axial direction with reference to the rotation axis (1001).

4. The air compressor for a fuel cell device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outflow section (200) further includes a diagonal flow section (203) connecting the first section (201) and the second section (202), the diagonal flow section (203) being configured to allow coolant to flow obliquely from the first section (201) to the second section (202); and / or The inlet section (100), the first section (201), and the second section (202) have the same range of rotation about the axis of rotation (1001); and / or The inlet section (100), the first section (201), and the second section (202) have the same flow channel width on the rotation axis (1001); and / or The inflow section (100) and the first section (201) have the same spacing as the first section (201) and the second section (202).

5. The air compressor for a fuel cell device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The oblique flow section (203) is adjacent to the arched section (300); and / or The oblique flow section (203) is adjacent to the outlet (720); and / or The oblique flow section (203) is at least partially oriented along the outer contour of the arched section (300).

6. An air compressor for a fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The inlet (710) and the outlet (720) have the same orientation; and / or The cooling channel (730) has a constant channel cross-section; and / or The inlet (710) is tangentially oriented relative to the first turning direction (10); and / or The outlet (720) is tangentially oriented relative to the second turning direction (20).

7. An air compressor for a fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The air compressor (1000) includes a housing (600) adapted to house the motor (800) and a water jacket (500) surrounding the motor (800), and the cooling channel (730) is formed by the housing (600) and the water jacket (500) being assembled and sealed.

8. An air compressor for a fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The air compressor (1000) includes a housing (600) adapted to house the motor (800), and the cooling channel (730) is integrally formed through the housing (600).

9. The air compressor for a fuel cell device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The housing (600) is constructed as an aluminum casting, the cooling channel (730) is formed by a sand core, and the housing (600) further includes at least one opening (601) for the sand core to flow out and at least one plug (602) to block the opening (601).

10. A fuel cell device, characterized in that, The fuel cell device (2000) is configured as a fuel cell engine for a vehicle (3000) and includes: fuel cell stack (2100); and A cooling circuit (2200) having a heat exchanger (2201); and An air compressor for a fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the air compressor (1000) being configured to provide compressed air toward the cathode (2101) of the fuel cell stack (2100), wherein a cooling device (700) of the air compressor (1000) is in communication with the cooling circuit (2200).

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