A gas-water separation device for a hydrogen fuel cell

Abstract

This utility model discloses a gas-water separation device for hydrogen fuel cells, comprising: a shell, with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe respectively connected to its top and side surfaces; a horn-shaped separation chamber disposed within the shell, with a threaded water inlet groove I formed in its inner wall, the tail end of the horn-shaped separation chamber connected to the inlet pipe; a multi-fold plate separation chamber disposed within the shell, with the opening end of the horn-shaped separation chamber connected to the multi-fold plate separation chamber, the outlet pipe connected to the multi-fold plate separation chamber; and a water storage chamber disposed in the lower half of the shell, connected to the horn-shaped separation chamber and the multi-fold plate separation chamber through a drain hole. This utility model solves the problem of hydrogen leakage after long-term use of existing traditional mechanical separation methods by providing a gas-water separation device for hydrogen fuel cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology, specifically to a gas-water separation device for hydrogen fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cells, as a new energy technology, generate electricity through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. However, in actual operation, the electrochemical reaction produces a large amount of water vapor, and unreacted hydrogen also carries some liquid water out of the fuel cell stack. This gas-water mixture will lead to a decrease in fuel cell performance, a shortened lifespan, and even safety hazards.

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, existing technologies generally rely on traditional mechanical separation methods. These methods use a motor-driven stirring device to separate the gas-water mixture. For example, application number CN202222645866.0 describes a gas-water separation device for a hydrogen fuel cell system. This device uses a motor to drive a rotating shaft, which in turn rotates a disc and a stirring rod to achieve separation. However, this device has drawbacks: the transmission components, such as gears and bearings, have complex structures and are prone to generating noise and vibration during operation. Furthermore, after prolonged use, wear at the connection between the stirring rod and the rotating shaft can lead to poor sealing, resulting in hydrogen leakage and posing a serious safety hazard. Utility Model Content

[0004] One object of this invention is to solve at least the aforementioned problems and / or defects, and to provide at least the advantages described below.

[0005] To achieve these objectives and other advantages according to the present invention, a gas-water separation device for a hydrogen fuel cell is provided, comprising: a housing having an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe respectively connected to its top and side surfaces, and further comprising:

[0006] The horn separation chamber is located inside the housing, and its inner wall is provided with a threaded water inlet groove I. The tail end of the horn separation chamber is connected to the air inlet pipe.

[0007] A multi-fold plate separation chamber is disposed inside the housing, and the opening end of the horn separation chamber is connected to the multi-fold plate separation chamber, and the air outlet pipe is connected to the multi-fold plate separation chamber;

[0008] The water storage chamber is located in the lower half of the shell and is connected to the horn separation chamber and the multi-fold plate separation chamber through the drain hole.

[0009] Preferably, the tail end of the horn separation chamber with a small radius is tangentially connected to the direction of the intake pipe, and the opening end with a large radius is directly opposite the multi-blade separation chamber;

[0010] The lowest end of each single thread in the water inlet channel I is provided with a drainage hole, and the drainage hole is connected to the water storage cavity.

[0011] Preferably, the structure of the multi-fold plate separation cavity includes:

[0012] The L-shaped separation plate has its vertical surface facing the opening end of the horn separation cavity, and multiple sets of inclined water inlet grooves II are opened on the vertical surface. The lowest end of the bending surface of the L-shaped separation plate is provided with a horizontal inclined water inlet groove III. A cavity for gas passage is provided between the bending surface and the water storage cavity.

[0013] Partition I, one end of which is fixed to the inner wall of the shell, and the other end extends to the top of the bent surface;

[0014] Partition II has one end fixed to the back of the vertical surface and the other end extending to the top of Partition I. The top of Partition II is connected to the air outlet pipe.

[0015] The top surface of the water storage cavity at the cavity location has a V-shaped structure, and a drainage hole is provided through the lowest end of the V-shaped structure.

[0016] The inner wall of the shell is provided with a curved water inlet channel IV. The lowest end of the water inlet channel II is connected to the water inlet channel IV. The lowest end of the water inlet channel III is connected to the water inlet channel IV. The water outlet of the water inlet channel IV is connected to the drain hole.

[0017] Preferably, an adsorption filter plate is provided between the air outlet pipe and the multi-fold plate separation chamber.

[0018] Preferably, the water storage cavity is an inclined surface, and a fan-shaped water inlet channel V is provided on the inclined surface;

[0019] A drain pipe is connected to the outside of the shell, and the lowest end of the water inlet trough V is connected to the drain pipe.

[0020] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0021] In summary, this device uses the centrifugal force of the horn-shaped separation chamber to initially separate the gas and water, and then uses the inertial collision of the multi-fold plate separation chamber to further separate the gas and water. This dual mechanism improves the separation effect, and the device has a compact structure, small size, and wide applicability. At the same time, the water inlet trough I, combined with the drainage hole, reduces water flow retention and prevents the airflow from carrying water droplets.

[0022] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be partly apparent from the following description, and partly understood by those skilled in the art through study and practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall cross-sectional structure of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a side cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a front view of the speaker separation cavity area of ​​this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a top sectional view of the speaker separation cavity of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a front view of the L-shaped separation plate area of ​​this utility model;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a top view of the distribution of the water inlet channel V of this utility model;

[0030] The markings in the diagram are: 1. Shell, 11. Inlet pipe, 12. Outlet pipe, 13. Water inlet channel IV, 14. Drain pipe, 2. Horn separation chamber, 21. Tail end, 22. Open end, 3. Water inlet channel I, 4. Multi-fold plate separation chamber, 41. L-shaped separation plate, 42. Water inlet channel II, 43. Water inlet channel III, 44. Cavity, 45. Partition I, 46. Partition II, 5. Water storage chamber, 51. V-shaped structure, 52. Water inlet channel V, 6. Filter plate, Drain hole A, Drain hole B. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0032] It should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0033] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms indicating orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They 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, 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.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "equipped with", "sleeved / connected", "connected", etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] Furthermore, in this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Moreover, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0036] The following is a detailed description of this novel experimental device with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0037] Figure 1-7 This invention discloses a gas-water separation device for a hydrogen fuel cell, comprising: a housing 1, wherein an inlet pipe 11 and an outlet pipe 12 are respectively connected to the top and side surfaces of the housing; and further comprising:

[0038] The horn separation chamber 2 is located inside the housing 1, and the inner wall is provided with a threaded water inlet groove I3. The tail end 21 of the horn separation chamber 2 is connected to the air inlet pipe 11.

[0039] The multi-fold plate separation chamber 4 is disposed inside the housing 1, and the opening end 22 of the horn separation chamber 2 is connected to the multi-fold plate separation chamber 4. The air outlet pipe 12 is connected to the multi-fold plate separation chamber 4.

[0040] The water storage chamber 5 is located in the lower half of the housing 1, and the water storage chamber 5 is connected to the horn separation chamber 2 and the multi-fold plate separation chamber 4 through the drain hole.

[0041] Working principle:

[0042] After the gas-water mixture of the hydrogen fuel cell enters the device through the air inlet pipe 11 on the top surface, it first passes through the horn-shaped separation chamber 2. As the diameter of the horn-shaped chamber gradually increases, the gas-liquid mixture will generate centrifugal force during the flow. Since the density of gas and water is different, the centrifugal force on water is greater than that on gas, causing water to be thrown onto the inner wall of the horn-shaped separation chamber 2. Then, under the action of gravity, it flows down along the water inlet channel I3 and finally flows into the water storage chamber 5 through the drain hole A, thus realizing the first step of gas-water separation.

[0043] When the gas-liquid mixture that has completed the initial separation passes through the multi-fold plate separation chamber 4, the gas needs to change its flow direction multiple times. Since the inertia of water is greater than that of gas, water droplets will hit the fold plates and coalesce, eventually sliding down the inner wall of the multi-fold plate separation chamber 4 and entering the water storage chamber 5 through the drain hole B, thus achieving the second step of gas-liquid separation.

[0044] Finally, the separated gas is discharged from the gas outlet pipe 12 for reuse, while the separated water is temporarily stored in the water storage chamber 5, waiting for subsequent discharge.

[0045] In the above scheme, the small-radius tail end 21 of the horn separation chamber 2 is tangentially connected to the direction of the air intake pipe 11, and the large-radius opening end 22 is directly opposite to the multi-fold plate separation chamber 4.

[0046] The lowest end of each single thread in the water inlet channel I3 is provided with a drain hole A, and the drain hole A is connected to the water storage cavity 5.

[0047] Working principle:

[0048] The gas-water mixture enters the horn-shaped separation chamber 2 from the small-radius tail end 21 through the tangential air inlet pipe 11. The horn opening gradually expands, and the airflow generates a cyclone along the cross section. Due to the difference in density between the gas and water, the centrifugal force on the water is greater than that on the gas, and the water is thrown towards the chamber wall.

[0049] The water thrown out by gravity flows towards the lower end along the spiral water channel I3 on ​​the cavity wall. At the same time, the water collected by each spiral is promptly discharged into the water storage cavity 5 through the drain hole A at the lowest end of the single spiral, preventing water from accumulating in the cavity or being carried away by the airflow. At this time, the mixture that has completed the initial gas-water separation continues to move towards the larger radius opening 22 and enters the multi-plate separation cavity 4.

[0050] Among them, ① each thread has an independent drainage hole A at the lowest end to prevent water from accumulating in the water channel Ⅰ3.

[0051] ② Introducing gas from the smaller radius end 21 enhances the centrifugal separation effect. Specifically, after unreacted hydrogen exits the hydrogen outlet of the fuel cell stack, the gas-water mixture enters the horn-shaped separation chamber 2 through the inlet pipe 11 (smaller radius end). Since the inlet pipe 11 is tangential to the inner wall of the horn-shaped separation chamber 2, the mixed gas enters tangentially and generates a cyclone-like rotational motion, throwing the water out. Furthermore, due to viscosity, a boundary layer is formed in the gas-water mixture near the wall, and the velocity gradient between the gas and water droplets within this boundary layer generates shear force. Because of its high inertia, the water droplets easily break through the boundary layer's constraints and, under centrifugal force, detach from the main gas flow and collide with the wall. Therefore, the water droplets are "thrown" towards the outer wall of the horn-shaped chamber under centrifugal force.

[0052] As described above, the structure of the multi-fold plate separation cavity 4 includes:

[0053] The L-shaped separation plate 41 has its vertical surface facing the opening end 22 of the horn separation cavity 2, and multiple sets of inclined water inlet channels II 42 are provided on the vertical surface. The lowest end of the bending surface of the L-shaped separation plate 41 is provided with a transverse inclined water inlet channel III 43. A cavity 44 for gas passage is provided between the bending surface and the water storage cavity 5.

[0054] Partition I 45, one end of which is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 1, and the other end extends to the top of the bent surface;

[0055] Partition II 46, one end of which is fixed to the back of the vertical surface, and the other end extends to the top of partition I 45. Partition II 46 is connected to the air outlet pipe 12 at the top.

[0056] The top surface of the water storage cavity 5 located at the cavity 44 is a V-shaped structure 51, and a drainage hole B is provided through the lowest end of the V-shaped structure 51.

[0057] The inner wall of the housing 1 is provided with a curved water inlet channel Ⅳ13. The lowest end of the water inlet channel Ⅱ42 is connected to the water inlet channel Ⅳ13. The lowest end of the water inlet channel Ⅲ43 is connected to the water inlet channel Ⅳ13. The water outlet of the water inlet channel Ⅳ13 is connected to the drain hole B.

[0058] Working principle:

[0059] The gas-water mixture passing through the horn-shaped separation chamber 2 will rush directly towards the vertical surface of the L-shaped separation plate 41. Due to the sudden change in the gas flow direction, the water, due to its large mass and large inertia, will directly impact the vertical surface and flow along multiple sets of inclined water inlet channels II 42 under the action of gravity, so that the water will quickly flow towards the curved water inlet channel IV 13 on the inner wall of the shell 1, avoiding dripping on the vertical surface and being re-entrained by the airflow.

[0060] The gas bypasses the L-shaped separation plate 41 and flows upward along the cavity 44. When it encounters the partition I 45 and the partition II 46, the gas is forced to change its flow direction multiple times. During this process, the residual water impacts the partition I 45 or the partition II 46 due to inertia, and the water droplets formed slide down to the bending surface of the L-shaped separation plate 41. The residual water is then collected by the horizontally inclined water inlet trough III 43 at the lowest end of the bending surface and guided to the water inlet trough IV 13.

[0061] After this series of multiple turns and flows, the water in the gas is almost completely separated. Finally, the dried gas leaves through the outlet pipe 12 connected to the top of the partition II 46 and can be recycled again for use in the hydrogen fuel cell system.

[0062] The entire process utilizes a multi-fold structural design, taking advantage of multiple changes in the gas flow direction and relying on the inertial difference between water and gas to achieve effective gas-water separation.

[0063] Among them, ① the water inlet channel Ⅳ13 serves as the main drainage channel, allowing the water separated from the water inlet channel Ⅱ42 and the water inlet channel Ⅲ43 to converge and flow along the water inlet channel Ⅳ13 to the drainage hole B on the top surface of the water storage chamber 5, thereby realizing the collection and discharge of water.

[0064] At the same time, this side drainage design can further avoid the problem that, without a water inlet, the water thrown out can only fall vertically into the cavity at position 44 and be entrained by the gas once again.

[0065] ② The inclined design of water inlet troughs II 42 and III 43 fully utilizes gravity to guide water flow, reducing the residence time of water in the separation chamber and lowering the risk of water accumulation. At the same time, the cooperation between the top surface of the V-shaped structure 51 of the water storage chamber 5 and the drain hole B allows liquid water to be discharged quickly, avoiding stagnation that could cause airflow entrainment.

[0066] In the above scheme, an adsorption filter plate 6 is provided between the air outlet pipe 12 and the multi-fold plate separation chamber 4.

[0067] Working principle:

[0068] After the gas passes through the multi-plate separation chamber 4, it may still carry a very small amount of moisture. At this time, the remaining moisture can be intercepted by the adsorption filter plate 6 to further prevent moisture from entering and affecting the corrosion of the battery electrodes.

[0069] In practical use, filter plate 6 can preferentially use materials such as activated carbon (or other existing materials with water absorption properties) to adsorb water in the gas.

[0070] In the above scheme, the water storage cavity 5 is an inclined surface, and a fan-shaped water inlet channel V52 is opened on the inclined surface;

[0071] A drain pipe 14 is connected to the outside of the housing 1, and the lowest end of the water inlet channel V52 is connected to the drain pipe 14.

[0072] Working principle:

[0073] The inclined surface of the water storage chamber 5 utilizes gravity to cause the separated water to automatically converge towards a lower position along the inclined surface, and the water is collected by the fan-shaped water inlet trough V52. The collected water is discharged into the shell 1 through the drain pipe 14, realizing recycling.

[0074] The inclined surface and drain pipe 14 are designed to ensure unidirectional liquid flow and prevent backflow.

[0075] Although the embodiments of this utility model have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, this utility model is not limited to the specific details and the illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A gas-water separation device for a hydrogen fuel cell, comprising: The housing, having an air inlet pipe and an air outlet pipe respectively connected to its top and side surfaces, is characterized in that it further includes: The horn separation chamber is located inside the housing, and its inner wall is provided with a threaded water inlet groove I. The tail end of the horn separation chamber is connected to the air inlet pipe. A multi-fold plate separation chamber is disposed inside the housing, and the opening end of the horn separation chamber is connected to the multi-fold plate separation chamber, and the air outlet pipe is connected to the multi-fold plate separation chamber; The water storage chamber is located in the lower half of the shell and is connected to the horn separation chamber and the multi-fold plate separation chamber through the drain hole.

2. The gas-water separation device for hydrogen fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The smaller-radius end of the horn separation chamber is tangentially connected to the direction of the air intake pipe, while the larger-radius opening end is directly opposite the multi-blade separation chamber. The lowest end of each single thread in the water inlet channel I is provided with a drainage hole, and the drainage hole is connected to the water storage cavity.

3. The gas-water separation device for hydrogen fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The structure of the multi-fold plate separation cavity includes: The L-shaped separation plate has its vertical surface facing the opening end of the horn separation cavity, and multiple sets of inclined water inlet grooves II are opened on the vertical surface. The lowest end of the bending surface of the L-shaped separation plate is provided with a horizontal inclined water inlet groove III. A cavity for gas passage is provided between the bending surface and the water storage cavity. Partition I, one end of which is fixed to the inner wall of the shell, and the other end extends to the top of the bent surface; Partition II has one end fixed to the back of the vertical surface and the other end extending to the top of Partition I. The top of Partition II is connected to the air outlet pipe. The top surface of the water storage cavity at the cavity location has a V-shaped structure, and a drainage hole is provided through the lowest end of the V-shaped structure. The inner wall of the shell is provided with a curved water inlet channel IV. The lowest end of the water inlet channel II is connected to the water inlet channel IV. The lowest end of the water inlet channel III is connected to the water inlet channel IV. The water outlet of the water inlet channel IV is connected to the drain hole.

4. The gas-water separation device for hydrogen fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, An adsorption filter plate is provided between the air outlet pipe and the multi-fold plate separation chamber.

5. The gas-water separation device for hydrogen fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage cavity is an inclined surface, and a fan-shaped water inlet channel V is provided on the inclined surface; A drain pipe is connected to the outside of the shell, and the lowest end of the water inlet trough V is connected to the drain pipe.

Images