A compact fuel cell air system

Abstract

This utility model discloses a compact fuel cell air system, relating to the field of fuel cell system technology. It includes an integrated intercooler, humidifier, air-water separator, and several throttle valves. This solution, through its integrated structure combining the intercooler, humidifier, air-water separator, and throttle valves, solves the problems of large space occupation, slow response, and high flow resistance in existing systems. It is particularly suitable for the compact requirements of on-board fuel cells, addressing the issue of low integration in air systems. It reduces the use of piping, reduces pressure drop and heat loss, lowers leakage risk, and improves system reliability. The intercooler and humidifier of the air system are combined into one component, which also serves as an integration base for other components, resulting in higher integration of the air system and reducing the space occupied by the fuel cell engine. It also reduces piping connections between components, lowers pressure loss, reduces sealing issues and leakage points, and improves power generation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electric fuel cell system technology, and more specifically to the field of compact fuel cell air system technology. Background Technology

[0002] The air system (also known as the cathode subsystem) of a fuel cell is responsible for supplying oxygen (usually from air) to the stack and managing air pressure, flow rate, humidity, and exhaust emissions. Its performance directly affects the efficiency, power output, and durability of the fuel cell. In early and current technologies, the design of the air system has faced several challenges.

[0003] The air supply system includes components such as an air compressor, humidifier, intercooler, and back pressure valve / throttle valve, which work together to supply air to the system. The air compressor primarily provides the power for airflow. The intercooler cools the high-temperature air after compression to a suitable temperature. The humidifier humidifies the dry air after it passes through the intercooler to meet the humidity requirements of the intake air. After the air undergoes a fuel cell reaction, producing water and consuming oxygen, the humid air containing liquid water at the outlet passes through the humidifier to provide humidified air, and finally is discharged into the atmosphere through the exhaust pipe.

[0004] Currently, to improve the energy efficiency of fuel cells and achieve faster and more precise dynamic response control, multiple components, such as the throttle valve, are added to the air system. The large size, numerous components, and complex piping of the air system in the entire fuel cell system result in low integration and high difficulty, significantly hindering the development of highly integrated fuel cell systems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the technical problems of large space occupation, slow response, and high flow resistance in existing systems by providing a compact fuel cell air system. Based on the shortcomings of the prior art, this invention utilizes an integrated structure combining intercooling, humidification, air-water separation, and throttle valve, making it particularly suitable for the compact requirements of on-board fuel cells and facilitating fuel cell system integration.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model specifically adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This utility model provides a compact fuel cell air system, including an intercooler, a humidifier, an air-water separator, and several throttle valves; the intercooler and humidifier are integrated in a side-by-side configuration, the air-water separator is integrated in front of the intercooler and humidifier, and one air inlet of the air-water separator is connected to the air outlet of the intercooler through a corresponding throttle valve, while the other air inlet of the air-water separator is directly connected to the wet exhaust port of the humidifier; the air outlet of the air-water separator is connected to the return air port of the air compressor, and the air outlet of the air compressor is connected to the air inlet of the intercooler;

[0008] The gas entering the reactor stack passes through the dry gas outlet of the humidifier and enters the fuel cell stack through the corresponding throttle valve, while the gas exiting the reactor stack enters the wet gas inlet of the humidifier through the corresponding throttle valve.

[0009] This solution solves the problems of large space occupation, slow response and high flow resistance of existing systems by integrating intercooler, humidifier, air-water separator and throttle valve into one. It is especially suitable for the compact requirements of vehicle fuel cells and solves the problem of low integration of air system.

[0010] By reducing the use of pipelines, reducing pipeline pressure drop and heat loss, lowering the risk of leakage, and improving system reliability, the intercooler and humidifier of the air system are combined into one component. At the same time, it serves as an integration base for other components to be integrated into this structure, making the air system more integrated and reducing the space occupied by the fuel cell engine. It also reduces the pipeline connections of various components, reduces pressure loss, reduces sealing items and leakage points, and improves power generation efficiency.

[0011] In one embodiment, the humidifier includes a humidifier body, a humidifier moisture inlet, a humidifier moisture outlet, and a humidifier dry outlet disposed on the humidifier body.

[0012] In one embodiment, there are three throttle valves, namely a first throttle valve, a second throttle valve, and a third throttle valve. The dry air outlet of the humidifier is integrated with the first throttle valve through an end face, and the wet air inlet of the humidifier is integrated with the second throttle valve through an end face.

[0013] Specifically, the gas entering the reactor stack passes through the first throttle valve. The gas exiting the reactor stack passes through the second throttle valve into the humidifier's wet gas inlet, and then flows out through the humidifier's dry gas outlet.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first throttle valve is fastened to the dry air outlet of the humidifier by a sealing ring and bolts; the second throttle valve is fastened to the wet air inlet of the humidifier by a sealing ring and bolts.

[0015] In one embodiment, the air-water separator includes an air-water separator body, which is provided with an air-water separator first inlet, an air-water separator second inlet, an air-water separator outlet, and an air-water separator drain outlet.

[0016] The first inlet and the second inlet of the air-water separator are respectively located on the left and right sides of the air-water separator; the first inlet of the air-water separator is connected to the moisture outlet of the humidifier, and the second inlet of the air-water separator is connected to the exhaust port of the intercooler;

[0017] The air outlet of the air-water separator is located at the top of the air-water separator, and the liquid outlet of the air-water separator is located at the bottom of the air-water separator on the side away from the intercooler.

[0018] Specifically, the humidifier's moisture outlet is directly integrated with the first inlet of the air-water separator: the humid gas flowing out of the humidifier's moisture outlet is separated into gas and liquid through the first inlet of the air-water separator; the separated liquid is discharged through the air-water separator's drain port, and the separated gas enters the exhaust gas expander inlet of the air compressor through the air-water separator's outlet.

[0019] In one embodiment, the intercooler is provided with an intercooler inlet and an intercooler side outlet; the intercooler side outlet is integrated with one end face of the third throttle valve, and the other end of the third throttle valve is integrated with the second inlet face of the air-water separator.

[0020] Specifically, the humid gas separated at the first inlet of the air-water separator and the gas discharged from the third throttle valve enter the exhaust gas expander inlet of the air compressor through the air-water separator outlet. That is, a portion of the high-temperature gas from the air compressor does not enter the fuel cell stack but enters the second inlet of the air-water separator through the third throttle valve, and then enters the exhaust gas expander inlet of the air compressor.

[0021] In one implementation, the intercooler side outlet is fastened to the third throttle valve by two sealing rings and a set of bolts.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0023] 1. This utility model solves the problems of large space occupation, slow response and large flow resistance of existing systems by integrating intercooler, humidifier, air-water separator and throttle valve into one, and is especially suitable for the compact requirements of vehicle fuel cells, solving the problem of low integration of air system.

[0024] 2. This utility model reduces the use of pipelines, reduces pipeline pressure drop and heat loss, lowers the risk of leakage, and improves system reliability. The intercooler and humidifier of the air system are combined into one component, which also serves as an integration base for other components to be integrated into this structure, making the air system more integrated and reducing the space occupied by the fuel cell engine; it also reduces the pipeline connections of various components, reduces pressure loss, reduces sealing items and leakage points, and improves power generation efficiency.

[0025] 3. This utility model can be applied to multiple fields such as vehicle fuel cell systems, large-scale power generation fuel cell systems, and fuel cell stack testing platforms, and has a wide range of applications. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a compact fuel cell air system according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another view;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram;

[0031] Reference numerals: 1. Intercooler; 2. Humidifier; 3. First throttle valve; 4. Second throttle valve; 5. Air-water separator; 6. Third throttle valve; 10. Intercooler inlet; 11. Intercooler side outlet; 12. Second inlet of air-water separator; 13. Air outlet of air-water separator; 14. Drain of air-water separator; 15. First inlet of air-water separator; 16. Humidifier moisture inlet; 17. Humidifier moisture outlet; 18. Humidifier dry outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and technical effects of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "inner", "outer", "upper", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed when in use. 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.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a compact fuel cell air system, including an intercooler 1, a humidifier 2, an air-water separator 5, and several throttle valves; the intercooler 1 and the humidifier 2 are integrated in a side-by-side configuration, the air-water separator 5 is integrated in front of the intercooler 1 and the humidifier 2, and one air inlet of the air-water separator 5 is connected to the air outlet of the intercooler 1 through one of the throttle valves, and the other air inlet of the air-water separator 5 is directly connected to one exhaust port of the humidifier 2; the other throttle valves are integrated on other air inlets and / or other air outlets of the humidifier 2.

[0038] This solution solves the problems of large space occupation, slow response and high flow resistance of existing systems by integrating intercooler, humidifier, air-water separator and throttle valve into one. It is especially suitable for the compact requirements of vehicle fuel cells and solves the problem of low integration of air system.

[0039] By reducing the use of pipelines, reducing pipeline pressure drop and heat loss, lowering the risk of leakage, and improving system reliability, the intercooler and humidifier of the air system are combined into one component. At the same time, it serves as an integration base for other components to be integrated into this structure, making the air system more integrated and reducing the space occupied by the fuel cell engine. It also reduces the pipeline connections of various components, reduces pressure loss, reduces sealing items and leakage points, and improves power generation efficiency.

[0040] Example 2

[0041] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, this embodiment provides a compact fuel cell air system, including an intercooler 1, a humidifier 2, an air-water separator 5, and several throttle valves; the intercooler 1 and the humidifier 2 are integrated in a side-by-side configuration, the air-water separator 5 is integrated in front of the intercooler 1 and the humidifier 2, and one air inlet of the air-water separator 5 is connected to the air outlet of the intercooler 1 through a corresponding throttle valve, and the other air inlet of the air-water separator 5 is directly connected to the wet exhaust port of the humidifier 2; the air outlet of the air-water separator 5 is connected to the return air port of the air compressor, and the air outlet of the air compressor is connected to the air inlet of the intercooler 1;

[0042] The gas entering the reactor stack passes through the dry gas outlet of humidifier 2 and enters the fuel cell stack through the corresponding throttle valve, while the gas exiting the reactor stack enters the wet gas inlet of the humidifier through the corresponding throttle valve.

[0043] The humidifier 2 includes a humidifier body, a humidifier moisture inlet 16, a humidifier moisture outlet 17, and a humidifier dry outlet 18 disposed on the humidifier body.

[0044] There are three throttle valves: the first throttle valve 3, the second throttle valve 4, and the third throttle valve 6. The dry air outlet 18 of the humidifier is integrated with the first throttle valve 3 through an end face, and the wet air inlet 16 of the humidifier is integrated with the second throttle valve 4 through an end face.

[0045] Specifically, the gas then enters the fuel cell stack through the first throttle valve 3. The gas exiting the stack enters the humidifier's wet gas inlet 16 through the second throttle valve 4, and then flows out through the humidifier's dry gas outlet 18. The first throttle valve 3 is fastened to the humidifier's dry gas outlet 18 by a sealing ring and bolts; the second throttle valve 4 is fastened to the humidifier's wet gas inlet 16 by a sealing ring and bolts.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] This embodiment is a further optimization based on embodiment 2, specifically:

[0048] The air-water separator 5 includes an air-water separator body, on which are provided an air-water separator first inlet 15, an air-water separator second inlet 12, an air-water separator air outlet 13, and an air-water separator liquid outlet 14.

[0049] The first inlet 15 and the second inlet 12 of the air-water separator are respectively located on the left and right sides of the air-water separator 5; the first inlet 15 of the air-water separator is connected to the moisture outlet 17 of the humidifier, and the second inlet 12 of the air-water separator is connected to the exhaust port of the intercooler 1.

[0050] The air outlet 13 of the air-water separator is located at the top of the air-water separator 5, and the liquid outlet 14 of the air-water separator is located at the bottom of the air-water separator 5 on the side away from the intercooler 1.

[0051] Specifically, the humidifier's moisture outlet 17 is directly integrated with the first inlet 15 of the air-water separator: the humid gas flowing out of the humidifier's moisture outlet 17 is separated into gas and liquid through the first inlet 15 of the air-water separator; the separated liquid is discharged through the air-water separator's drain port 14, and the separated gas enters the exhaust gas expander inlet of the air compressor through the air-water separator's outlet port 13.

[0052] Example 4

[0053] This embodiment is a further optimization based on embodiment 3, specifically:

[0054] The intercooler 1 is provided with an intercooler inlet 10 and an intercooler side outlet 11; the intercooler side outlet 11 is integrated with one end face of the third throttle valve 6, and the other end of the third throttle valve 6 is integrated with the direct end face of the second inlet 12 of the air-water separator.

[0055] Specifically, the humid gas separated at the first inlet 15 of the air-water separator and the gas discharged from the third throttle valve 6 enter the exhaust gas expander inlet of the air compressor through the air-water separator outlet 13. That is, a portion of the high-temperature gas from the air compressor does not enter the fuel cell stack but enters the second inlet 12 of the air-water separator through the third throttle valve 6, and then enters the exhaust gas expander inlet of the air compressor. The intercooler side outlet 11 is fastened to the third throttle valve 6 by two sealing rings and a set of bolts.

Claims

1. A compact fuel cell air system characterized by, It includes an intercooler (1), a humidifier (2), an air-water separator (5), and several throttle valves; the intercooler (1) and the humidifier (2) are integrated into one unit in a side-by-side configuration, the air-water separator (5) is integrated on the front side of the intercooler (1) and the humidifier (2), and one air inlet of the air-water separator (5) is connected to the air outlet of the intercooler (1) through the corresponding throttle valve, and the other air inlet of the air-water separator (5) is directly connected to the moisture exhaust port of the humidifier (2); the air outlet of the air-water separator (5) is connected to the return air port of the air compressor, and the air outlet of the air compressor is connected to the air inlet of the intercooler (1); The gas entering the stack passes through the dry gas outlet of the humidifier (2) and enters the fuel cell stack through the corresponding throttle valve, while the gas exiting the stack enters the wet gas inlet of the humidifier through the corresponding throttle valve.

2. A compact fuel cell air system according to claim 1, wherein, The humidifier (2) includes a humidifier body, a humidifier moisture inlet (16) disposed on the humidifier body, a humidifier moisture outlet (17) and a humidifier dry outlet (18).

3. A compact fuel cell air system according to claim 2, wherein, The number of throttle valves is three, namely the first throttle valve (3), the second throttle valve (4) and the third throttle valve (6). The dry air outlet (18) of the humidifier is integrated with the first throttle valve (3) through the end face, and the wet air inlet (16) of the humidifier is integrated with the second throttle valve (4) through the end face.

4. A compact fuel cell air system according to claim 3, wherein, The first throttle valve (3) is fastened to the dry air outlet (18) of the humidifier by a sealing ring and bolts; the second throttle valve (4) is fastened to the wet air inlet (16) of the humidifier by a sealing ring and bolts.

5. A compact fuel cell air system according to claim 4, wherein, The air-water separator (5) includes an air-water separator body, which is provided with an air-water separator first inlet (15), an air-water separator second inlet (12), an air-water separator air outlet (13), and an air-water separator liquid outlet (14). The first inlet (15) and the second inlet (12) of the air-water separator are respectively located on the left and right sides of the air-water separator (5); the first inlet (15) of the air-water separator is connected to the moisture outlet (17) of the humidifier, and the second inlet (12) of the air-water separator is connected to the exhaust port of the intercooler (1); the air outlet (13) of the air-water separator is connected to the return air port of the air compressor.

6. A compact fuel cell air system according to claim 5, wherein, The air outlet (13) of the air-water separator is located at the top of the air-water separator (5), and the liquid outlet (14) of the air-water separator is located at the bottom of the air-water separator (5) on the side away from the intercooler (1).

7. A compact fuel cell air system according to claim 6, wherein, The intercooler (1) is provided with an intercooler inlet (10) and an intercooler side outlet (11); the intercooler side outlet (11) is directly integrated with one end face of the third throttle valve (6), and the other end of the third throttle valve (6) is directly integrated with the second inlet (12) of the air-water separator.

8. A compact fuel cell air system according to claim 7, wherein, The intercooler side outlet (11) is fastened to the third throttle valve (6) by two sealing rings and a set of bolts.

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