Fuel cell stack ventilation system and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a fuel cell stack ventilation system and a vehicle, the fuel cell stack ventilation system provided by the utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and the fuel cell stack ventilation system comprises a gas inlet part for providing high-pressure gas for a reactor core, a gas exhaust part for exhausting the gas in the reactor core, and a gas outlet branch pipe, the exhaust part comprises an exhaust pipeline communicated with the exhaust port of the reactor core, one end of the gas outlet branch pipe is communicated with the exhaust pipeline, and the other end of the gas outlet branch pipe is communicated with the accommodating cavity of the fuel cell stack shell. According to the ventilation system of the fuel cell stack disclosed by the utility model, the gas outlet branch pipe is arranged, so that hydrogen in the accommodating cavity can be exhausted through the gas outlet branch pipe and the gas exhaust pipeline in the gas exhaust process of the gas exhaust pipeline, hydrogen accumulation can be prevented, and risks caused by hydrogen accumulation can be reduced; therefore, a purging air inlet pipeline for blowing air into the accommodating cavity to purge the air in the accommodating cavity can be omitted, so that the number of parts is reduced, the weight is reduced, the cost is reduced, and the ventilation efficiency of the reactor core ventilation system is not influenced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a fuel cell stack ventilation system. It also relates to vehicles using this fuel cell stack ventilation system. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cell stack casings are typically designed as sealed structures to prevent hydrogen leakage and potential safety hazards. However, during fuel cell stack operation, trace amounts of hydrogen leakage are inevitable. Therefore, to ensure that the hydrogen concentration inside the fuel cell stack casing remains below the explosive limit, ventilation is generally required.

[0003] In the prior art, in order to prevent hydrogen from accumulating and igniting inside the fuel cell stack shell in the event of an abnormal situation, a ventilation system is usually required for the fuel cell stack shell. This ventilation system includes a gas supply device for providing purge airflow into the fuel cell stack shell and an exhaust device for discharging gas from the fuel cell stack shell, so as to maintain unobstructed airflow inside the fuel cell stack shell and thus prevent hydrogen from accumulating inside the fuel cell stack shell.

[0004] The above-mentioned fuel cell stack housing ventilation system, as a fail-safe measure to ensure the safety of the fuel cell stack, can maximize the safety of hydrogen use and reduce the risk of injury to drivers, passengers, and firefighters in an accident.

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned gas supply device, the purge inlet pipe is connected at one end to the inlet pipe that provides high-pressure gas to the core of the fuel cell stack, and at the other end to the internal cavity of the fuel cell stack housing. This connection structure, because the airflow within the purge cavity branches off from the inlet pipe that provides high-pressure gas to the core, means that the core gas supply device needs to provide purge gas to the fuel cell stack housing simultaneously with the gas supply to the core, thus affecting the efficiency of the core gas supply device.

[0006] In addition, the above-mentioned fuel cell stack ventilation system also requires the installation of dedicated purge inlet and purge outlet pipes, which increases the number of parts and the cost of parts, thus increasing the cost of the fuel cell stack ventilation system. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a fuel cell stack that does not affect the ventilation efficiency of the core ventilation system and helps to reduce weight and cost.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0009] A fuel cell stack ventilation system includes an air inlet for supplying high-pressure gas to the core of the fuel cell stack, an exhaust outlet for discharging gas from the core, and an exhaust branch pipe.

[0010] The exhaust section includes an exhaust pipe that communicates with the exhaust port of the fuel cell stack. One end of the exhaust branch pipe is connected to the exhaust pipe, and the other end is connected to the receiving cavity of the fuel cell stack housing in the fuel cell stack.

[0011] Furthermore, the diameter of the outlet branch pipe is smaller than the diameter of the exhaust pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, the angle between the outlet branch pipe and the exhaust pipe is less than 30° at least near the connection point between them.

[0013] Furthermore, the exhaust section also includes a vehicle exhaust pipe, and the exhaust pipe connects the exhaust port of the reactor core to the vehicle exhaust pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, the fuel cell stack ventilation system also includes a ventilation section, which is installed on the fuel cell stack housing and communicates with the atmosphere when the gas in the containment cavity reaches a preset pressure threshold.

[0015] Furthermore, the fuel cell stack housing is provided with a venting section, which is used to communicate with the atmosphere when the gas in the containment cavity reaches a preset pressure threshold.

[0016] Furthermore, the ventilation section includes a vent valve or a vent explosion-proof valve.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages:

[0018] The fuel cell stack ventilation system of this invention, by setting up an air inlet and an exhaust outlet, can provide air containing sufficient oxygen to the core of the fuel cell stack, ensuring that the fuel cell stack can continuously and efficiently carry out electrochemical reactions to generate electricity. By setting up an exhaust branch pipe, during the exhaust process, hydrogen gas in the containment cavity of the fuel cell stack shell can enter the exhaust pipe and be discharged through the exhaust branch pipe, which can prevent hydrogen gas accumulation and reduce the risks caused by it. Thus, the fuel cell ventilation system using this fuel cell stack can eliminate the need for a purging air inlet pipe to purge the gas in the containment cavity, thereby reducing the number of components, reducing weight, reducing cost, and without affecting the ventilation efficiency of the core ventilation system.

[0019] In addition, making the diameter of the outlet branch pipe smaller than that of the exhaust pipe can balance the airflow within the fuel cell stack and the processing capacity of the vehicle's exhaust system. The smaller diameter of the outlet branch pipe can limit the flow of exhaust gas to a certain extent, matching it with the capacity of the exhaust pipe. This prevents excessive accumulation of airflow in the exhaust pipe or the generation of excessive back pressure, thereby improving the smoothness of airflow within the containment cavity and the smoothness of airflow discharge from the vehicle's exhaust system.

[0020] In addition, the angle between the outlet branch pipe and the exhaust pipe near the connection point is less than 30°. This design helps to reduce the turbulence and resistance of exhaust gas at the connection point, thereby improving the flow efficiency of the airflow in the containment cavity. The smaller angle can ensure that the airflow can enter the exhaust pipe more smoothly.

[0021] The exhaust system, including the vehicle's tailpipe, can utilize existing vehicle components, thus reducing design costs, facilitating overall layout, and ensuring smooth airflow within the containment chamber towards the tailpipe. As a crucial component of the exhaust system, the tailpipe ensures the effective and safe release of exhaust gases generated by the fuel cell stack into the atmosphere.

[0022] The air intake section, including the air compressor, can utilize existing components on the vehicle, reducing design and manufacturing costs, while also simplifying the arrangement of the components. The air compressor ensures air cleanliness and provides a stable and reliable gas supply to the fuel cell stack, thereby guaranteeing the efficient operation and safety of the fuel cell stack system.

[0023] Furthermore, a vent is installed on the fuel cell stack casing. Its main function is to connect the gas inside the containment chamber to the atmosphere when the gas reaches a preset pressure threshold, thereby releasing excessive pressure and preventing damage to the fuel cell stack due to excessive internal pressure. When the gas pressure inside the fuel cell stack exceeds the preset pressure threshold, the vent automatically opens, connecting the gas inside the containment chamber to the atmosphere, thereby reducing the internal pressure. This process is automatic and rapid, helping to protect the fuel cell stack from high-pressure damage, thus preventing hydrogen accumulation inside the containment chamber and reducing the risks associated with it.

[0024] In addition, a vent valve is a device that automatically opens under a specific pressure to release internal gas, while a vent explosion-proof valve is a valve that combines venting and explosion-proof functions. Both can use existing structures, are low in cost, and can effectively reduce the risk of excessive pressure inside the fuel cell stack cavity, thereby extending the service life of the fuel cell stack and improving the safety and reliability of the entire fuel cell stack system.

[0025] Meanwhile, another objective of this utility model is to provide a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell stack and a fuel cell stack ventilation system as described above.

[0026] The vehicle described in this utility model has the same beneficial effects as the aforementioned fuel cell stack ventilation system compared to the prior art, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system for the fuel cell stack described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the exhaust branch pipe and the vehicle's exhaust pipe as described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1. Fuel cell stack; 2. Air inlet; 3. Exhaust outlet; 4. Air inlet pipe; 6. Exhaust pipe; 7. Outlet branch pipe; 8. Ventilation section;

[0032] 101. Fuel cell stack shell; 102. Stack core;

[0033] 1011. Receiving cavity; 1021. Exhaust port; 1022. Air inlet;

[0034] A. The connection point between the outlet branch pipe and the exhaust pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0035] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terminology based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "connector" 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 in light of the specific circumstances.

[0038] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] This embodiment relates to a fuel cell stack ventilation system, which has a simple overall structure, is applied to fuel cell stacks, is lightweight and low in cost, can ensure the safe and reliable operation of fuel cell stacks, and can improve the ventilation efficiency of fuel cell stacks, thus having good practicality.

[0041] Based on the above design concept, an exemplary structure of the fuel cell stack ventilation system in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, in terms of overall structure, the fuel cell stack ventilation system of this embodiment mainly includes: an air inlet 2 that provides high-pressure gas to the core 102 in the fuel cell stack 1, an exhaust section 3 that discharges gas from the core 102, and an exhaust branch pipe 7.

[0042] The air intake 2 is connected to the air intake 1022 of the core 102 in the fuel cell stack 1 to provide high-pressure gas to the core 102, while the exhaust 3 connects the exhaust port 1021 of the core 102 to the atmosphere so that the gas in the core 102 can be discharged to the atmosphere through the exhaust 3, thereby effectively preventing hydrogen leakage and accumulation in the core 102 and reducing the risks caused thereby.

[0043] In terms of specific structure, the exhaust section 3 includes an exhaust pipe 6 connected to the exhaust port 1021 of the core 102, and an outlet branch pipe 7 connected at one end to the exhaust pipe 6 and at the other end to the receiving cavity 1011 of the fuel cell stack housing 101 in the fuel cell stack 1. Here, connecting the outlet branch pipe 7 to the exhaust pipe 6 facilitates the overall arrangement and helps to ensure that the airflow in the receiving cavity 1011 is smoothly discharged to the exhaust section 3.

[0044] To better understand the fuel cell stack ventilation system of this embodiment, please refer to the following: Figure 1 A brief description of the structure of the fuel cell stack is provided. The fuel cell stack 1 in this embodiment mainly includes a fuel cell stack shell 101 and a stack core 102.

[0045] The structures of the fuel cell stack housing 101 and the core 102 can refer to existing structures. The fuel cell stack housing 101 is provided with a receiving cavity 1011, and the core 102 is installed in the receiving cavity 1011. The specific installation method can still refer to existing technology, as long as the core 102 is safely and stably fixed in the fuel cell stack housing 101.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in order to improve the exhaust effect, in a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the exhaust branch pipe 7 is smaller than the diameter of the exhaust pipe 6. This can take into account both the airflow in the fuel cell stack 1 and the processing capacity of the vehicle exhaust system. The smaller diameter of the exhaust branch pipe 7 can limit the flow of exhaust gas to a certain extent, so as to match the capacity of the exhaust pipe 6, thereby preventing the airflow from accumulating excessively in the exhaust pipe 6 or generating excessive back pressure, which is conducive to improving the smoothness of airflow in the receiving cavity 1011 and the smoothness of airflow discharge in the exhaust pipe 6.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the structure of the connection point A between the exhaust branch pipe 7 and the exhaust pipe 6 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the angle between the outlet branch pipe 7 and the exhaust pipe 6 is less than 30° at least near the connection point. This design helps to reduce the eddy currents and resistance of the exhaust gas at the connection point, thereby improving the flow efficiency of the airflow in the receiving cavity 1011. The smaller angle ensures that the airflow can enter the exhaust pipe 6 more smoothly.

[0048] As a preferred embodiment, reference is still made to... Figure 1 As shown, the exhaust section 3 also includes a vehicle exhaust pipe, and the exhaust pipe 6 connects the exhaust port 1021 of the fuel cell stack 102 to the vehicle exhaust pipe. Here, the exhaust section 3 includes a vehicle exhaust pipe, which can utilize existing components on the vehicle and help reduce design costs. As an important component of the exhaust section 3 in the fuel cell stack ventilation system, the vehicle exhaust pipe can ensure that the exhaust gas generated by the fuel cell stack 1 is safely discharged into the atmosphere.

[0049] The above structure connects one end of the outlet branch pipe 7 to the exhaust port 1021 on the fuel cell stack housing 101, while the other end connects to the airflow inlet of the vehicle's exhaust pipe 6. This arrangement of the outlet branch pipe 7 ensures the smooth flow of air within the housing 1011 of the fuel cell stack 1 and effectively prevents hydrogen leakage and accumulation within the core 102. Furthermore, the connection between the outlet branch pipe 7 and the vehicle's exhaust pipe facilitates safe gas emission.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 1As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the air intake 2 includes an air compressor and an air intake pipe 4. One end of the air intake pipe 4 is connected to the air outlet of the air compressor, and the other end is connected to the air inlet 1022 of the core 102. In this structure, the air intake pipe 4 connects the air intake 2 to the air inlet 1022 of the core 102 in the fuel cell stack 1. Its main function is to provide high-pressure gas to the core 102 to ensure the smooth flow of gas within the core 102.

[0051] Still refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the air intake 2 includes an air compressor, the air inlet of which is connected to the atmosphere, and the air outlet of which is connected to the air inlet of the reactor core 102 through the air intake pipe 4.

[0052] Here, the air intake 2 includes an air compressor, which can utilize existing components on the vehicle, thus reducing design costs. The air compressor ensures air cleanliness and provides a stable and reliable gas supply to the fuel cell stack 1, thereby ensuring the efficient operation and safety of the fuel cell stack system.

[0053] The existing fuel cell stack housing 101 is generally set as a closed structure. In this embodiment, the fuel cell stack housing 101 is provided with a ventilation section 8, which is used to communicate with the atmosphere when the gas in the accommodating cavity 1011 reaches a preset pressure threshold.

[0054] It should be noted that a receiving cavity 1011 is provided inside the fuel cell stack housing 101, mainly for accommodating the stack core 102 and other necessary components. The design of the fuel cell stack housing 101 must consider factors such as strength, sealing, and heat dissipation to ensure the normal operation and safety of the fuel cell stack 1.

[0055] In the above structure, the ventilation section 8 is provided on the fuel cell stack housing 101. When the gas pressure inside the fuel cell stack 1 exceeds the preset pressure threshold, the ventilation section 8 will automatically open, allowing the gas inside the containment cavity 1011 to communicate with the atmosphere, thereby reducing the internal pressure. This process is automatic and fast, which helps to protect the fuel cell stack 1 from high pressure damage.

[0056] The main function of the ventilation section 8 is to connect with the atmosphere when the gas in the containment cavity 1011 reaches a preset pressure threshold, thereby preventing excessive pressure from accumulating in the containment cavity 1011 and thus preventing damage to the core 102 in the fuel cell stack 1 due to excessive internal pressure.

[0057] The presence of the venting section 8 is crucial for the safe operation of the fuel cell stack 1. During the operation of the fuel cell stack 1, the internal pressure of the containment cavity 1011 may gradually increase due to factors such as chemical reactions and gas flow. Without timely pressure relief by the venting section 8, excessive internal pressure may lead to damage or performance degradation of the fuel cell stack core 102.

[0058] Still refer to Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the venting section 8 includes a vent valve or a vent explosion-proof valve. The vent valve is a device that automatically opens under specific pressure to release internal gas, while the vent explosion-proof valve is a valve that combines venting and explosion-proof functions. Both can utilize existing structures, resulting in lower costs. This effectively reduces the risk of excessive internal pressure in the housing 1011 of the fuel cell stack 1, thereby extending the service life of the fuel cell stack 1 and improving the safety and reliability of the entire fuel cell stack system.

[0059] In the above structure, by providing a ventilation section 8 on the fuel cell stack housing 101, hydrogen gas can be prevented from accumulating in the containment cavity, and the risks caused thereby can be reduced. As a result, the fuel cell ventilation system of this embodiment has fewer components, is lighter in weight, has lower cost, and has higher ventilation efficiency.

[0060] The fuel cell stack ventilation system of this embodiment does not require a purge inlet pipe to purge the gas in the containment cavity, thus ensuring smooth airflow in the containment cavity 1011, preventing hydrogen accumulation, and reducing the risks caused by it.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] This embodiment relates to a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell stack ventilation system as described in Embodiment 1.

[0063] The vehicle in this embodiment, by applying the fuel cell stack ventilation system as in Embodiment 1, can reduce the number of parts, lower costs, and ensure the safe and reliable operation of the fuel cell system, thus having good practicality.

[0064] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1.A fuel cell stack ventilation system, characterized in that: it comprises an air inlet part (2) for providing high-pressure gas to a stack core (102) in a fuel cell stack (1), an air outlet part (3) for discharging gas in the stack core (102), and an air outlet branch pipe (7); the air outlet part (3) comprises an air outlet pipeline (6) in communication with an air outlet port (1021) of the stack core (102), and the air outlet branch pipe (7) is in communication at one end with the air outlet pipeline (6) and at the other end with a containing cavity (1011) of a fuel cell stack shell (101) in the fuel cell stack (1). 2.The fuel cell stack ventilation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: a diameter of the air outlet branch pipe (7) is smaller than a diameter of the air outlet pipeline (6). 3.The fuel cell stack ventilation system according to claim 2, characterized in that: an included angle between the air outlet branch pipe (7) and the air outlet pipeline (6) is less than 30° at least at a position close to a connection part between the air outlet branch pipe (7) and the air outlet pipeline (6). 4.The fuel cell stack ventilation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the air outlet part (3) further comprises a vehicle tail exhaust, and the air outlet pipeline (6) is in communication between the air outlet port (1021) of the stack core (102) and the vehicle tail exhaust. 5.The fuel cell stack ventilation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the air inlet part (2) comprises an air compressor, and an air inlet pipeline (4) in communication between the air compressor and an air inlet port (1022) of the stack core (102). 6.The fuel cell stack ventilation system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: the fuel cell stack ventilation system further comprises a breather part (8) arranged on the fuel cell stack shell (101) and in communication with the atmosphere when gas in the containing cavity (1011) reaches a preset pressure threshold. 7.The fuel cell stack ventilation system according to claim 6, characterized in that: the breather part (8) comprises a breather valve or a breather explosion-proof valve. 8.A vehicle, characterized in that: the vehicle is provided with a fuel cell stack and a fuel cell stack ventilation system according to any one of claims 1-7. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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