Fuel cell diaphragm type humidifier with tooth-shaped baffle structure

Abstract

The utility model provides a fuel cell diaphragm type humidifier with a tooth-shaped baffle structure. The fuel cell diaphragm type humidifier comprises a shell, a diaphragm stack and four end covers, closing plates are arranged on two opposite surfaces of the shell, and end covers are arranged on the other four surfaces; the membrane stack is composed of alternately arranged membranes, a fluid circulation gap is formed between every two adjacent membranes, and the stacking direction is perpendicular to the sealing plate. A tooth-shaped baffle is integrally formed on the inner side of the wet side inlet end cover, the length is the same as the width of the inner side of the end cover, and the width is smaller than the distance between the end cover and the membrane stack. According to the scheme, airflow is forcibly dispersed through the tooth-shaped baffle, gas distribution uniformity is improved, local flow concentration is avoided, humidification efficiency and fuel cell humidity environment uniformity are improved, and electrode corrosion and membrane damage are reduced; the tooth-shaped baffle and the end cover are integrally formed, so that the production cost is reduced; after the airflow path is optimized, the fuel cell is more stable in performance, assembly loss is reduced, and the overall service life of equipment is prolonged. The humidifier has the advantages of high efficiency, compact structure and economical efficiency, and is suitable for a fuel cell system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of fuel cells, and relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier with a tooth-shaped baffle structure. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a fuel cell system, a fuel cell membrane humidifier is an indispensable key component. Its working principle is based on the difference in water concentration on both sides of the membrane, and water transfer and humidification are realized by relying on the permeation of the membrane to maintain the humidity of the proton exchange membrane. In the prior art, the membrane stack of the membrane humidifier is composed of alternately stacked fiber membranes and rubber separators. Dry reaction gas and humidified gas are introduced from both sides of the separator, and water molecules diffuse from the high concentration side to the low concentration side through the permeation effect to complete the humidification of the dry reaction gas.

[0003] The applicant's previous patent CN119183395A provides a humidifier stack, device and membrane containing a special structure. The plate stack has dry and humid gas channels, and the frame plates are arranged in sequence along the stacking direction. The membrane separates the two channels to realize the transfer of water between the fluid flows in different channels, and the humidifier stack is also provided with a circumferentially extending sealing element fixed on the membrane to ensure the operating sealing performance.

[0004] However, the existing technology and related patents have obvious shortcomings. The traditional membrane humidifier has the problem of low humidification efficiency. The contact area between the membrane and the gas is limited, and the gas flow rate is fast, which causes insufficient diffusion of water molecules. At the same time, the gas flow uniformity is poor, causing uneven water distribution on the surface of the membrane, with some areas being too wet or too dry, which seriously affects the performance of the fuel cell. Although the existing improvement schemes, such as increasing the membrane area and optimizing the flow channel design, the humidifier structure is complex, the manufacturing cost rises, and the humidification efficiency is limited, which is difficult to meet the demand of high-performance fuel cells. The complex structure also reduces the reliability and increases the risk of failure. In addition, the uniformity of gas flow is crucial to the humidification process. Non-uniform gas flow not only affects heat and mass exchange and energy conversion efficiency, but also causes local flow rate to be too high to impact and wear the membrane, shortening its service life.

[0005] In view of the many drawbacks of the existing technology and related patents, it is urgent to develop a new type of humidifier structure. This new structure needs to effectively improve the humidification efficiency and improve the uniformity of water and gas distribution without increasing the manufacturing cost, and provide a solid guarantee for stable and efficient operation of the fuel cell. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Based on the above-mentioned shortcomings in the prior art, the purpose of the present application is to provide a fuel cell membrane humidifier with a tooth-shaped baffle structure.

[0007] Based on the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] One of the technical solutions of the present application provides a fuel cell membrane humidifier with a tooth-shaped baffle structure. The structure of the humidifier comprises a shell (5), a membrane stack, a humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), a humidifier wet side outlet end cover (7), a humidifier dry side inlet end cover (8), and a humidifier dry side outlet end cover (9).

[0009] The shell (5) is a rectangular frame, and one closed plate is arranged on each of the two opposite faces of the frame, and the other four faces are not closed. A membrane stack is arranged in the internal cavity of the shell (5).

[0010] The membrane stack is composed of a plurality of parallel and spaced membranes arranged in a stacking direction, and a fluid flow gap extending in the stacking direction is formed between adjacent membranes. The stacking direction is perpendicular to the plane where the closed plate is located.

[0011] The humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), the humidifier wet side outlet end cover (7), the humidifier dry side inlet end cover (8), and the humidifier dry side outlet end cover (9) are arranged on the frames of the four faces of the humidifier main body where no closed plate is arranged. The faces where the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6) and the humidifier wet side outlet end cover (7) are located are opposite to each other, and the faces where the humidifier dry side inlet end cover (8) and the humidifier dry side outlet end cover (9) are located are opposite to each other.

[0012] The tooth-shaped baffle (10) is arranged on the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), and the length direction and the width direction of the tooth-shaped baffle (10) are parallel to the plane where any membrane in the membrane stack is located.

[0013] Further, the teeth of the tooth-shaped baffle (10) are arranged in any one of triangular teeth, trapezoidal teeth, rectangular teeth, or wavy teeth.

[0014] Further, the shell (5), the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), the humidifier wet side outlet end cover (7), the humidifier dry side inlet end cover (8), and the humidifier dry side outlet end cover (9) form an overall structure with air tightness. When the humidifier is in operation, gas cannot leak.

[0015] Further, the tooth-shaped baffle (10) is integrally formed with the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), the length of the tooth-shaped baffle (10) is the same as the inner width of the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), and the width is less than the distance from the inner side wall of the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6) to the edge of the membrane stack, so that part of the humidified gas entering from the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6) bypasses the tooth-shaped baffle (10), and part of the humidified gas is blocked by the tooth-shaped baffle (10), thereby making the distribution of the gas more uniform.

[0016] Further, the outer side of the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), the humidifier wet side outlet end cover (7), the humidifier dry side inlet end cover (8), the humidifier dry side outlet end cover (9) is provided with a plurality of mesh staggered reinforcing ribs.

[0017] Further, the humidifier wet side inlet (1) is arranged on the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), the humidifier wet side outlet (2) is arranged on the humidifier wet side outlet end cover (7), the humidifier dry side inlet (3) is arranged on the humidifier dry side inlet end cover (8), and the humidifier dry side outlet (4) is arranged on the humidifier dry side outlet end cover (9).

[0018] Further, the fluid flow gap in the diaphragm stack is divided into wet fluid flow gaps and dry fluid flow gaps; the wet fluid flow gaps and the dry fluid flow gaps are alternately arranged; the wet fluid flow gaps are respectively communicated with the humidifier wet side inlet (1) and the humidifier wet side outlet (2) for the flow of the wet fluid; and the dry fluid flow gaps are respectively communicated with the humidifier dry side inlet (3) and the humidifier dry side outlet (4) for the flow of the dry fluid.

[0019] Further, the outer side of the sealing plate is provided with a fixing hole for fixing the diaphragm humidifier.

[0020] Further, the diaphragm in the diaphragm stack is preferably any one of PTFE or PFSA film.

[0021] Further, the width of the fluid flow gap is 0.5mm-3mm.

[0022] Further, in the diaphragm humidifier without the tooth-shaped baffle (10), the wet fluid (gaseous) enters the shell from the humidifier wet side inlet (1) and directly hits the right side area of the diaphragm stack, so that most of the flow passes through the right side diaphragm channel, the gas flow distribution is uneven, and the performance of the fuel cell is not stable enough. The tooth-shaped baffle (10) is added to the inner side of the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), the tooth-shaped baffle structure blocks part of the airflow and redistributes the flow path, so that the flow distribution of each flow channel is more uniform, the humidification efficiency is effectively improved, and the uniformity of the humidity environment inside the fuel cell is ensured, which is beneficial to prolong the overall service life of the humidifier and the fuel cell.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has at least the following improvements and beneficial effects:

[0024] (1) The layout of the tooth-shaped baffle on the humidifier wet-side end cover is optimized to ensure that it can cover the key gas flow area, maximizing its role in improving gas uniformity. When the wet-side gas passes through the baffle, it is forced to disperse, and uniform wet-side gas distribution can improve the performance and stability of the fuel cell, reducing problems such as electrode corrosion and membrane damage caused by uneven humidity.

[0025] (2) The tooth-shaped baffle integrated into the end cover does not require complex structural design and additional molds, greatly reducing the production cost of this tooth-shaped baffle structure. For large-scale production of fuel cell membrane humidifiers, this cost advantage is particularly evident, helping to improve the product's market competitiveness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a front view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier with a tooth-shaped baffle structure;

[0027] Figure 2 is a top view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier with a tooth-shaped baffle structure;

[0028] Figure 3 is a front view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier with a tooth-shaped baffle structure A-A section position schematic diagram (top) and right view of A-A section (bottom);

[0029] Figure 4 is a front view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier with a tooth-shaped baffle structure C-C section position schematic diagram (top) and bottom view of C-C section (bottom);

[0030] Figure 5 is a three-view of the wet-side inlet end cover of a fuel cell membrane humidifier with a tooth-shaped baffle structure;

[0031] The above figure numbers represent:

[0032] 1 humidifier wet-side inlet; 2 humidifier wet-side outlet; 3 humidifier dry-side inlet; 4 humidifier dry-side outlet; 5 housing; 6 humidifier wet-side inlet end cover; 7 humidifier wet-side outlet end cover; 8 humidifier dry-side inlet end cover; 9 humidifier dry-side outlet end cover; 10 tooth-shaped baffle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] For those skilled in the art to better understand the technical scheme of the utility model, the utility model will be described in detail below in combination with specific embodiments. It should be pointed out that the following embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the utility model, but do not limit the utility model in any form. It should be pointed out that, for those skilled in the art, without departing from the concept of the utility model, a number of variations and improvements can be made. These all belong to the protection scope of the utility model.

[0034] In the description of the utility model, it should be pointed out that the orientation or position relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "front end", "rear end", "two ends", "one end", "the other end" and the like is the orientation or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the utility model and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the utility model. The indicated device or element must have a particular orientation, a particular orientation and operation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the utility model. In addition, the terms "first", "second" are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of the utility model, it should be pointed out that, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "provided with", "connection" and the like should be understood broadly, for example, "connection" can be fixed connection, can also be detachable connection, or integral connection; can be mechanical connection, can also be electrical connection; can be directly connected, can also be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, can be the communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] Embodiment 1

[0036] The embodiment provides a fuel cell membrane humidifier with a tooth-shaped baffle structure, and the specific structure comprises the following parts:

[0037] Shell (5): a cuboid frame, two opposite sides are respectively fixed with a closed plate, and the remaining four sides are open. The outer side of the closed plate is provided with a fixing hole for mounting and fixing the humidifier.

[0038] Membrane stack: composed of a plurality of parallel and spaced PTFE films, the adjacent membranes form a fluid flow gap with a height of 0.5mm-3mm. The gap is divided into alternating wet fluid flow gaps and dry fluid flow gaps, and the stacking direction is perpendicular to the plane of the closed plate.

[0039] End cap assembly: humidifier wet-side inlet end cap (6) and wet-side outlet end cap (7) are installed on the opposite side of the open surface of the shell, respectively, and the wet-side inlet (1) and the wet-side outlet (2) are provided on the corresponding end cap. The humidifier dry-side inlet end cap (8) and the dry-side outlet end cap (9) are installed on the opposite side of the other pair of open surfaces of the shell, respectively, and the dry-side inlet (3) and the dry-side outlet (4) are provided on the corresponding end cap.

[0040] Tooth-shaped baffle (10): integrally formed on the inner side of the wet-side inlet end cap (6), the length is the same as the inner side width of the end cap, and the width is less than the distance from the end cap inner wall to the membrane stack. Its length and width are parallel to the membrane plane, which is used to block and divert the incoming humid gas.

[0041] Auxiliary structure: each end cap is provided with a net-shaped staggered reinforcing rib on the outer side to improve the structural strength. The shell, end cap and closure plate are connected by air-tight connection to form a sealed whole, ensuring that there is no gas leakage.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] The embodiment provides a use method of the above-mentioned membrane humidifier, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0044] (1) Gas input: the wet-side humid gas (such as a gas flow containing saturated water vapor) enters the humidifier from the wet-side inlet (1), and the dry-side dry gas (such as the fuel cell inlet gas to be humidified) enters from the dry-side inlet (3).

[0045] (2) Airflow distribution: the humid gas meets the tooth-shaped baffle (10) on the inner side of the wet-side inlet end cap (6), part of the airflow bypasses the edge of the baffle, and the other part is blocked by the baffle and changes the flow direction, and finally is uniformly distributed to each wet fluid flow gap. The dry gas directly enters the dry fluid flow gap through the dry-side inlet end cap (8). This step realizes the effect optimization: the tooth-shaped baffle (10) uniformly distributes the humid gas in each membrane gap by forced flow distribution, avoiding local flow concentration, thereby improving the humidification efficiency and maintaining the uniformity of the humidity inside the fuel cell, prolonging the service life of the equipment.

[0046] (3) Membrane mass transfer: the humid gas and the dry gas flow in the adjacent flow gaps, and the water molecules are exchanged through the membrane, and the water in the humid gas permeates through the membrane and penetrates into the dry gas, realizing the humidification of the dry gas.

[0047] (4) Gas output: the humidified dry gas is discharged from the dry-side outlet (4) to the fuel cell, and the humidity of the humid gas is reduced and discharged from the wet-side outlet (2).

[0048] The above description of the embodiments is to facilitate the ordinary skilled in the art to understand and use the utility model. The person skilled in the art can obviously easily make various modifications to these embodiments, and the general principles described herein are applied to other embodiments without the need for creative labor. Therefore, the utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and the improvements and modifications made by the person skilled in the art according to the disclosure of the utility model without departing from the scope of the utility model should be within the protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A fuel cell membrane humidifier having a toothed baffle structure, characterized by, The structure of the humidifier comprises a shell (5), a diaphragm stack, a humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), a humidifier wet side outlet end cover (7), a humidifier dry side inlet end cover (8), and a humidifier dry side outlet end cover (9); The shell (5) is a frame of a cuboid, and one closed plate is arranged on each of the two opposite faces of the frame, and the other four faces are all unsealed faces; a diaphragm stack is arranged in the internal cavity of the shell (5); The diaphragm stack is composed of a plurality of diaphragms arranged in parallel and at intervals along the stacking direction, and the fluid flow passages extending along the stacking direction are formed between adjacent diaphragms; the stacking direction is perpendicular to the plane where the closed plate is located; The humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), the humidifier wet side outlet end cover (7), the humidifier dry side inlet end cover (8), and the humidifier dry side outlet end cover (9) are arranged on the frames of the four faces of the humidifier main body where no closed plate is arranged; the face where the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6) is located and the face where the humidifier wet side outlet end cover (7) is located are opposite to each other, and the face where the humidifier dry side inlet end cover (8) is located and the face where the humidifier dry side outlet end cover (9) is located are opposite to each other; The humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6) is provided with a tooth-shaped baffle (10), and the length direction and the width direction of the tooth-shaped baffle (10) are both parallel to the plane where any diaphragm in the diaphragm stack is located.

2. The fuel cell membrane humidifier with toothed baffle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The teeth of the tooth-shaped baffle (10) are arranged in any one of a triangular tooth, a trapezoidal tooth, a rectangular tooth, or a wave-shaped tooth.

3. The fuel cell membrane humidifier with toothed baffle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell (5), the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), the humidifier wet side outlet end cover (7), the humidifier dry side inlet end cover (8), and the humidifier dry side outlet end cover (9) form an overall structure with air tightness.

4. The fuel cell membrane humidifier with toothed baffle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tooth-shaped baffle (10) is integrally formed with the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), the length of the tooth-shaped baffle (10) is the same as the inner width of the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), and the width of the tooth-shaped baffle (10) is smaller than the distance from the inner side wall of the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6) to the edge of the diaphragm stack.

5. The fuel cell membrane humidifier with toothed baffle structure according to claim 1, wherein, The outer side of the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), the humidifier wet side outlet end cover (7), the humidifier dry side inlet end cover (8), and the humidifier dry side outlet end cover (9) is provided with a plurality of mesh-shaped staggered reinforcing ribs.

6. The fuel cell membrane humidifier with toothed baffle structure according to claim 1, wherein, The humidifier wet side inlet (1) is arranged on the humidifier wet side inlet end cover (6), the humidifier wet side outlet (2) is arranged on the humidifier wet side outlet end cover (7), the humidifier dry side inlet (3) is arranged on the humidifier dry side inlet end cover (8), and the humidifier dry side outlet (4) is arranged on the humidifier dry side outlet end cover (9).

7. The fuel cell membrane humidifier with toothed baffle structure according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid flow passages in the diaphragm stack are divided into wet fluid flow passages and dry fluid flow passages; the wet fluid flow passages and the dry fluid flow passages are arranged alternately; the wet fluid flow passages are respectively communicated with the humidifier wet side inlet (1) and the humidifier wet side outlet (2); the dry fluid flow passages are respectively communicated with the humidifier dry side inlet (3) and the humidifier dry side outlet (4).

8. The fuel cell membrane humidifier with toothed baffle structure according to claim 1, wherein, The outer side of the closed plate is provided with a fixing hole for fixing the diaphragm humidifier.

9. The fuel cell membrane humidifier with toothed baffle structure according to claim 1, wherein, The diaphragms in the diaphragm stack are any one of PTFE or PFSA film.

10. The fuel cell membrane humidifier with toothed baffle structure according to claim 1, wherein, The width dimension of the fluid flow communication gap is 0.5mm to 3mm.

Images