Fuel cell anode water splitter and fuel cell system

The adjustable baffle design solves the problem of the inflexible adjustment of the water distributor in the existing technology, and realizes the problem of low water distribution efficiency and insufficient adaptability of the water distributor to adapt to different power levels. It improves the adaptability, reliability and water distribution efficiency of the fuel cell system, and simplifies the adaptability of the existing technology and the adaptability of the water distributor.

CN224400375UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-23NINGBO CYCOL POWER TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
NINGBO CYCOL POWER TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-30
Publication Date
2026-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The water separators in existing fuel cell systems cannot be flexibly adjusted according to power changes and different application scenarios, which increases design complexity, results in low water separation efficiency, especially affecting hydrogen purity in high-power systems, and lacks adaptability.

Method used

Design a detachable fuel cell anode water distributor that can adapt to different power levels and environmental requirements by adjusting the number and shape of water baffles. It includes a detachable upper and lower shell, and the water baffles can be staggered to optimize the airflow channel. Combined with a baffle plate and a water storage chamber, it can achieve efficient water distribution.

Benefits of technology

It improves water separation efficiency, ensures hydrogen purity, enhances the reliability and adaptability of fuel cell systems, simplifies system development cycles, and adapts to various application scenarios.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application relates to a fuel cell anode water distributor and a fuel cell system, wherein the fuel cell anode water distributor comprises an upper shell and a lower shell, a plurality of water baffles are detachably connected to the upper shell and the lower shell respectively, the water baffles are arranged in an alternating manner at different heights between the upper shell and the lower shell, a water baffle is arranged between the upper shell and the lower shell, and a water leakage hole is arranged on the water baffle. The water distribution performance can be adjusted according to the power demand of the fuel cell system, the water distributor is suitable for fuel cell systems of various power levels, and the reliability, water distribution efficiency and adaptability of the system are improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more specifically, to a fuel cell anode water distributor and a fuel cell system. Background Technology

[0002] In a fuel cell system, water is produced during power generation by the reaction between oxygen and hydrogen at the cathode. Since the gas exiting from the anode contains unreacted hydrogen and water vapor, a gas-liquid separator is needed to separate the water from the anode circulating gas in order to remove the water from the gas and return the unreacted hydrogen to the anode.

[0003] Existing water distributors typically employ a fixed structure. For fuel cell systems with different power levels or water distribution requirements, the water distributor needs to be redesigned, making it impossible to adjust water distribution performance according to power variations or different application scenarios. Different power level systems often require different specifications of water distributors, increasing design and manufacturing complexity and lacking adjustability.

[0004] Meanwhile, many existing water separators use a single-structure baffle plate, resulting in low water separation efficiency and an inability to effectively handle the water separation requirements of high-flow-rate hydrogen. Especially in high-power fuel cell systems, moisture may not be completely isolated, affecting the purity of hydrogen and reducing the overall performance of the system.

[0005] In addition, existing water distributors are usually designed with fixed configurations and cannot be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs. They are difficult to meet the requirements of different power and working environments, especially for application scenarios that require rapid adjustment, where the adaptability of existing designs is insufficient.

[0006] With the urgent need for fuel cell system development and the demand for diversified system power, there is a need to develop a variable fuel cell anode water distributor to suit application scenarios with different power levels and water distribution performance requirements. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this application is to provide a fuel cell anode water distributor and a fuel cell system, which can adjust the water distribution performance according to the power requirements of the fuel cell system, and is applicable to fuel cell systems of various power levels, aiming to improve the system's reliability, water distribution efficiency and adaptability.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, this utility model provides a fuel cell anode water distributor, comprising: an upper shell and a lower shell, wherein the upper shell and the lower shell are detachably connected to a plurality of baffles, the baffles being spaced apart and the number and shape of the baffles being adjustable;

[0009] The baffle plates are arranged at different heights and alternately between the upper shell and the lower shell. A water-proof plate is provided between the upper shell and the lower shell, and the water-proof plate is provided with water leakage holes.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the water baffle comprises water baffles of the same shape, or the water baffle comprises a combination of different shapes.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the vertical cross-section of the baffle plate includes an S-shape with a wavy bend or a V-shape with a sharp bend.

[0012] The water baffle extends perpendicular to the gas flow direction.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, a baffle plate located on the upper housing is connected to the top wall of the upper housing, and a baffle plate located on the lower housing is connected to the water-proof plate.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the baffle plate includes a mounting plate located at the connection root, the mounting plate being provided with mounting holes and leakage holes.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the upper housing includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet, wherein the gas inlet is used to introduce anode outlet gas and the gas outlet is used to discharge hydrogen gas after water separation.

[0016] The gas inlet and the gas outlet each include an inlet pagoda head and an outlet pagoda head, respectively.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, a water storage chamber is provided on the lower housing, the water storage chamber is located below the water baffle, and a drain valve is connected to the bottom of the lower housing, the drain valve is connected to a drain outlet.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the upper housing is mated to the lower housing, and a sealing ring is provided at the connection between the upper housing and the lower housing.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the lower housing is provided with a mounting base for mounting a pressure sensor;

[0020] The bottom of the lower housing is provided with a mounting assembly, which is used for the fixed installation of the fuel cell anode water distributor.

[0021] Secondly, this utility model provides a fuel cell system, including the fuel cell anode water distributor as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0022] The fuel cell anode water distributor in this invention has a variable form through the adjustment of the baffle plate. The number and shape of the baffle plate can be adjusted according to different power levels and working environments to meet the water distribution needs of different systems and improve adaptability.

[0023] By using multiple baffles spaced at intervals, the water separation efficiency can be effectively improved, ensuring the high purity of hydrogen and avoiding the impact of moisture on the performance of fuel cells.

[0024] The detachable connection of the baffle plate allows for simple adjustments to meet the needs of fuel cell systems with different power ratings and water separation performance, reducing the time spent on redesigning and shortening the system development cycle.

[0025] The adjustable number and shape of the baffles can adapt to fuel cell systems of different power levels, meeting the needs of various application scenarios.

[0026] By optimizing the design of the water separator, effective separation of hydrogen and water is ensured, thereby preventing water from entering the anode and improving the reliability and long-term stability of the entire fuel cell system.

[0027] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fuel cell anode water distributor in this application;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the side view structure;

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A top-view structural diagram;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connection and installation structure of the fuel cell anode water distributor;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a side view of the internal structure of the fuel cell anode water distributor.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a top-view diagram of the internal structure of the fuel cell anode water distributor.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of one type of water baffle.

[0036] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another type of water baffle.

[0038] icon:

[0039] 1-Upper shell; 11-Import pagoda head; 12-Export pagoda head;

[0040] 2-Lower housing; 21-Water storage chamber; 22-Mounting assembly; 23-Mounting base;

[0041] 3-Water baffle; 31-Mounting plate; 32-Mounting hole;

[0042] 4-Waterproof plate; 41-Leakage hole;

[0043] 5-Drain valve; 51-Drain outlet;

[0044] 6-Sealing ring;

[0045] 7-Pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for 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 application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" 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 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 application based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] The fuel cell anode water separator in this application mainly improves the water separation effect of the anode circulating gas in the existing fuel cell system by optimizing the structure and installation of the baffle plate. It can also adjust the water separation performance according to the power requirements of the fuel cell system, making it suitable for fuel cell systems of various power levels. The aim is to improve the reliability, water separation efficiency and adaptability of the fuel cell system.

[0050] See Figure 1 and combined Figures 2-6 The fuel cell anode water distributor of this utility model has a main structure including an upper shell 1 and a lower shell 2, and a baffle plate 3 is detachably connected to the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2.

[0051] The baffle plate 3 is detachably connected to the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 by bolts, which facilitates the disassembly and adjustment of the baffle plate 3 on the water distributor, thereby allowing the shape and number of the baffle plate 3 to be adjusted.

[0052] Based on the detachable connection of the baffle plate 3, multiple baffle plates 3 are respectively arranged at intervals on the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2, and the airflow channel of the anode circulating gas can be formed through the multiple spaced baffle plates 3.

[0053] During actual operation, the anode circulating gas flows between the baffles 3. The moisture in the gas can be trapped and attached by the baffles 3, and the attached moisture is separated by dripping downwards.

[0054] The number and shape of the water baffles 3 are adjustable, allowing for adjustments based on different power levels and working environments.

[0055] In terms of quantity adjustment, the number of baffles 3 increases with the increase of fuel cell system power and decreases with the decrease of power. The adjustment of the number of baffles 3 also includes the adjustment of the spacing between adjacent baffles 3, which in turn corresponds to the water separation efficiency and the gas volume of water separation treatment.

[0056] The shape can be adjusted to correspond to different water distribution performance of the baffle plate 3. The shape of the baffle plate 3 can be set to different shapes according to the requirements of water distribution performance. It can be a combination of the same structural shape or a combination of different structural shapes.

[0057] In order to allow the anode circulating gas to flow through the water distributor and to facilitate a flow state with low flow resistance, the baffle plates 3 are arranged alternately at different heights between the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2. Specifically, the baffle plates 3 on the upper shell 1 and the baffle plates 3 on the lower shell 2 have a certain overlap area in the vertical direction relative to the gas flow, which can maximize the water distribution effect.

[0058] As described above, the adhering moisture in the gas is separated in the form of downward dripping. A water baffle 4 is provided between the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2. The downward dripping moisture can flow to the lower shell 2 through the water leakage hole 41 on the water baffle 4, and finally be discharged out through the lower shell 2.

[0059] The water leakage hole 41 on the baffle plate 4 guides the water blocked by the baffle plate 3 to the water storage space of the lower shell 2 and prevents the water in the water storage chamber from flowing back to the hydrogen outlet of the upper shell 1.

[0060] The water baffle 3 in this utility model includes water baffles 3 of the same shape, or the water baffle 3 includes a combination of different shapes.

[0061] Specifically, the baffle plate 3 on the upper shell 1 can be of the same shape or a combination of different shapes, and the baffle plate 3 on the lower shell 2 can also be of the same shape or a combination of different shapes. In addition, the baffle plate 3 on the upper shell 1 and the baffle plate 3 on the lower shell 2 can also be combined in different shapes according to the actual water distribution performance.

[0062] Combination Figures 7-9 Specifically, in terms of the structural shape of the baffle plate 3, the vertical cross-section of the baffle plate 3 includes an S-shape with a wavy bend or a V-shape with a sharp bend.

[0063] The water baffle 3 in this utility model specifically includes a strip-shaped plate structure of a certain length. Combined with the blocking effect of the water baffle 3 on the gas, the extension direction of the water baffle 3 is perpendicular to the gas flow direction, which can effectively allow water to adhere to the plate surface of the water baffle 3.

[0064] From the perspective of the connection and installation angle of the baffle plate 3, the baffle plate 3 on the upper shell 1 is connected to the top wall of the upper shell 1, and the baffle plate 3 on the lower shell 2 is connected to the water baffle plate 4. Preferably, the baffle plate 3 on the upper shell 1 and the baffle plate 3 on the lower shell 2 are arranged in parallel. Combined with the staggered arrangement of high and low baffle plates, an effective gas flow channel can be formed.

[0065] The baffle plate 3 includes a mounting plate 31 located at the connection root. The mounting plate 31 is provided with mounting holes 32 and drainage holes 41. The mounting holes 32 are mainly used for connecting and installing the baffle plate 3, while the drainage holes 41 are mainly used to assist in water distribution, separating the water adhering to the mounting plate 31.

[0066] Based on the water separation of the anode circulating gas in this application, the upper shell 1 includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The gas inlet is used to introduce the anode outlet gas and guide the gas discharged from the anode outlet into the water separator. The gas outlet is used to export the separated hydrogen gas and return the separated hydrogen gas to the anode.

[0067] The gas inlet and gas outlet are respectively equipped with an inlet pagoda head 11 and an outlet pagoda head 12, which facilitates quick plugging and unplugging of the inlet and outlet pipelines.

[0068] The lower shell 2 is provided with a water storage chamber 21, which is located below the water baffle 4 and is used to collect the water blocked by the water baffle 3 and to store the water separated by the water baffle 4.

[0069] The bottom of the lower housing 2 is connected to a drain valve 5, which is connected to a drain outlet 51. The opening and closing status of the drain valve 5 controls the connection between the water storage chamber 21 and the drain outlet 51, thereby enabling drainage through the drain outlet 51.

[0070] From the perspective of the assembly structure, the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2 are assembled together, and a sealing ring 6 is provided at the connection between the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2 to prevent anolyte gas leakage.

[0071] The water distributor in this invention is equipped with a pressure sensor 7 for detecting hydrogen pressure. A mounting base 23 for the pressure sensor 7 is reserved at the hydrogen inlet of the lower housing 2 to facilitate the connection of the hydrogen pressure sensor 7.

[0072] The bottom of the lower housing 2 is provided with a mounting assembly 22, which can be used to fix the fuel cell anode water distributor on the system support of the fuel cell system.

[0073] This utility model also provides a fuel cell system, including the fuel cell anode water distributor described above, which can adjust the water distribution performance according to the power requirements of the fuel cell system, and has a simple drainage and maintenance mechanism, aiming to improve the reliability, efficiency and adaptability of the fuel cell system.

[0074] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0075] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A fuel cell anode water distributor, characterized in that, include: The upper shell and the lower shell are respectively detachably connected to a plurality of water baffles, and the water baffles are arranged at intervals and the number and shape are adjustable; The baffle plates are arranged at different heights and alternately between the upper shell and the lower shell. A water-proof plate is provided between the upper shell and the lower shell, and the water-proof plate is provided with water leakage holes.

2. The fuel cell anode water distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water baffles may include water baffles of the same shape, or the water baffles may include a combination of different shapes.

3. The fuel cell anode water distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical cross-section of the water baffle includes an S-shape with a wavy bend or a V-shape with a sharp bend. The water baffle extends perpendicular to the gas flow direction.

4. The fuel cell anode water distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, A baffle plate located on the upper shell is connected to the top wall of the upper shell, and a baffle plate located on the lower shell is connected to the water baffle plate.

5. The fuel cell anode water distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water baffle includes a mounting plate located at the connection root, and the mounting plate is provided with mounting holes and leakage holes.

6. The fuel cell anode water distributor according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The upper shell includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The gas inlet is used to introduce the anode outlet gas, and the gas outlet is used to export the hydrogen gas after water separation. The gas inlet and the gas outlet each include an inlet pagoda head and an outlet pagoda head, respectively.

7. The fuel cell anode water distributor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lower housing is provided with a water storage chamber, which is located below the water baffle plate. A drain valve is connected to the bottom of the lower housing, and the drain valve is connected to a drain outlet.

8. The fuel cell anode water distributor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper housing is assembled with the lower housing, and a sealing ring is provided at the connection between the upper housing and the lower housing.

9. The fuel cell anode water distributor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lower housing is provided with a mounting base for mounting a pressure sensor; The bottom of the lower housing is provided with a mounting assembly, which is used for the fixed installation of the fuel cell anode water distributor.

10. A fuel cell system, characterized in that, The fuel cell anode water distributor includes any one of claims 1-9.