Brand-new micro-channel structure for cooling water pump

Abstract

A brand-new micro-channel structure for a cooling water pump structurally comprises a pump body, a volute chamber used for installing an impeller and a main flow channel arranged on the edge of the volute chamber in a surrounding mode are arranged in the pump body, the main flow channel is arranged in the circumferential direction of the volute chamber in a surrounding mode and extends to the top of the pump body, and a water outlet is formed in the position, at the tail end of the main flow channel, of the pump body. A plurality of branch runners are evenly arranged on the volute chamber in the circumferential direction and communicated with the volute chamber and the main runner, and an involute spiral line is arranged on the inner wall of the main runner from the starting end to the tail end. The fluid resistance is obviously reduced, and the energy consumption of the water pump is reduced; the heat dissipation efficiency is improved, and the service life of the hydrogen fuel pile is prolonged; the fractal structure enhances the mechanical strength of the runner and avoids deformation under high-pressure working conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of automotive hydrogen fuel cell stack cooling system, specifically relating to a novel microchannel structure for cooling water pumps. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of automotive hydrogen fuel cells, the cooling pump for hydrogen fuel cell stacks primarily functions to drive the circulation of coolant to remove the large amount of heat generated during operation, ensuring that the cooling pump operates within a suitable temperature range. Early cooling pumps often employed centrifugal water pump structures, relying on the rotation of the impeller to generate centrifugal force, causing the coolant to be thrown from the center of the impeller to the edges, thereby pressurizing and delivering the coolant.

[0003] However, with the continuous development of automotive technology, the limitations of traditional hydrogen fuel cell stack cooling pumps have gradually become apparent. Taking the water pump flow channel as an example, the flow channel inside the cooling pump is mostly a straight line or a simple curved structure, and it has the following problems:

[0004] 1. High fluid resistance: Significant turbulence leads to increased energy loss.

[0005] 2. Low heat dissipation efficiency: Uneven distribution of flow channel cross-sectional area and large local flow velocity differences affect heat exchange.

[0006] 3. Prone to corrosion and deposition: Traditional casting flow channels have a high surface roughness, making them prone to the accumulation of scale or chemical corrosion. Utility Model Content

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a novel microchannel structure for cooling water pumps, thereby solving the problems of high fluid resistance, significant turbulence leading to increased energy loss, low heat dissipation efficiency due to uneven distribution of channel cross-sectional area and large local velocity differences affecting heat exchange, easy corrosion and deposition due to the high surface roughness of traditional cast channels, which easily accumulates scale or chemical corrosion, and structural redundancy due to the need to increase pump volume and occupy space to compensate for insufficient efficiency.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution: a novel microchannel structure for a cooling water pump, the structure comprising:

[0009] The pump body has a volute chamber for mounting an impeller and a main channel surrounding the edge of the volute chamber. The main channel is arranged around the volute chamber and extends to the top of the pump body. An outlet is provided on the pump body at the end of the main channel. The volute chamber is evenly provided with several branch channels along the circumference. The branch channels connect the volute chamber and the main channel. The inner wall of the main channel is provided with an involute spiral line from the beginning to the end.

[0010] Furthermore, the pump body has several threaded holes on its edge for mounting and fixing, which facilitates installation.

[0011] Furthermore, the pump body is made of aluminum alloy matrix composite silicon carbide to improve high temperature resistance.

[0012] Furthermore, the main channel and the branch channel are manufactured by selective laser melting in one piece to improve resistance to cavitation.

[0013] Furthermore, the diversion channel is either straight or arc-shaped, wherein the curved surface of the arc faces the liquid flow direction of the main channel, reducing flow resistance.

[0014] Furthermore, a second branch channel is provided on each of the branch channels to increase the fluid velocity.

[0015] Furthermore, the spiral angle is 15°-60° to optimize the flow effect.

[0016] Furthermore, the cross-section of the main channel gradually increases along the direction of liquid flow, reducing flow velocity fluctuations.

[0017] Furthermore, the depth of the main channel is 0.5-2.0 mm.

[0018] Furthermore, the inlet width of the main channel is 0.3-1.5mm, and the outlet width of the main channel is 1.2-1.8 times that of the inlet, in order to reduce the fluctuation of liquid flow velocity at the outlet.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] 1. Significantly reduces fluid resistance and pump energy consumption;

[0021] 2. Improve heat dissipation efficiency and extend the service life of hydrogen fuel cell stacks;

[0022] 3. The fractal structure enhances the mechanical strength of the flow channel and prevents deformation under high pressure conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a novel microchannel structure for a cooling water pump according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a front view of a novel microchannel structure for a cooling water pump according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel structure in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel structure in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0028] Explanation of main reference numerals: 1. Pump body; 11. Volute; 12. Main flow channel; 13. Outlet; 14. Branch flow channel; 15. Helix; 16. Second branch flow channel; 101. Threaded hole. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the microchannel structure of the pump body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, a novel microchannel design model according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0033] The novel microchannel design model according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pump body 1. The pump body 1 has a volute 11 for mounting an impeller and a main channel 12 surrounding the outer ring of the volute 11. The main channel 12 is arranged circumferentially around the volute 11 and extends to the top of the pump body 1. An outlet 13 is provided on the pump body 1 at the end of the main channel 12. The volute 11 is evenly provided with a plurality of branch channels 14 along the circumference. The branch channels 14 connect the volute 11 and the main channel 12. The inner wall of the main channel 12 is provided with an involute spiral line 15 from the starting end to the end.

[0034] To facilitate installation, the pump body 1 has several threaded holes 101 on its edge for installation and fixing.

[0035] To improve high-temperature resistance and strength, the pump body 1 is made of aluminum alloy matrix composite silicon carbide, wherein the silicon carbide content of the pump body 1 is 10%-14%. The elastic modulus of silicon carbide (450 GPa) is much higher than that of aluminum alloy (70 GPa). The 10%-14% particle content significantly improves the yield strength of the composite material through dispersion strengthening mechanism, while the hardness can be increased by 20%-30%, effectively resisting the plastic deformation of the pump body 1 under high pressure conditions. In addition, silicon carbide has a high thermal conductivity, which is much higher than that of ordinary metals. At the same time, its low coefficient of thermal expansion complements that of aluminum alloy, which reduces the overall thermal expansion coefficient limit of the composite material. This ensures efficient heat dissipation of the pump body 1, avoids local thermal stress caused by excessive thermal conductivity, and extends the service life of the hydrogen fuel cell stack.

[0036] To enhance resistance to cavitation erosion, the main flow channel 12 and the branch flow channel 14 are integrally manufactured using selective laser melting (SLM). SLM technology, by melting powder material layer by layer, can significantly reduce defects such as pores and cracks within the flow channel. Pores and cracks exacerbate the impact of bubble collapse on the material surface, thus accelerating cavitation erosion and reducing surface roughness and inhomogeneity. Furthermore, SLM technology enables high-precision surface processing; a smooth flow channel surface reduces bubble adhesion and collapse, thereby lowering the probability of cavitation erosion.

[0037] To reduce flow resistance, the diversion channel 14 is straight. In this embodiment, the diversion channel 14 is specifically straight. When the hydrogen fuel cell stack cooling pump is working, the liquid flows through the main channel 12. The design of the diversion channel 14 allows the liquid to enter the volute 11 evenly, thereby improving the cooling effect. After entering the volute 11 through the diversion channel, the liquid can more evenly cover the impeller, thereby improving cooling efficiency. The uniform distribution of the straight diversion channel 14 can optimize the fluid flow path, reduce turbulence, and allow the fluid to flow more smoothly between the main channel 12 and the volute 11, reducing the generation of eddies and backflow, thereby reducing flow resistance.

[0038] To optimize flow, the spiral 15 has a helix angle of 15°-60°. The gradually opening spiral structure acts as a natural flow guide, directing the liquid to flow orderly along the spiral direction. Within the main flow channel 12, any turbulence or irregular flow that might otherwise exist is regulated by the spiral structure. Simultaneously, the gradually opening design of the spiral 15 helps to regulate and stabilize the liquid's flow velocity. Within the main flow channel 12, the liquid's flow velocity may fluctuate due to various factors, but the spiral structure, through its unique guiding method, makes these velocity changes smoother. This helps reduce fluctuations in the liquid flow velocity within the cooling system, ensuring stable circulation of the coolant within the hydrogen fuel cell stack and improving the cooling effect and operational stability of the hydrogen fuel cell stack.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a front view of the microchannel of the pump body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the main channel 12 structure of a novel microchannel design model according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0041] To optimize the flow channel effect and reduce flow velocity fluctuations, the main flow channel 12 has a gradually larger cross-section along the liquid flow direction. The gradual expansion of the cross-section enables the efficient conversion of fluid kinetic energy into static pressure energy, and the flow velocity is reduced by 14%-25% from the inlet to the outlet, avoiding flow separation and eddies caused by sudden expansion.

[0042] The main flow channel 12 has a depth of 0.5-2.0 mm, providing suitable flow space for the liquid. If the depth is too shallow, the liquid flow within the channel will be significantly restricted, easily leading to higher flow velocities and greater pressure losses, increasing the frictional resistance between the liquid and the channel wall. Conversely, if the depth is too deep, the liquid within the channel may exhibit stratified flow or vortex phenomena, balancing the flow rate and velocity within the main flow channel 12.

[0043] The inlet width of the main flow channel 12 is 0.3-1.5mm, and the outlet width of the main flow channel 12 is 1.2-1.8 times that of the inlet. This ensures smooth liquid flow and avoids liquid impact and turbulence caused by an inlet that is too wide or too narrow. It also increases local resistance at the inlet, ensuring that the liquid enters the main flow channel 12 in a stable state. As the liquid flows within the main flow channel 12, the flow velocity gradually decreases as the channel width gradually increases, reducing fluctuations in the outlet liquid flow velocity. This helps improve the circulation efficiency of the coolant in the hydrogen fuel cell stack cooling pump, significantly improving the heat dissipation effect of the hydrogen fuel cell stack cooling pump and extending the service life of the hydrogen fuel cell stack.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] For the sake of brevity, the parts that are the same as those in other embodiments will not be described again. The main focus here is on the structure that is different from other embodiments of this utility model. The difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that the structure of the flow channel is different.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the structure of the flow channel 14 of a novel microchannel design model according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0048] To improve water flow velocity and head, the diversion channel 14 is an arc-shaped channel, with the curved surface facing the liquid flow direction of the main channel 12. This guides the fluid smoothly into the volute 11 along the arc path, reducing bends and turns at the connection between the diversion channel and the main channel 12, thereby reducing flow resistance. When the flow velocity in the main channel 12 is too high, the pressure recovery coefficient of the arc-shaped diversion channel 14 is higher than that of the straight diversion channel, while the turbulent kinetic energy density is relatively lower, effectively suppressing the formation of vortex zones and further reducing turbulence. The diversion channel 14 adopts a fractal structure distribution to enhance the mechanical strength of the channel and avoid deformation under high pressure conditions. Furthermore, under high pressure conditions, the wall shear stress of the arc-shaped diversion channel 14 is lower, and the streamlined transition allows the fluid to enter the impeller more smoothly, thereby improving the impeller's working efficiency. By optimizing the inner wall structure of the channel, the flow resistance is reduced, significantly reducing pump energy consumption, thereby further improving water flow velocity and head.

[0049] Example 3

[0050] For the sake of brevity, the parts that are the same as those in other embodiments will not be described again. The main focus is on the structure that is different from other embodiments of this utility model. The difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that the structure of the diversion channel 14 is different.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel 14 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the structure of the flow channel 14 of a novel microchannel design model according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0053] To increase the water flow velocity, the diversion channel 14 is equipped with corresponding second diversion channels 16. When the liquid flows in the two channels, they interact with each other, making the overall liquid flow smoother and faster. When the liquid in the two diversion channels 14 merges and enters the volute 11, it forms a stronger water flow, further increasing the water flow velocity and making the impeller in the volute 11 perform work on the liquid more efficiently. The energy generated by the impeller rotation can be more fully converted into the kinetic and pressure energy of the liquid, thereby increasing the liquid's head.

[0054] When the hydrogen fuel cell stack cooling pump is working, the impeller rotates at high speed, drawing coolant into the volute chamber 11 through the inlet of the pump body 1. When the impeller rotates at high speed, due to the centrifugal force, the coolant between the impeller blades and the pump chamber wall is thrown to the outside and flows into the main channel 12. The coolant flows to the outlet through the main channel 12. During this process, due to the setting of the branch channel 14, the coolant flows back to the volute chamber 11 from the main channel 12 and is thrown to the outside of the main channel 12 again by the high-speed rotation of the impeller, thereby improving working efficiency and reducing pump energy consumption. The inner wall of the main channel 12 is provided with an involute spiral line, which reduces turbulence and irregular flow of the coolant.

[0055] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and thus all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this utility model. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A novel microchannel structure for cooling water pumps, characterized in that, Its structure includes: The pump body (1) has a volute (11) for mounting an impeller and a main channel (12) surrounding the outer ring of the volute (11). The main channel (12) is arranged around the volute (11) and extends to the top of the pump body (1). The pump body (1) at the end of the main channel (12) has an outlet (13). The volute (11) is evenly provided with several branch channels (14) along the circumference. The branch channels (14) connect the volute (11) and the main channel (12). The inner wall of the main channel (12) is provided with an involute spiral line (15) from the beginning to the end.

2. The novel microchannel structure for a cooling water pump according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pump body (1) has several threaded holes (101) on its edge for installation and fixing.

3. A novel microchannel structure for a cooling water pump according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pump body (1) is made of aluminum alloy matrix composite silicon carbide to improve high temperature resistance.

4. A novel microchannel structure for a cooling water pump according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main channel (12) and the branch channel (14) are manufactured by selective laser melting in one piece to improve the resistance to cavitation.

5. A novel microchannel structure for a cooling water pump according to claim 4, characterized in that: The diversion channel (14) is either straight or arc-shaped, wherein the curved surface of the arc faces the liquid flow direction of the main channel (12).

6. A novel microchannel structure for a cooling water pump according to claim 5, characterized in that: The diversion channel (14) is provided with a second diversion channel (16) respectively.

7. A novel microchannel structure for a cooling water pump according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spiral angle of the spiral (15) is 15°-60°.

8. A novel microchannel structure for a cooling water pump according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-section of the main channel (12) gradually increases along the direction of liquid flow.

9. A novel microchannel structure for a cooling water pump according to claim 8, characterized in that: The depth of the main channel (12) is 0.5-2.0 mm.

10. A novel microchannel structure for a cooling water pump according to claim 8, characterized in that: The inlet width of the main channel (12) is 0.3-1.5 mm, and the outlet width of the main channel (12) is 1.2-1.8 times that of the inlet, so as to reduce the fluctuation of the outlet liquid flow rate.

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