Fuel cell air system comprising relative humidity adjusting device

Abstract

The utility model provides a fuel cell air system comprising a relative humidity adjusting device. The fuel cell air system specifically comprises a relative humidity adjusting device, an air inlet subsystem, an air filter, an air compressor, an intercooler, a third three-way valve, a mass flow meter, an inlet temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an electric pile, an outlet temperature sensor and a back pressure valve, the relative humidity adjusting device comprises a humidifier, a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve, a first humidity sensor, a second humidity sensor, a heater and a water segregator. According to the fuel cell air system comprising the relative humidity adjusting device, the running condition of the electric pile can be predicted according to external environment parameters, and the humidity of the electric pile can be adjusted; uniform humidified air is provided by adjusting the water transmission quantity measured by the humidifier, so that the internal humidity of the fuel cell stack is adjusted, the performance of the stack is improved, the service life of the stack is prolonged, and non-uniform humidity caused by mixing of dry and wet air entering the stack is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to fuel cell technical field, especially a kind of fuel cell air system containing relative humidity adjusting device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Suitable air humidity has a significant influence on the proton conduction efficiency of fuel cell. When air humidity is in ideal state, proton exchange membrane can maintain appropriate hydration, which is conducive to the rapid migration of protons, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the cell. If air humidity is too low, proton exchange membrane will be dehydrated and dry, resulting in increased proton conduction resistance and decreased cell performance. Conversely, too high humidity can cause flooding phenomenon, blocking gas diffusion channels and hindering the normal operation of the cell. When the relative humidity of the outside world is low, the air entering the cathode of the fuel cell contains little water, which can easily cause the cathode to be in a dry state, thereby destroying the water balance inside the cell. In high-altitude areas, the change rule of air humidity is different from that in low-altitude areas. The amount of water vapor contained in the air will decrease, which may cause performance problems due to insufficient air humidity. Moreover, the change in humidity caused by altitude change may interact with other environmental factors such as temperature, further affecting the humidity environment of the cathode of the fuel cell.

[0003] The fuel cell air system of the prior art uses a membrane humidifier to externally humidify the air entering the stack. Currently, the relative humidity is controlled by adjusting the ratio of dry and wet air entering the stack and using atomization or spraying. However, the mixed gas is prone to uneven mixing of reaction gas, and atomization and spraying are prone to mixing liquid water in the air entering the stack, which is not conducive to the operation of the stack. SUMMARY

[0004] The utility model provides a kind of fuel cell air system containing relative humidity adjusting device to solve the technical problems in the above background technology.

[0005] The utility model solves the above technical problems by the following technical solutions:

[0006] The utility model provides a kind of fuel cell air system containing relative humidity adjusting device. The fuel cell air system includes relative humidity adjusting device, air intake subsystem, air cleaner, air compressor, intercooler and stack. The relative humidity adjusting device includes humidifier,

[0007] The outlet of the intake subsystem is connected to the inlet of the air filter, the outlet of the air filter is connected to the input of the air compressor, the output of the air compressor is connected to the input of the intercooler, the output of the intercooler is connected to the inlet of the humidifier, the outlet of the humidifier is connected to the inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the outlet of the fuel cell stack is connected to the humidification inlet of the humidifier. The inlet of the intake subsystem is used to input air, and the outer outlet of the humidifier is used to discharge excess air.

[0008] Preferably, the relative humidity regulating device further includes a first three-way valve, which is disposed between the air compressor and the intercooler. The input end of the first three-way valve is connected to the output end of the air compressor, the output end of the first three-way valve is connected to the inlet end of the intercooler, and the lower output end of the first three-way valve is connected to the humidity measurement inlet of the humidifier.

[0009] Preferably, the relative humidity regulating device includes a second three-way valve, which is located at the outlet of the fuel cell stack, and both the output end and the lower output end of the second three-way valve are connected to the humidity measurement inlet of the humidifier.

[0010] Preferably, a heater is connected to the output end of the second three-way valve, the heater is connected to the humidity measurement inlet of the humidifier, and a water distributor is connected to the lower output end of the second three-way valve, the water distributor is connected to the humidity measurement inlet of the humidifier.

[0011] Preferably, the relative humidity regulating device further includes a first humidity sensor and a second humidity sensor;

[0012] A second humidity sensor is provided between the outlet end of the humidifier and the inlet end of the fuel cell stack, and the first humidity sensor is provided between the air filter and the air compressor.

[0013] Preferably, the fuel cell air system further includes a third three-way valve, a mass flow meter, an inlet temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and an outlet temperature sensor. The inlet end of the humidifier is provided with a third three-way valve, which is used to discharge air. The mass flow meter is located between the air filter and the air compressor. The inlet temperature sensor and the pressure sensor are respectively located between the humidifier and the fuel cell stack. The outlet temperature sensor is located at the outlet of the fuel cell stack.

[0014] Preferably, a back pressure valve is provided at the outer outlet of the humidifier, and the back pressure valve is used to discharge air.

[0015] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model provides a fuel cell air system including a relative humidity regulating device. Specifically, the fuel cell air system includes a relative humidity regulating device, an air intake subsystem, an air filter, an air compressor, an intercooler, a third three-way valve, a mass flow meter, an inlet temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a fuel cell stack, an outlet temperature sensor, and a back pressure valve; wherein, the relative humidity regulating device includes a humidifier, a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve, a first humidity sensor, a second humidity sensor, a heater, and a water distributor. This fuel cell air system including a relative humidity regulating device can adjust the humidity of the fuel cell stack based on the predicted operating conditions of the stack according to external environmental parameters; by adjusting the water delivery rate of the humidifier, it provides uniform humidified air, thereby regulating the internal humidity of the fuel cell stack, improving stack performance and lifespan, and mitigating the uneven humidity caused by the mixing of dry and wet air entering the stack. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fuel cell air system including a relative humidity regulating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Legend: 1. Air filter; 2. Air compressor; 3. Intercooler; 4. Humidifier; 5. Fuel cell stack; 6. First three-way valve; 7. Second three-way valve; 8. Third three-way valve; 9. Heater; 10. Water distributor; 11. Back pressure valve; 12. Mass flow meter; 13. First humidity sensor; 14. Inlet temperature sensor; 15. Pressure sensor; 16. Second humidity sensor; 17. Outlet temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0019] Example 1

[0020] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides a fuel cell air system including a relative humidity regulating device. The fuel cell air system includes a relative humidity regulating device, an intake subsystem, an air filter 1, an air compressor 2, an intercooler 3, a fuel cell stack 5, a mass flow meter 12, an inlet temperature sensor 14, a pressure sensor 15, and an outlet temperature sensor 17. The relative humidity regulating device includes a humidifier 4, a first humidity sensor 13, and a second humidity sensor 16. The outlet of the intake subsystem is connected to the inlet of the air filter 1, the outlet of the air filter 1 is connected to the input of the air compressor 2, the output of the air compressor 2 is connected to the input of the intercooler 3, the output of the intercooler 3 is connected to the inlet of the humidifier 4, the outlet of the humidifier 4 is connected to the inlet of the fuel cell stack 5, and the outlet of the fuel cell stack 5 is connected to the humidity sensor inlet of the humidifier 4. The inlet of the intake subsystem is used to input air, and the outer outlet of the humidifier 4 is used to discharge excess air. A mass flow meter 12 is installed between the air filter 1 and the air compressor 2; an inlet temperature sensor 14 and a pressure sensor 15 are installed between the humidifier 4 and the fuel cell stack 5, respectively; and an outlet temperature sensor 17 is installed at the outlet of the fuel cell stack 5. A second humidity sensor 16 is installed between the outlet of the humidifier 4 and the inlet of the fuel cell stack 5, and a first humidity sensor 13 is installed between the air filter 1 and the air compressor 2. Specifically, this fuel cell air system obtains the ambient temperature and humidity of the device through the first humidity sensor 13, the second sensor 16, and the inlet temperature sensor 14, calculates and preliminarily determines whether the relative humidity at the inlet of the fuel cell stack 7 is within the humidity range, and adjusts it through a three-way valve.

[0021] In this embodiment, the relative humidity regulating device further includes a first three-way valve 6, which is disposed between the air compressor 2 and the intercooler 3. The input end of the first three-way valve 6 is connected to the output end of the air compressor 2, the output end of the first three-way valve 6 is connected to the inlet end of the intercooler 3, and the lower output end of the first three-way valve 6 is connected to the wet measurement inlet of the humidifier 4. When the relative humidity of the incoming material meets the requirements and no additional adjustment is needed, the input end of the first three-way valve 6 is connected to the air compressor 2, and the output end is connected to the intercooler 3. When the relative humidity of the incoming material is too high, the opening of the first three-way valve 6 is adjusted so that its two output ends are respectively connected to the wet measurement inlets of the intercooler 3 and the humidifier 4, and the opening is adjusted to control the dry air flow rate entering the humidifier 4.

[0022] In this embodiment, the relative humidity regulating device includes a second three-way valve 7, which is located at the outlet of the fuel cell stack 5. Both the output end and the lower output end of the second three-way valve 7 are connected to the humidity measurement inlet of the humidifier 4. A heater 9 is connected to the output end of the second three-way valve 7, and the heater 9 is connected to the humidity measurement inlet of the humidifier 4. A water distributor 10 is connected to the lower output end of the second three-way valve 7, and the water distributor 10 is connected to the humidity measurement inlet of the humidifier 4. Specifically, the second three-way valve 7 is located at the outlet of the fuel cell stack 5, with its input end connected to the fuel cell stack 5 and its output end connected to both the heater 9 and the water distributor 10. When the relative humidity entering the stack is within the normal range, the outlet of the second three-way valve 7 is only connected to the heater 9, and the heater 9 does not heat the air. The air from the outlet of the fuel cell stack 5 passes through the second three-way valve 7 and enters the humidity measurement port of the humidifier 4 for humidity measurement. When the relative humidity entering the fuel cell stack is below the normal range, the outlet of the second three-way valve 7 is connected only to the heater 9. The heater 9 heats the humid air, and the heating amount is calculated based on the water transfer volume required by the humidifier 4. The air exiting the fuel cell stack 5 is then subjected to humidity measurement after passing through the second three-way valve 7 and the heater 9. When the relative humidity entering the fuel cell stack is above the normal range, the outlet of the second three-way valve 7 is connected to the water distributor 10, which discharges the liquid water in the air exiting the fuel cell stack 5 and mixes it with the dry air exiting the first three-way valve 6, reducing the absolute humidity of the humid air entering the humidifier 4, thereby reducing the temperature. When the fuel cell air system is in the start-up state, the outlet of the first three-way valve 6 is connected to the intercooler 3, and the second three-way valve 7 is connected to the heater 9, heating the air exiting the fuel cell stack 5, converting the liquid water at the outlet into gaseous water, increasing the water transfer volume of the humidifier 4, and rapidly increasing the humidity of the air entering the fuel cell stack 5 during the start-up phase. After the target humidity is reached, the heater 9 is turned off, the outlet of the second three-way valve 7 remains unchanged, and air enters the second three-way valve 7 from the outlet end of the fuel cell stack 5. With the heater 9 turned off, the air enters the fuel cell stack through the pipeline where the heater 9 is located.

[0023] In this embodiment, a third three-way valve 8 is provided at the inlet end of the humidifier 4, which is used to discharge air. A back pressure valve 11 is provided at the outer outlet of the humidifier 4. Air enters the fuel cell stack 5 after passing through the intake subsystem, air filter 1, and humidifier 4. After reacting in the fuel cell stack 5, it is discharged into the atmosphere through the humidifier 4 and back pressure valve 11, providing a stable supply of humidified air for the fuel cell stack 5. When the air compressor 2 is in a surge condition, the third three-way valve 8 can be opened to discharge excess air into the atmosphere.

[0024] This embodiment provides a fuel cell air system including a relative humidity regulating device. Specifically, the fuel cell air system includes a relative humidity regulating device, an air intake subsystem, an air filter, an air compressor, an intercooler, a third three-way valve, a mass flow meter, an inlet temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a fuel cell stack, an outlet temperature sensor, and a back pressure valve. The relative humidity regulating device includes a humidifier, a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve, a first humidity sensor, a second humidity sensor, a heater, and a water distributor. This fuel cell air system can adjust the fuel cell stack humidity based on external environmental parameters to predict the stack's operating conditions. By adjusting the water delivery rate of the humidifier, it provides uniform humidified air, thereby regulating the internal humidity of the fuel cell stack, improving stack performance and lifespan, and mitigating the uneven humidity caused by the mixing of dry and wet air entering the stack.

[0025] While specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fuel cell air system including a relative humidity regulating device, characterized in that, The fuel cell air system includes a relative humidity control device, an air intake subsystem, an air filter, an air compressor, an intercooler, and a fuel cell stack; the relative humidity control device includes a humidifier. The outlet of the intake subsystem is connected to the inlet of the air filter, the outlet of the air filter is connected to the input of the air compressor, the output of the air compressor is connected to the input of the intercooler, the output of the intercooler is connected to the inlet of the humidifier, the outlet of the humidifier is connected to the inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the outlet of the fuel cell stack is connected to the humidification inlet of the humidifier. The inlet of the intake subsystem is used to input air, and the outer outlet of the humidifier is used to discharge excess air.

2. The fuel cell air system including a relative humidity regulating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The relative humidity regulating device further includes a first three-way valve, which is disposed between the air compressor and the intercooler. The input end of the first three-way valve is connected to the output end of the air compressor, the output end of the first three-way valve is connected to the inlet end of the intercooler, and the lower output end of the first three-way valve is connected to the humidity measurement inlet of the humidifier.

3. The fuel cell air system including a relative humidity regulating device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The relative humidity regulating device includes a second three-way valve, which is located at the outlet of the fuel cell stack. Both the output end and the lower output end of the second three-way valve are connected to the humidity measurement inlet of the humidifier.

4. The fuel cell air system including a relative humidity regulating device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A heater is connected to the output end of the second three-way valve, and the heater is connected to the humidity measurement inlet of the humidifier. A water distributor is connected to the lower output end of the second three-way valve, and the water distributor is connected to the humidity measurement inlet of the humidifier.

5. The fuel cell air system including a relative humidity regulating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The relative humidity regulating device further includes a first humidity sensor and a second humidity sensor; A second humidity sensor is provided between the outlet end of the humidifier and the inlet end of the fuel cell stack, and the first humidity sensor is provided between the air filter and the air compressor.

6. The fuel cell air system including a relative humidity regulating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel cell air system also includes a third three-way valve, a mass flow meter, an inlet temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and an outlet temperature sensor. The inlet end of the humidifier is provided with a third three-way valve, which is used to discharge air. The mass flow meter is located between the air filter and the air compressor. The inlet temperature sensor and the pressure sensor are respectively located between the humidifier and the fuel cell stack. The outlet temperature sensor is located at the outlet of the fuel cell stack.

7. The fuel cell air system including a relative humidity regulating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A back pressure valve is provided at the outer outlet of the humidifier, and the back pressure valve is used to discharge air.

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