Fuel cell gas-water separator

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and discloses a gas-water separator of a fuel cell, which comprises a shell, a water diversion plate, a water stop plate, a baffle plate and a stop block, and the shell is provided with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a water outlet; the water diversion plate is transversely arranged in the shell and divides the shell into an upper separation cavity and a lower water collection cavity, the water diversion plate is provided with an air vent communicated with the separation cavity and the water collection cavity, and the water collection cavity is communicated with the water outlet; the water-stop sheet is vertically arranged in the partition cavity and divides the partition cavity into an air inlet cavity and a water diversion cavity, a connecting channel communicated with the air inlet cavity and the water diversion cavity is arranged at the lower end of the water-stop sheet, and the air inlet is communicated with the air inlet cavity; the baffles are vertically arranged in the water distribution cavity at intervals in a staggered mode, so that an air-water channel is formed in the water distribution cavity, the upper end of the air-water channel is communicated with the air outlet, and the lower end of the air-water channel is communicated with the ventilation opening and the air inlet cavity. And the stop blocks are arranged in the air-water channel at intervals up and down so as to form shunting in the air-water channel. The air-water flow velocity can be further reduced, and the water distribution efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a fuel cell gas-water separator. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cells, as a clean energy technology, have attracted widespread attention due to their high efficiency and environmental friendliness. In the electrochemical reaction process of a hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen undergoes oxidation at the anode, generating electrons and protons, while at the cathode it reacts with oxygen to produce water. The water accumulated at the cathode then diffuses back into the anode channel. If excess water cannot be effectively separated at the anode outlet, flooding can easily occur, severely affecting the performance and stability of the fuel cell stack. Therefore, the rational and effective separation of water from waste hydrogen is crucial for improving the overall performance of hydrogen fuel cells.

[0003] Currently, anode water separators are commonly used in the market to solve this problem. Existing water separators mainly come in two forms: cyclone type and baffle type. Cyclone type water separators require high gas flow rates, resulting in lower efficiency in practical applications. Therefore, baffle type water separators are more commonly chosen. Baffle type water separators achieve water separation by reducing the gas flow rate, causing the gas to condense inside the separator. However, baffle type water separators still suffer from insufficient airflow residence time, limiting further improvements in their water separation efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to design a fuel cell gas-water separator that can improve water separation efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a fuel cell gas-water separator, comprising:

[0006] The housing has an air inlet, an air outlet, and a water outlet. The air inlet is located at the upper part of the housing, the air outlet is located at the top of the housing, and the water outlet is located at the bottom of the housing.

[0007] A water distribution plate is horizontally disposed inside the housing and divides the interior of the housing into an upper partition cavity and a lower water collection cavity. The water distribution plate has an air vent that connects the partition cavity and the water collection cavity. The water collection cavity is connected to the water outlet.

[0008] A water-blocking plate is vertically disposed in the partition cavity and divides the partition cavity into an air inlet cavity and a water distribution cavity. The lower end of the water-blocking plate is provided with a connecting channel connecting the air inlet cavity and the water distribution cavity. The air inlet is connected to the air inlet cavity.

[0009] Multiple baffles are staggered and spaced apart in the water distribution cavity, forming a curved upward-extending air-water channel in the water distribution cavity. The upper end of the air-water channel is connected to the air outlet, and the lower end is connected to the air inlet and the air inlet respectively.

[0010] At least two baffles are provided, each baffle being spaced vertically within all the air-water channels, to form a flow divider within the air-water channels.

[0011] Furthermore, the block has a first guide surface and a second guide surface, the first guide surface and the second guide surface intersect to form a diversion end, the diversion end is arranged toward the flow direction of air and water in the air-water channel, so that the air and water in the air-water channel can be diverted along the first guide surface and the second guide surface respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, the two adjacent baffles are defined as a first plate and a second plate, respectively. The first plate is spaced apart from the inner peripheral wall of the water distribution cavity on one side in the first direction to form a first channel. The second plate is spaced apart from the inner peripheral wall of the water distribution cavity on the side in the first direction away from the first channel to form a second channel. The first channel and the second channel are alternately connected to form the air-water channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the first plate is gradually inclined downward toward the first channel in the first direction, and / or

[0014] The second plate is set to gradually tilt downward toward the second channel in the first direction.

[0015] Furthermore, the lower side of the baffle and the inner peripheral wall of the water distribution cavity form an air accumulation cavity, and the baffle is provided inside the air accumulation cavity.

[0016] Furthermore, the baffle also has a third guide surface connecting the first guide surface and the second guide surface. The first guide surface is located on the side near the inner peripheral wall of the water distribution cavity and is spaced apart from the inner peripheral wall of the water distribution cavity to form a first sub-diversion channel. The third guide surface is located on the side near the lower side of the baffle and is spaced apart from the lower side of the baffle to form a second sub-diversion channel. The first sub-diversion channel and the second sub-diversion channel communicate to define a diversion channel.

[0017] Furthermore, the vent includes a channel and multiple through holes. The channel is located below the water distribution chamber, and the multiple through holes are arranged in an array below the air intake chamber.

[0018] Furthermore, the bottom of the water collection cavity is recessed downward to form a confluence bottom surface, and the water outlet is located at the lowest point of the confluence bottom surface.

[0019] Furthermore, a confluence channel extending from top to bottom and communicating with the outlet is provided on the bottom surface of the confluence.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes a drain valve, which is located at the water outlet.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the fuel cell gas-water separator of this utility model has the following advantages:

[0022] This fuel cell gas-water separator, according to an embodiment of the present invention, forms a tortuous gas-water channel through multiple baffles arranged alternately, extending the residence time of the gas flow within the separator and allowing water vapor more time to condense. Simultaneously, the flow-diverting effect of the baffles further reduces the gas flow velocity, improving condensation efficiency and achieving highly efficient water separation. The combined structure of the water separator, baffle plate, baffle, and baffle blocks results in a rational design, small footprint, and easy integration into the fuel cell system, while also ensuring the stability and reliability of the separator during long-term operation. This gas-water separator effectively reduces the risk of "flooding" in the fuel cell stack by efficiently separating water from the anode waste hydrogen, thus improving the stack's performance and lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the fuel cell gas-water separator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view of the fuel cell gas-water separator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of the fuel cell gas-water separator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction;

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the gas-water flow direction in the gas-water separator of a fuel cell appliance.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the fuel cell gas-water separator according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] In the diagram, 1 is the shell; 11 is the air inlet; 12 is the air outlet; 13 is the water outlet; 14 is the bottom surface of the confluence; 141 is the confluence groove; 2 is the water distribution plate; 21 is the air vent; 211 is the through hole; 212 is the through groove; 3 is the water baffle; 31 is the connecting channel; 4 is the baffle; 41 is the first plate; 42 is the second plate; 5 is the baffle block; 51 is the first guide surface; 52 is the second guide surface; 53 is the third guide surface; 6 is the partition cavity; 61 is the air inlet cavity; 62 is the water distribution cavity; 621 is the air-water channel; 621a is the first channel; 621b is the second channel; 621c is the air accumulation cavity; 622 is the diversion channel; 622a is the first sub-diversion channel; 622b is the second sub-diversion channel; 7 is the water collection cavity; 8 is the drain valve; x is the first direction. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed," etc., used in this utility model should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or a welded connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly defined. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this invention, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various types of information, but this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this invention, "first" information can also be referred to as "second" information, and similarly, "second" information can also be referred to as "first" information.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 7A fuel cell gas-water separator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a shell 1, a water distribution plate 2, a water separator 3, multiple baffles 4, and at least two baffles 5.

[0036] The housing 1 is a sealed structure with an air inlet 11 at the top for receiving waste hydrogen from the fuel cell anode; an air outlet 12 at the top for discharging hydrogen after water separation; and a water outlet 13 at the bottom for discharging separated liquid water. A water separator 2 is horizontally positioned inside the housing 1, dividing the internal space into an upper partition chamber 6 and a lower water collection chamber 7. An air vent 21 on the water separator 2 connects the partition chamber 6 and the water collection chamber 7. The water collection chamber 7 is connected to the water outlet 13 and collects condensed liquid water. A water baffle 3 is vertically positioned within the partition chamber 6, dividing it into an air inlet chamber 61 and a water separation chamber 62. A connecting channel 31 at the lower end of the water baffle 3 connects the air inlet chamber 61 and the water separation chamber 62. The air inlet 11 connects to the air inlet chamber 61, allowing waste hydrogen to enter the air inlet chamber 61 first. Multiple baffles 4 are staggered vertically within the water distribution chamber 62, forming a curved, upward-extending gas-water channel 621. The upper end of the gas-water channel 621 connects to the gas outlet 12, and the lower end connects to the vent 21 and the connecting channel 31, respectively. Waste hydrogen gas enters the gas-water channel 621 from the inlet chamber 61 through the connecting channel 31, flows within the curved channel, reduces its flow velocity, and undergoes condensation. At least two baffles 5 are staggered vertically within the gas-water channel 621 to create a flow divider within the channel, further reducing the airflow velocity, increasing the contact area between the airflow and the baffles 4, and improving condensation efficiency.

[0037] How this application works:

[0038] Waste hydrogen gas containing water vapor enters the inlet chamber 61 through inlet 11, collides with the perforated water-separating plate 2 with vent 21, and undergoes the first gas-water separation. It then enters the gas-water channel 621 within the water-separating chamber 62 through connecting channel 31. Within the gas-water channel 621, due to the bend formed by baffle 4 and the secondary diversion effect of baffle 5, the airflow velocity decreases, and the water vapor is fully cooled and condensed into liquid water within the channel. The condensed liquid water, under the influence of gravity, enters the water collection chamber 7 through vent 21 and is finally discharged through outlet 13. The hydrogen gas, after water separation, passes through the gas-water channel 621 and is finally discharged from outlet 12.

[0039] In some improvements of this application, the block 5 has a first guide surface 51 and a second guide surface 52. The first guide surface 51 and the second guide surface 52 intersect to form a diversion end. The diversion end is arranged toward the flow direction of air and water in the air-water channel 621, so that the air and water in the air-water channel 621 can be diverted along the first guide surface 51 and the second guide surface 52 respectively.

[0040] When waste hydrogen gas containing water vapor flows within the gas-water channel 621, it encounters baffle 5. Since the diversion end of baffle 5 faces the airflow direction, the airflow is divided into two parts, flowing along the first guide surface 51 and the second guide surface 52 respectively. This diversion effect makes the airflow path within the gas-water channel 621 more complex, further reducing the airflow velocity and increasing the contact area between the airflow and baffle 4, thereby improving the condensation efficiency of water vapor. Simultaneously, the diverted airflows will re-converge during subsequent flow, forming turbulence and further promoting water vapor condensation.

[0041] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some improvements of this application, the two adjacent baffles 4 are defined as a first plate 41 and a second plate 42, respectively. The first plate 41 is spaced apart from the inner peripheral wall of the water distribution cavity 62 on one side in the first direction to form a first channel 621a. The second plate 42 is spaced apart from the inner peripheral wall of the water distribution cavity 62 on one side in the first direction away from the first channel 621a to form a second channel 621b. The first channel 621a and the second channel 621b are alternately connected to form the air-water channel 621.

[0042] When waste hydrogen gas containing water vapor flows within the gas-water channel 621, it first enters the first channel 621a, and then enters the second channel 621b through the connection between the first channel 621a and the second channel 621b. Because the first channel 621a and the second channel 621b are alternately arranged, the airflow path within the gas-water channel 621 is S-shaped or Z-shaped. This curved flow path increases the airflow distance and prolongs the residence time of the airflow in the water-distributing chamber 62, allowing the water vapor more time to condense. Simultaneously, turbulence is generated at the bends between the channels, further promoting water vapor condensation. The curved flow path also ensures a more uniform distribution of airflow within the water-distributing chamber 62, avoiding insufficient local condensation and improving the overall water-distributing efficiency.

[0043] In some improvements of this application, the first plate 41 is gradually inclined downward toward the first channel 621a in the first direction, and the second plate 42 is gradually inclined downward toward the second channel 621b in the first direction. This inclined arrangement causes the airflow to not only bend its path when flowing in the air-water channel 621, but also to have a downward component force, which helps to discharge liquid water.

[0044] When waste hydrogen gas containing water vapor flows within the gas-water channel 621, the airflow not only bends during its flow due to the inclined arrangement of the first plate 41 and the second plate 42, but also experiences a downward force. This downward force helps the condensed liquid water flow downwards along the surface of the baffle 4, eventually entering the water collection chamber 7 through the vent 21. The inclined surface of the baffle 4 increases the contact area between the airflow and the baffle 4, further promoting the condensation of water vapor. Simultaneously, when the rising gas and water encounter the downward-inclined baffle 4, they need to overcome its resistance, which further slows their upward speed, contributing to uniform condensation.

[0045] In some improvements of this application, the lower side of the baffle 4 and the inner peripheral wall of the water distribution chamber 62 enclose a gas accumulation chamber 621c, and the baffle 5 is provided inside the gas accumulation chamber 621c. The baffle 5 inside the gas accumulation chamber 621c diverts the gas and water flow, preventing gas and water from stagnating due to the gas accumulation chamber 621c being in a dead zone, thus affecting the gas and water flow efficiency and condensation effect.

[0046] In some improvements of this application, the block 5 further has a third guide surface 53 connecting the first guide surface 51 and the second guide surface 52. The first guide surface 51 is located on the side near the inner peripheral wall of the water distribution cavity 62 and is spaced apart from the inner peripheral wall of the water distribution cavity 62 to form a first sub-diversion channel 622a. The third guide surface 53 is located on the side near the lower side of the baffle 4 and is spaced apart from the lower side of the baffle 4 to form a second sub-diversion channel 622b. The first sub-diversion channel 622a and the second sub-diversion channel 622b communicate with each other and jointly define the diversion channel 622. In a specific embodiment of this application, the block 5 is a triangular block formed by sequentially connecting the first guide surface 51, the second guide surface 52, and the third guide surface 53 end to end.

[0047] When waste hydrogen gas containing water vapor flows within the gas-water channel 621, it encounters baffle 5. The airflow is first divided into two parts by the diversion end, flowing along the first guide surface 51 and the second guide surface 52 respectively. The portion of the airflow flowing along the first guide surface 51 enters the first sub-diversion channel 622a, while the portion flowing along the second guide surface 52 continues to flow within the main channel of the gas-water channel 621. The airflow entering the first sub-diversion channel 622a, guided by the third guide surface 53, enters the second sub-diversion channel 622b and finally merges into the main channel of the gas-water channel 621. This multi-stage diversion and merging process makes the airflow around baffle 5 more complex, further reducing the airflow velocity and increasing the contact area between the airflow and baffle 4, thereby improving the condensation efficiency of water vapor. At the same time, the diversion channel 622 also allows liquid water to be guided more effectively to the gas accumulation chamber 621c.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some improvements of this application, the vent 21 includes a channel 212 and multiple through holes 211. The channel 212 is located below the water distribution chamber 62 and is used to collect the condensed liquid water in the water distribution chamber 62. The multiple through holes 211 are arranged in an array below the air intake chamber 61 to form a perforated water distribution plate 2. After the waste hydrogen gas containing water vapor enters the air intake chamber 61 through the air intake 11, it first collides with the perforated water distribution plate 2 to perform the first gas-water separation. The perforated water distribution plate 2 can prevent the liquid water in the water collection chamber 7 from being directly impacted by the airflow and splashing. The channel 212 allows the liquid water to be collected more effectively, avoiding the accumulation of liquid water in the water distribution chamber 62. The array distribution of the multiple through holes 211 also facilitates the return flow of hydrogen gas in the water collection chamber 7.

[0049] In some improvements of this application, the bottom of the water collecting cavity 7 is recessed downwards to form a confluence bottom surface 14, and the water outlet 13 is located at the lowest point of the confluence bottom surface 14. By designing the bottom as a recessed confluence bottom surface 14, gravity can be used to naturally guide the liquid to the lowest point, thereby improving the water collection and drainage efficiency and ensuring that condensed liquid water will not remain on the edge or corner of the water collecting cavity 7 and freeze.

[0050] In some improvements of this application, a confluence channel 141 extending from top to bottom and communicating with the outlet 13 is provided on the confluence bottom surface 14, thereby further improving the efficiency of liquid water collection and discharge, reducing the residence time of liquid water on the confluence bottom surface 14, and preventing it from freezing.

[0051] In some improvements of this application, a drain valve 8 is also included, which is located at the outlet 13 to control the discharge of liquid water.

[0052] In summary, this utility model provides a fuel cell gas-water separator, which has the following advantages:

[0053] 1) High-efficiency water separation: Multiple baffles 4 are alternately arranged to form a tortuous air-water channel 621, which prolongs the residence time of the airflow in the water separator, allowing water vapor to have more time to condense; at the same time, combined with the diversion effect of the baffle 5, the airflow speed is further reduced, the gas residence time is extended, the separation and condensation efficiency is improved, and high-efficiency water separation is achieved.

[0054] 2) Scientific and compact structure: The combination structure of water distribution plate 2, water baffle plate 3, baffle plate 4 and baffle block 5 makes the entire water distributor compact, occupies little space, and is easy to integrate into the fuel cell system. At the same time, the water distribution plate 2 helps to prevent liquid water from being impacted by the gas and water entering from the water inlet chamber, which would cause the internal flow field to become unstable, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the water distributor during long-term operation.

[0055] 3) Efficient drainage: The bottom surface 14 of the drainage system helps to drain liquid water and prevents freezing.

[0056] 4) Easy to manufacture: Simple structure, easy to manufacture, and low cost.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A fuel cell gas water separator characterized by comprising: The utility model provides a water conservancy aerator, comprising: a shell, which is provided with an air inlet, an air outlet and a water outlet, the air inlet is located at the upper part of the shell, the air outlet is located at the top of the shell, and the water outlet is located at the bottom of the shell; a water distribution plate, which is horizontally arranged in the shell and divides the shell into an upper separation cavity and a lower water collecting cavity, the water distribution plate is provided with an air passage for connecting the separation cavity and the water collecting cavity, and the water collecting cavity is connected with the water outlet; a water separation plate, which is vertically arranged in the separation cavity and divides the separation cavity into an air inlet cavity and a water distribution cavity, the lower end of the water separation plate is provided with a connecting channel for connecting the air inlet cavity and the water distribution cavity, and the air inlet is connected with the air inlet cavity; a plurality of baffles, each of which is arranged in the water distribution cavity in an up-down staggered manner, so that a gas-water passage extending upwards is formed in the water distribution cavity, the upper end of the gas-water passage is connected with the air outlet, and the lower end of the gas-water passage is connected with the air passage and the air inlet cavity respectively; at least two stop blocks, each of which is arranged in the gas-water passage in an up-down staggered manner, so that a flow is formed in the gas-water passage.

2. The fuel cell gas-water separator of claim 1, wherein The stop block has a first guide surface and a second guide surface, the first guide surface and the second guide surface intersect to form a flow end, the flow end is arranged towards the flow direction of the gas-water in the gas-water passage, so that the gas-water in the gas-water passage can be divided into two parts along the first guide surface and the second guide surface respectively.

3. The fuel cell gas-water separator of claim 1, wherein The two adjacent baffles are defined as a first baffle and a second baffle respectively, one side of the first baffle in a first direction is arranged away from the inner circumferential wall of the water distribution cavity to form a first channel, and one side of the second baffle in the first direction away from the first channel is arranged away from the inner circumferential wall of the water distribution cavity to form a second channel, the first channel and the second channel are connected in turn to form the gas-water passage.

4. The fuel cell gas-water separator of claim 3, wherein The first baffle is arranged to gradually incline downwards towards the first channel in the first direction, and / or The second baffle is arranged to gradually incline downwards towards the second channel in the first direction.

5. The fuel cell gas-water separator of claim 2, wherein The lower side of the baffle and the inner circumferential wall of the water distribution cavity form an air accumulation cavity, and the stop block is arranged in the air accumulation cavity.

6. The fuel cell gas-water separator of claim 5, wherein The stop block further has a third guide surface connecting the first guide surface and the second guide surface, the first guide surface is arranged close to the inner circumferential wall of the water distribution cavity and is arranged away from the inner circumferential wall of the water distribution cavity to form a first sub-flow channel, the third guide surface is arranged close to the lower side of the baffle and is arranged away from the lower side of the baffle to form a second sub-flow channel, and the first sub-flow channel and the second sub-flow channel are connected to form a flow channel.

7. The fuel cell gas-water separator of claim 1 wherein, The air passage comprises a through groove and a plurality of through holes, the through groove is arranged below the water distribution cavity, and the plurality of through holes are arranged in an array below the air inlet cavity.

8. The fuel cell gas-water separator of claim 1 wherein, The bottom of the water collecting cavity is concave to form a converging bottom surface, and the water outlet is arranged at the lowest part of the converging bottom surface.

9. The fuel cell gas-water separator of claim 8, wherein, The converging bottom surface is provided with a converging groove extending from top to bottom and connected with the water outlet.

10. The fuel cell gas water separator of claim 1 wherein, Further comprising a drain valve, which is arranged at the water outlet.

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