A two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system and a fuel cell system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of two-stage air filtration system and fuel cell system for fuel cell system, and the two-stage air filtration system includes first-stage particle filter (1) and second-stage gas filter (4) sequentially arranged along gas flow direction, wherein, the first-stage particle filter (1) is located in the upstream of the second-stage gas filter (4), the first-stage particle filter (1) is detachably connected with second-stage gas filter (4), particle filter medium (2) is provided in the first-stage particle filter (1), gas filter medium (5) is provided in the second-stage gas filter (4).The fuel cell system includes the above two-stage air filtration system.Compared with prior art, the utility model can realize the separate replacement of particle filter and gas filter, reduce operation and maintenance cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system and a fuel cell system. Background Technology

[0002] Existing fuel cell cathode air filtration systems generally employ a composite filter structure, integrating a particulate filter layer and a chemisorption layer to simultaneously remove particulate matter (e.g., PM10, PM2.5, dust, etc.) and harmful gases (e.g., SO2, NOx, NH3, VOCs, etc.). However, because particulate loading and gas adsorption capacity are affected by various environmental factors (e.g., pollutant concentration, temperature, humidity, etc.), premature failure of one side's function often occurs in practical applications (e.g., saturation of the chemisorption layer / clogging of the particulate filter layer). The design of the composite filter structure necessitates that the material on the undamaged side must be replaced along with the entire composite filter, leading to additional maintenance costs. Furthermore, the coupled material properties of the composite filter structure limit the independent optimization space for the particulate filter layer and the chemisorption layer; for example, highly adsorbent materials in the chemisorption layer may increase airflow resistance. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system and a fuel cell system in which the particulate filter and gas filter can be replaced separately, reducing maintenance costs.

[0004] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0005] According to one example of this disclosure, a two-stage air filtration system is provided, including: a first-stage particulate filter and a second-stage gas filter, wherein the first-stage particulate filter may be disposed upstream of the second-stage gas filter, the first-stage particulate filter may contain a particulate filter medium, and the second-stage gas filter may contain a gas filter medium.

[0006] According to another example of this disclosure, the first-stage particulate filter and the second-stage gas filter can be coupled by a flexible or rigid connector.

[0007] According to another example of this disclosure, the first-stage particulate filter may be provided with a pre-separation structure and / or the second-stage gas filter may be provided with a pre-separation structure.

[0008] According to another example of this disclosure, a differential pressure sensor may be provided downstream of the first-stage particulate filter and / or a gas concentration sensor may be provided downstream of the second-stage gas filter.

[0009] According to another example of this disclosure, the particulate filter medium can be formed into multiple pleats in a pleated manner.

[0010] According to another example of this disclosure, the first-stage particulate filter may be provided with a particulate discharge valve at the tail end.

[0011] According to another example of this disclosure, the gas filter medium may be formed by winding a substrate material.

[0012] According to another example of this disclosure, an adsorbent material may be disposed between the layers of the wound formed by winding the substrate material.

[0013] According to another example of this disclosure, the substrate material may include nonwoven fabric, and / or the adsorbent material may include one or more of activated carbon, zeolite, molecular sieve, and resin.

[0014] According to another example of this disclosure, a fuel cell system is provided, which may include the two-stage air filtration system described in the above example.

[0015] According to one example of this disclosure, a two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system is provided, including a first-stage particulate filter and a second-stage gas filter arranged sequentially along the gas flow direction, wherein the first-stage particulate filter is located upstream of the second-stage gas filter, the first-stage particulate filter and the second-stage gas filter are detachably connected, the first-stage particulate filter is provided with a particulate filter medium, and the second-stage gas filter is provided with a gas filter medium.

[0016] According to another example of this disclosure, the first-stage particulate filter is provided with a particulate filter gas outlet at one end of its housing axially and a particulate discharge valve at the other end of its housing axially.

[0017] According to another example of this disclosure, the particulate discharge valve is detachably disposed at one end of the first-stage particulate filter.

[0018] In this invention, by incorporating a particulate discharge valve, pre-separated particulate matter, such as larger dust particles, can be conveniently removed from the first-stage particulate filter without disassembling it. This allows the two-stage air filtration system described in this disclosure to be suitable for fuel cell cathode air with high dust content, and enhances the stability and efficiency of system operation.

[0019] According to another example of this disclosure, the first-stage particulate filter is provided with a first pre-separation structure, the gas flow direction in the first pre-separation structure is tangent to the gas flow direction in the first-stage particulate filter, and the first pre-separation structure is disposed on the first-stage particulate filter near the gas outlet of the particulate filter.

[0020] According to another example of this disclosure, the first pre-separation structure includes a gas inlet or cyclone structure.

[0021] According to another example of this disclosure, the gas inlet direction on the first-stage particulate filter is tangential.

[0022] According to another example of this disclosure, the gas flow direction inside the first-stage particulate filter is the same as the axial direction of the first-stage particulate filter housing.

[0023] According to another example of this disclosure, the gas flow direction within the first pre-separation structure is the same as the axial direction of the first pre-separation structure.

[0024] According to another example of this disclosure, the axial direction of the first pre-separation structure is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first-stage particulate filter.

[0025] In this invention, the first-stage pre-separation structure (e.g., a tangential gas inlet or a cyclone tube structure) allows the airflow to flow tangentially into the first-stage particulate filter, thereby creating a cyclone separation effect. Before reaching the particulate filter medium in the first-stage particulate filter, the particulate matter entrained in the gas can be pre-separated by the tangential air intake, thereby reducing the actual particulate content reaching the particulate filter medium.

[0026] According to another example of this disclosure, the second-stage gas filter is provided with a second pre-separation structure, wherein the gas flow direction within the second pre-separation structure is tangent to the gas flow direction within the second-stage gas filter.

[0027] According to another example of this disclosure, the second pre-separation structure includes a gas inlet or cyclone structure.

[0028] According to another example of this disclosure, the gas intake direction on the second-stage gas filter is tangential.

[0029] According to another example of this disclosure, the gas flow direction inside the second-stage gas filter is the same as the axial direction of the second-stage gas filter housing.

[0030] According to another example of this disclosure, the gas flow direction within the second pre-separation structure is the same as the axial direction of the second pre-separation structure.

[0031] According to another example of this disclosure, the axial direction of the second pre-separation structure is perpendicular to the axial direction of the second stage gas filter.

[0032] In this invention, the second pre-separation structure (e.g., a tangential gas inlet or a cyclone structure) allows the airflow to flow tangentially into the second-stage gas filter, thereby pre-forming a circumferentially rotating airflow before the gas reaches the gas filter medium. This ensures that the gas is evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the gas filter and flows evenly through the gas filter medium, preventing the problem of local over-adsorption due to uneven airflow distribution.

[0033] In this invention, "tangential" refers to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the filter housing and tangent to the outer peripheral edge of the filter housing, and "axial" refers to the direction parallel to the axial direction of the filter housing.

[0034] According to another example of this disclosure, the second pre-separation structure and the gas outlet of the particulate filter are detachably connected by a flexible or rigid connector.

[0035] According to another example of this disclosure, both the flexible and rigid connectors are quick-connectors.

[0036] According to another example of this disclosure, the flexible connector includes rubber, a hose, and a sealing ring.

[0037] According to another example of this disclosure, the rigid connector includes a snap-fit ​​or a clamp.

[0038] According to another example of this disclosure, the first-stage particulate filter is provided with a differential pressure sensor located downstream of its gas flow direction to measure the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream sides of the first-stage particulate filter.

[0039] In this invention, by monitoring the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream of the first-stage particulate filter, the operating status of the particulate filter can be monitored in real time and it can be determined whether the particulate filter has failed.

[0040] According to another example of this disclosure, the second-stage gas filter has a gas filter outlet at one end of its housing in the axial direction, and a gas concentration sensor is provided downstream of the second-stage gas filter in the gas flow direction to measure the concentration of harmful gases downstream of the second-stage gas filter.

[0041] In this invention, by monitoring the concentration of harmful gases downstream of the second-stage gas filter, the operating status of the gas filter can be monitored in real time and it can be determined whether the gas filter has failed.

[0042] According to another example of this disclosure, the particulate filter media is formed into multiple pleats in a pleated manner.

[0043] According to another example of this disclosure, the particulate filter medium includes a high-efficiency particulate air filter, i.e., a HEPA filter.

[0044] According to another example of this disclosure, the particulate filter medium also includes fibrous materials, specifically including nanofibers, plant fibers, etc.

[0045] In this invention, the particulate filter medium can be pleated to form multiple pleats to increase the filtration area.

[0046] According to another example of this disclosure, the gas filter medium includes a wound formed by winding a substrate material, wherein adsorbent material is disposed between the layers of the wound formed by winding the substrate material to achieve an adsorption function and remove harmful gases.

[0047] According to another example of this disclosure, the substrate material includes a nonwoven fabric, and the adsorbent material includes any one or more of activated carbon, zeolite, molecular sieve, and resin.

[0048] According to another example of this disclosure, the substrate material is wound into a structure of at least two layers.

[0049] In this invention, the substrate material can also filter particles, such as finer particles that were not completely filtered in the first-stage particle filter.

[0050] According to another example of this disclosure, the particulate filter media is detachably connected to the first-stage particulate filter using a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0051] According to another example of this disclosure, the gas filter medium is detachably connected to the second-stage gas filter using a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0052] According to another example of this disclosure, a fuel cell system is provided, the fuel cell system including the two-stage air filtration system in the example above.

[0053] According to another example of this disclosure, the cathode air of the fuel cell system first flows through an upstream first-stage particulate filter for particulate matter filtration, and then flows into a downstream second-stage gas filter for gas adsorption.

[0054] This invention discloses a two-stage air filtration system for fuel cell systems. The first-stage particulate filter and the second-stage gas filter are connected in series in a detachable manner. The filter media employs a snap-fit ​​replaceable design, and corresponding differential pressure sensors and gas concentration sensors are installed at the rear ends of both the particulate and gas filters. This structure allows the filter element to perform both particulate filtration and gas adsorption functions, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

[0055] Other areas of application of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0056] The foregoing description of the utility model is not intended to represent every example or aspect of this disclosure. Rather, the foregoing description merely provides examples of some novel concepts and features set forth herein. The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and accompanying advantages, will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims, based on the following detailed description of illustrative examples and representative models for carrying out this disclosure. Furthermore, this disclosure expressly includes any and all combinations and sub-combinations of the elements and features set forth above and below.

[0057] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0058] (1) This utility model provides a two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system, including a detachably connected particulate filter and a gas filter, with the particulate filter as the first stage and the gas filter as the second stage. The particulate filter is located upstream of the gas filter, thereby enabling the separate replacement of the particulate filter and the gas filter and reducing operation and maintenance costs.

[0059] (2) In this utility model, the particulate filter and the gas filter are respectively equipped with a differential pressure sensor and a gas concentration sensor downstream of their respective gas flow directions. Through these sensors, the operating status of the two filters can be monitored in real time, making it convenient to replace the failed filter in time and ensure the stable operation of the system.

[0060] (3) In this utility model, the filter media in the particle filter and the gas filter are respectively installed on their filter housings by means of detachable connection, and the particle filter and the gas filter are detachably connected by soft or hard connectors, which can make it easier and faster to replace each component and further reduce the operation and maintenance costs.

[0061] (4) In this utility model, both the particulate filter and the gas filter are provided with a pre-separation structure, which allows the airflow to flow tangentially into the filter to form a cyclone separation effect, thereby allowing the gas to flow evenly through the filter medium (gas or particulate filter medium) and significantly improving the filtration efficiency.

[0062] (5) In this utility model, a particulate discharge valve is also provided at one end of the particulate filter. With the help of the discharge valve, the pre-separated larger particles such as dust can be easily removed without disassembling the particulate filter, so that the dual-stage air filtration system of this utility model can be used for fuel cell cathode air with high dust content, and enhance the stability and efficiency of system operation. Attached Figure Description

[0063] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Specifically, the accompanying drawings of this disclosure illustrate:

[0064] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a two-stage air filtration system according to this disclosure is shown;

[0065] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the particulate filter media in the first-stage particulate filter shown.

[0066] Figure 3 A perspective view showing an example of particulate filter media forming multiple pleats in a pleated manner;

[0067] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the gas filter medium in the second-stage gas filter shown.

[0068] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 End view of the gas filter medium shown;

[0069] In the diagram, 1-first-stage particulate filter; 2-particulate filter medium; 3-differential pressure sensor; 4-second-stage gas filter; 5-gas filter medium; 6-gas concentration sensor.

[0070] This disclosure is readily adaptable to various modifications and alternatives, some representative examples of which are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the novel aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the specific forms shown in the foregoing drawings. Rather, this disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents, combinations, sub-combinations, arrangements, groupings, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure, for example, as covered by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its use. This disclosure is readily exemplified in many forms. Representative examples of this disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein; it is to be understood that these examples are provided as illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and not as limitations on the broad aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, the drawings are generally schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but are merely intended to teach those skilled in the art a representative basis for using this disclosure in various ways. For this purpose, elements and limitations described, for example, in the abstract, background, utility model description, description of drawings, and detailed description but not expressly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated, individually or jointly, by implication, inference, or otherwise, into the claims.

[0072] Certain terms may be used for reference only in the following description and are therefore not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to orientations in the referenced figures. Terms such as “front,” “rear,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” “side,” “up,” “down,” “top,” and “bottom” describe the orientation and / or position of parts of a component or element within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference, as will become clear from the text describing the component or element in question and the associated figures.

[0073] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used to describe individual components. These terms are used to describe the accompanying drawings and do not represent a limitation on the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, the teachings may be described herein in the form of functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may include multiple hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform a specified function.

[0074] As used herein, the terms “downstream” or “upstream” can be used to indicate a direction relative to the direction of fluid flow.

[0075] For the purposes of this detailed description, unless otherwise stated, the singular includes the plural, and vice versa; the words “and” and “or” shall be both conjunctions and adversative conjunctions; the words “any” and “all” shall both mean “any and all”; and the words “including,” “contains,” “has,” etc., shall each mean “including but not limited to.” Furthermore, approximate words such as “about,” “almost,” “basically,” “roughly,” “approximately,” etc., each may be used herein in the meaning of, for example, “within, close to, or almost,” or “within 0-5% of,” or “within acceptable manufacturing tolerances,” or any logical combination thereof.

[0076] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout several views to denote the same features.

[0077] Example 1

[0078] A two-stage air filtration system for fuel cells comprises a first-stage particulate filter 1 and a second-stage gas filter 4 arranged sequentially along the gas flow direction. The first-stage particulate filter 1 is located upstream of the airflow of the second-stage gas filter 4, and the two are connected by a detachable structure. Particulate filter media 2 is installed inside the first-stage particulate filter 1, while gas filter media 5 is installed inside the second-stage gas filter 4.

[0079] Example 2

[0080] A two-stage air filtration system for fuel cells, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, it includes a first-stage particulate filter 1 and a second-stage gas filter 4 arranged sequentially along the gas flow direction, with the first-stage particulate filter 1 located upstream of the second-stage gas filter 4.

[0081] In this embodiment, a particulate filter medium 2 is detachably disposed inside the housing of the first-stage particulate filter 1, and the particulate filter medium 2 forms multiple pleats in a pleated manner; a particulate filter gas outlet is provided at one end of the first-stage particulate filter 1 along its axial direction, and a particulate discharge valve is provided at the other end; a first pre-separation structure is provided on the first-stage particulate filter 1, and the airflow channel inside the first-stage particulate filter 1 is arranged tangentially to the airflow direction inside the first-stage particulate filter 1, and the first pre-separation structure is located near the end of the particulate filter gas outlet on the first-stage particulate filter 1; a differential pressure sensor 3 is also provided downstream of the first-stage particulate filter 1 in its gas flow direction to monitor the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream of the first-stage particulate filter 1.

[0082] In this embodiment, a gas filter medium 5 is detachably disposed inside the housing of the second-stage gas filter 4. The gas filter medium 5 includes a winding formed by winding a base material, and an adsorbent material is disposed between the layers of the winding formed by winding the base material. A second pre-separation structure is disposed on the second-stage gas filter 4, and the gas flow direction inside the second pre-separation structure is tangent to the gas flow direction inside the second-stage gas filter 4. A gas filter gas outlet is disposed at one end of the housing of the second-stage gas filter 4 in the axial direction, and a gas concentration sensor 6 is disposed downstream of the gas flow direction to measure the concentration of harmful gases downstream of the second-stage gas filter 4.

[0083] In this embodiment, the substrate material of the gas filter medium 5 includes non-woven fabric, and the adsorption material includes any one or more of activated carbon, zeolite, molecular sieve, and resin.

[0084] In this embodiment, the second pre-separation structure and the gas outlet of the particulate filter are detachably connected by a flexible or rigid connector.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first pre-separation structure includes a gas inlet or a cyclone tube structure, and the second pre-separation structure includes a gas inlet or a cyclone tube structure.

[0086] In use, the gas enters the first-stage particulate filter 1 through the first pre-separation structure. The particulate matter after being filtered by the particulate filter medium 2 is collected in the particulate discharge valve. The gas after being filtered by the particulate filter medium 2 flows into the second-stage gas filter 4 through the gas outlet of the particulate filter, the flexible or rigid connector, and the second pre-separation structure in sequence. Then the gas is filtered by the gas filter medium 5, and the treated gas flows out of the device through the gas outlet of the gas filter.

[0087] In this invention, if the value measured by the differential pressure sensor 3 is not within the preset range, it is determined that the first-stage particulate filter 1 has failed. Based on the detachable connection between the first-stage particulate filter 1 and the second-stage gas filter 4, the first-stage particulate filter 1 can be quickly replaced separately.

[0088] In this invention, if the value measured by the gas concentration sensor 6 is not within the preset range, it is determined that the second-stage gas filter 4 has failed. Based on the detachable connection between the first-stage particulate filter 1 and the second-stage gas filter 4, the second-stage gas filter 4 can be quickly replaced separately.

[0089] Example 3

[0090] This embodiment provides a fuel cell system, which includes the two-stage air filtration system of Embodiment 2.

[0091] In this embodiment, the cathode air of the fuel cell system first flows through the upstream first-stage particulate filter 1 for particulate matter filtration, and then flows into the downstream second-stage gas filter 4 for gas adsorption.

[0092] Example 4

[0093] A two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system and the fuel cell system are described in further detail below.

[0094] Figure 1A perspective view of an example of a two-stage air filtration system according to this disclosure is shown. The two-stage air filtration system includes a first-stage particulate filter 1 and a second-stage gas filter 4. The first-stage particulate filter 1 is disposed upstream of the second-stage gas filter 4. That is, in the gas flow direction indicated by the arrows in the figure, the cathode air of the fuel cell first flows through the upstream first-stage particulate filter 1 for particulate filtration, and then flows into the downstream second-stage gas filter 4 for gas adsorption. The first-stage particulate filter 1 contains a particulate filter medium 2, while the second-stage gas filter 4 contains a gas filter medium 5.

[0095] The first-stage particulate filter 1 is provided with a pre-separation structure (e.g., a tangential gas inlet or cyclone structure) and an axial gas outlet. The term "tangential" refers to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the filter housing and tangential to the outer peripheral edge of the filter housing. The term "axial" refers to a direction parallel to the axial direction of the filter housing. The pre-separation structure (e.g., a tangential gas inlet or cyclone structure) allows the airflow to flow tangentially into the first-stage particulate filter 1, thereby creating a cyclone separation effect. Before reaching the particulate filter media 2 disposed in the first-stage particulate filter 1, particulate matter entrained in the gas can be pre-separated by the tangential airflow, reducing the actual particulate content reaching the particulate filter media 2. The first-stage particulate filter 1 is provided with a particulate discharge valve at its tail end, which is axially separated from the gas inlet. That is, in Figure 1 In the example shown, the pre-separation structure of the first-stage particulate filter 1 is located at the left end of the housing of the first-stage particulate filter 1, while the particulate discharge valve of the first-stage particulate filter 1 is located at the right end of the housing of the particulate filter 1. By providing the particulate discharge valve, pre-separated particles, such as larger dust particles, can be easily removed from the first-stage particulate filter 1 without disassembling it. This allows the two-stage air filtration system described in this disclosure to be suitable for fuel cell cathode air with high dust content, and enhances the stability and efficiency of system operation.

[0096] After passing through the first-stage particulate filter 1, the filtered gas exits from the axial gas outlet of the first-stage particulate filter 1 and flows along the pipe into the second-stage gas filter 4. Similar to the first-stage particulate filter 1, the second-stage gas filter 4 also has a pre-separation structure (e.g., a tangential gas inlet or cyclone structure) and an axial gas outlet. The pre-separation structure (e.g., a tangential gas inlet or cyclone structure) allows the gas flow to enter the second-stage gas filter 4 tangentially, thus pre-forming a circumferentially rotating airflow before the gas reaches the gas filter medium 5 in the second-stage gas filter 4. This ensures that the gas is evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the second-stage gas filter 4 and flows evenly through the gas filter medium 5, preventing localized over-adsorption due to uneven airflow distribution. In existing gas filters, due to the lack of a pre-separation structure, the filter medium near the inlet fails prematurely due to over-adsorption, while the filter medium further away from the inlet is not fully utilized. By setting a pre-separation structure in the second-stage gas filter 4, the adsorption efficiency of the entire gas filter medium 5 can be greatly improved, and the replacement frequency of the gas filter medium 5 can be reduced by making the airflow uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction, thereby improving the overall service life.

[0097] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the particulate filter medium 2 in the first-stage particulate filter 1 shown. Figure 3 A perspective view showing an example of particulate filter media forming multiple pleats in a pleated manner. Figure 2 The particulate filter media 2 shown is capable of […]. Figure 3 The pleating pattern shown creates multiple pleats to increase the filtration area. In another example, the particulate filter media 2 typically includes a high-efficiency particulate air filter, i.e., a HEPA filter. In yet another example, the particulate filter media 2 may also include various fibrous materials, such as nanofibers, plant fibers, etc.

[0098] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the gas filter medium 5 in the second-stage gas filter 4 shown. Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The diagram shows an end view of the gas filter medium 5. The gas filter medium 5 is formed into a roll by winding a base material, and adsorbent material is disposed between the layers formed by the winding of the base material to achieve adsorption and remove harmful gases. In another example, the base material includes non-woven fabric, etc. In another example, the adsorbent material includes activated carbon, zeolite, molecular sieve, resin, etc. In another example, the base material can also filter particles, such as finer particles that were not completely filtered in the first-stage particulate filter 1. In another example, the base material is typically wound into a structure of at least two layers.

[0099] See you again Figure 1 The first-stage particulate filter 1 and the second-stage gas filter 4 can be connected via flexible or rigid connectors. In another example, the flexible connector may be made of rubber, hose, sealing ring, etc. In another example, the rigid connector may be made of clips, clamps, welding, etc.

[0100] In another example, a differential pressure sensor 3 is installed downstream of the first-stage particulate filter 1 to measure the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream sides of the first-stage particulate filter 1. By monitoring the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream sides of the first-stage particulate filter 1, the operating status of the first-stage particulate filter 1 can be monitored in real time, and it can be determined whether the first-stage particulate filter 1 has failed. If it is determined that the first-stage particulate filter 1 has failed, the failed first-stage particulate filter 1 can be removed and replaced with a new first-stage particulate filter 1 through the quick-connect fitting between the first-stage particulate filter 1 and the second-stage gas filter 4.

[0101] In another example, similarly, a gas concentration sensor 6 is installed downstream of the second-stage gas filter 4 to measure the concentration of harmful gases downstream of the second-stage gas filter 4. By monitoring the concentration of harmful gases downstream of the second-stage gas filter 4, the operating status of the second-stage gas filter 4 can be monitored in real time, and it can be determined whether the second-stage gas filter 4 has failed. If it is determined that the second-stage gas filter 4 has failed, the failed second-stage gas filter 4 is removed and replaced with a new one via the quick-connect fitting between the first-stage particulate filter 1 and the second-stage gas filter 4.

[0102] Compared to conventional fuel cell cathode air filtration systems, this technology separates the integrated particulate filter layer from the chemisorption layer, enabling individual replacement of the first-stage particulate filter 1 and the second-stage gas filter 4. This allows for the replacement of failed particulate or gas filters at appropriate frequencies based on actual operating conditions, avoiding waste caused by prematurely replacing healthy filters and significantly reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, by installing a differential pressure sensor 3 and / or a gas concentration sensor 6, the operating status of the first-stage particulate filter 1 and / or the second-stage gas filter 4 can be monitored in real time, allowing for timely replacement of any failed filters.

[0103] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, description, and appended claims. For example, unless otherwise specifically stated, the size, shape, position, or orientation of various components may be varied as needed and / or desired, provided that such variations do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise specifically stated, directly connected or contacting components shown may have intermediate structures arranged between them, provided that such variations do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the function of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa. The structure and function of one example may be adopted in another example. All advantages are not necessarily present simultaneously in a particular example. Each feature unique compared to the prior art, individually or in combination with other features, should also be considered as a separate description by the applicant of a further utility model, including structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such features. It should be understood that one or more steps within the method may be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, while each of the examples above is described as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with reference to any example of this disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any of the other examples, even if such combinations are not explicitly described. In other words, the described examples are not mutually exclusive, and substitutions of one or more examples for each other remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0104] Various terms are used to describe spatial and functional relationships between elements, including “connection,” “joining,” “linking,” “adjacent,” “right next to,” “on top,” “above,” “below,” and “set.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing the relationship between the first and second elements in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements, or an indirect relationship in which one or more intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements (spatially or functionally).

[0105] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of…” as used in this disclosure refers to “one or more” of the desired choices. As an example, the phrase “at least one of…” as used in this disclosure refers to “only one single choice” or “both of two choices” if the number of choices is two. As another example, the phrase “at least one of…” as used in this disclosure refers to “only one single choice” or “any combination equal to or more than two choices” if the number of choices is equal to or more than three. Furthermore, the term “and / or” as used in this disclosure refers to “either one or both.” For example, the phrase “at least one of A and B” includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. In other words, in this disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A and B” does not mean “at least one of A and at least one of B”.

Claims

1. A two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system, characterized in that, include: A first-stage particulate filter (1) and a second-stage gas filter (4), wherein the first-stage particulate filter (1) is disposed upstream of the second-stage gas filter (4). The first-stage particulate filter (1) is provided with particulate filter medium (2), and the second-stage gas filter (4) is provided with gas filter medium (5).

2. The two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first-stage particulate filter (1) and the second-stage gas filter (4) are connected by a flexible or rigid connector.

3. A two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first-stage particulate filter (1) is provided with a pre-separation structure; and / or The second-stage gas filter (4) is equipped with a pre-separation structure.

4. A two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A differential pressure sensor (3) is installed downstream of the first-stage particulate filter (1); and / or A gas concentration sensor (6) is installed downstream of the second-stage gas filter (4).

5. A two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The particulate filter medium (2) is formed into multiple pleats in a pleated manner.

6. A two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first-stage particulate filter (1) is equipped with a particulate discharge valve at the tail end.

7. A two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas filter medium (5) is formed by winding a base material.

8. A two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system according to claim 7, characterized in that, An adsorbent material is disposed between the layers of the wound formed by winding the substrate material.

9. A two-stage air filtration system for a fuel cell system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The substrate material includes nonwoven fabric; and / or The adsorption material includes one or more of activated carbon, zeolite, molecular sieve, and resin.

10. A fuel cell system, characterized in that: The fuel cell system includes a two-stage air filtration system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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