Integrated tailpipe module and fuel cell system comprising the same

Abstract

The present application relates to an integrated tailing module comprising a housing (100) defining a separation chamber (15) extending in an extension direction (L) and closed at one end, a mixture inlet (12) in communication with the separation chamber (15) to allow a gas-liquid mixture to enter the separation chamber, and a discharge channel (25) extending through the housing (100) and in liquid communication with the separation chamber (15) via an internal passage (16); the integrated tailing module further comprising a gas-liquid separation device (20) housed within the separation chamber (15) and configured to separate a gas-liquid mixture entering via the mixture inlet (12) into a liquid and a gas; and the housing (100) further defining a gas outlet (14) in communication with the separation chamber (15) to allow the separated gas to exit the separation chamber. The present application relates to a fuel cell system comprising the integrated tailing module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an integrated exhaust module, specifically an exhaust module with integrated gas-liquid separation function disposed on the cathode side of a fuel cell. In a fuel cell system, the exhaust module can be connected to an energy recovery device such as an air compressor. This application also relates to a fuel cell system including this integrated exhaust module. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cells, as devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy, are widely used in various fields such as automobiles, aviation, and portable power supplies due to their advantages such as high efficiency and low emissions. In a fuel cell system, hydrogen and air are supplied to the anode and cathode of the fuel cell, respectively. Hydrogen is decomposed into electrons and protons at the anode, and the protons move to the cathode and react chemically with oxygen in the air to produce water. This water usually appears in the form of water vapor and liquid water, and is discharged from the cathode side as a gas-liquid mixture entrained in the exhaust gas.

[0003] In existing fuel cell systems, the cathode side typically includes a gas-liquid separator for separating the gas-liquid mixture of cathode waste into gas and liquid, and a tailpipe module for discharging the cathode waste. The gas-liquid separator and tailpipe module are usually provided independently of each other and connected via external piping to guide the separated liquid to the tailpipe module's discharge channel for emission. Simultaneously, both the gas-liquid separator and tailpipe module are connected via additional external piping to an air compressor (EAC) to recover energy from the separated gas before guiding it to the tailpipe module's discharge channel for emission.

[0004] The above arrangement involves numerous components, has a complex structure, high cost, and requires a large space for installation. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an integrated tailpipe module that integrates gas-liquid separation function.

[0006] This objective is achieved through the integrated tailpipe module of this application.

[0007] The integrated exhaust module of this application includes a housing defining: a separation chamber extending in the extension direction and closed at one end; a mixture inlet communicating with the separation chamber to allow a gas-liquid mixture to enter the separation chamber; and an exhaust channel penetrating the housing and communicating with the liquid in the separation chamber via an internal channel. The integrated exhaust module also includes a gas-liquid separation device housed within the separation chamber, configured to separate the gas-liquid mixture entering via the mixture inlet into liquid and gas. The housing further defines an exhaust port communicating with the separation chamber to allow the separated gas to exit the separation chamber.

[0008] In one embodiment, the mixture inlet communicates with the separation chamber at or near the closed end of the separation chamber, and the exhaust port and the internal passage communicate with the separation chamber at or near the opposite open end of the separation chamber.

[0009] In one embodiment, the mixture inlet is configured to allow the gas-liquid mixture to enter the separation chamber in an entry direction transverse to the extension direction, and the gas-liquid separation device is disposed in the separation chamber along the path in which the gas-liquid mixture enters.

[0010] In one embodiment, the gas-liquid separation device includes a plurality of blades arranged radially around the central axis of the separation chamber, each blade extending spirally around the central axis.

[0011] In one embodiment, the gas-liquid separation device further includes a central hub, and the plurality of blades extend radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the central hub.

[0012] In one embodiment, the gas-liquid separation device further includes one or more of the following features: in the extending direction, the hub length of the central hub is one-third to two-thirds of the cavity length of the separation chamber; each blade has a first end and a second end opposite to each other in the extending direction, the first end corresponding to the location of the mixture inlet, and the second end being closer to the opening end of the separation chamber than the first end; each blade has a first radial outermost dimension at the first end and a second radial outermost dimension at the second end that is greater than the first radial outermost dimension, each blade increasing linearly or curvilinearly from the first radial outermost dimension to the second radial outermost dimension; the second end of each blade extends radially outward to the housing or vicinity.

[0013] In one embodiment, the separation chamber has a first chamber segment in which the gas-liquid separation device is located and a second chamber segment near the opening end, at least one of the first chamber segment and the second chamber segment extending outward toward the opening end.

[0014] In one embodiment, the exhaust port forms an opening at the open end, and the internal passage opens into the separation cavity on the end surface of the open end and / or on the inner surface defining the second cavity segment.

[0015] In one embodiment, in the inlet direction, the mixture inlet and the internal channel are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the separation chamber, and the discharge channel and the internal channel are located at approximately the same height.

[0016] In one embodiment, each of the internal channel and the discharge channel includes: a straight channel segment and / or a curved channel segment; and / or the discharge channel extends along an extension direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, the housing includes a main body defining the separation chamber and an extension defining the discharge passage, the main body and the extension being integral or directly connected together.

[0018] In one embodiment, the main body is a barrel shape, the extension is a tubular shape, the main body and the extension are connected together by a common flange, and the ports of the exhaust port and the discharge channel extend through the end surface of the common flange.

[0019] In one embodiment, the main body and the extension are two separate portions extending in the same direction from a common flange.

[0020] In one embodiment, the housing includes connection features for connection to an energy recovery device.

[0021] In one embodiment, the connection feature includes a plurality of connection holes extending into or through the common flange.

[0022] This application also provides a fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell; the aforementioned integrated exhaust module connected to the cathode side of the fuel cell to receive its cathode exhaust via a mixture inlet; and an energy recovery device connected to the integrated exhaust module to allow gas discharged via the exhaust port to enter the energy recovery device and subsequently return to the exhaust channel.

[0023] In one embodiment, the energy recovery device is an air compressor.

[0024] The integrated tailpipe module of this application includes a housing, which defines a separation chamber with an internal gas-liquid separator and a discharge channel arranged independently of the separation chamber and connected to it via an internal passage (in a manner that allows liquid to pass through). The housing also defines a mixture inlet for receiving cathode waste in the form of a gas-liquid mixture and an exhaust port for discharging gas after the liquid has been removed. The housing is configured to be connected to an air compressor, preferably directly, and when connected to an air compressor: the gas-liquid mixture entering the separation chamber via the mixture inlet is separated into liquid and gas by the gas-liquid separator; the gas enters the air compressor via the exhaust port for energy recovery and then returns to the discharge channel of this tailpipe module; the liquid enters the discharge channel directly via the aforementioned internal passage, and then the gas and liquid are discharged together from the tailpipe module through the discharge channel.

[0025] The integrated structure of this application achieves gas-liquid separation and cathode waste discharge with the fewest number of parts and the most compact structure. It has the advantages of high functional integration, few parts, light weight, low cost, compact structure and easy layout. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the integrated exhaust module of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the integrated tailpipe module shows its internal structure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The integrated tailpipe module according to exemplary embodiments of this application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The exhaust module of this application can be used on the cathode side of a fuel cell for the emission of cathode waste. Specifically, the exhaust module of this application can be designed to be connected to an energy recovery device such as an electric air compressor (EAC).

[0030] When the exhaust module of this application is connected to an air compressor, the cathode waste, consisting of a gas-liquid mixture emitted from the cathode side of the fuel cell, first enters the exhaust module (which houses the separation chamber of the gas-liquid separator). There, it is separated into gas and liquid. The liquid directly enters the exhaust channel of the exhaust module, while the gas first enters the air compressor for energy recovery before entering the exhaust channel of the exhaust module and being discharged along with the incoming liquid. The exhaust module can be directly connected to the air compressor without any intermediate components (e.g., using fasteners such as screws). Thus, the exhaust module achieves cathode waste discharge without any external piping or connection to any external piping. However, those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to exhaust applications on the cathode side of fuel cells, this application can also be applied to any other similar scenarios or applications requiring gas-liquid separation followed by unified discharge.

[0031] In this application, the exhaust module is provided as a single piece, or configured as a whole. As a non-limiting example, this single-piece exhaust module can be formed by 3D printing; of course, any other manufacturing method known in the art can be used.

[0032] Generally, the exhaust module includes a housing 100 defining a separation chamber 15 and an exhaust passage 25 disposed separately from the separation chamber 15, and defining a mixture inlet 12, an exhaust port 14, and an internal passage 16 leading to or communicating with the separation chamber 15. The internal passage 16 is in fluid communication with the exhaust passage 25 (or at least in a manner that allows liquid flow), thereby connecting the separation chamber 15 and the exhaust passage 25 via the internal passage 16. The separation chamber 15 contains a gas-liquid separation device (sometimes referred to herein as the "separation device") 20.

[0033] Mixture inlet 12 is configured to receive cathode waste in the form of a gas-liquid mixture emitted from the cathode of the fuel cell, which primarily comprises liquid water (and optionally water vapor) and air. Gas-liquid separation device 20 is configured to separate the liquid (e.g., liquid water) and gas (e.g., air) from the received cathode waste. Exhaust port 14 is configured to discharge the remaining gas after the liquid has been removed or separated from the separation chamber 15. Internal passage 16 is configured to discharge the liquid separated from the cathode waste from the separation chamber 15 (to discharge into exhaust passage 25). In this application, the liquid is primarily water, but may also contain other liquid waste; the gas is primarily air, but may also contain other gases. Optionally, gas-liquid separation device 20 may also partially convert the water vapor contained in the cathode waste into liquid water, which is then discharged through internal passage 16.

[0034] As described above, the exhaust module of this application can be designed to connect to an air compressor (not shown in the figure) for use in fuel cell cathode-side exhaust applications. Specifically, the dimensions, positions, and arrangements of the exhaust port 14 and the exhaust channel 25 of the exhaust module are designed to correspond to the gas channels of the air compressor, so that the gas in the separation chamber 15 can enter the air compressor through the exhaust port 14 and, after energy recovery in the air compressor, can enter or return to the exhaust channel 25 of this exhaust module.

[0035] The exhaust module housing 100 includes connection features for connection to an air compressor, specifically connection holes 11 that allow fasteners to enter or pass through. The exhaust module of this application can be connected to an air compressor using fasteners (such as bolts). Nevertheless, this application does not limit the method of connection between the exhaust module and the air compressor.

[0036] In the exemplary structural configuration shown in the accompanying drawings, the housing 100 of the exhaust module includes a main body 110 and an extension 120. The main body 110 is generally barrel-shaped and defines the aforementioned separation chamber 15, while the extension 120 is generally tubular and defines the aforementioned discharge passage 25. An internal passage 16 extends within the housing 100 and communicates both the separation chamber 15 and the discharge passage 25. A separation device 20 is housed within the separation chamber 15 of the main body 110.

[0037] Specifically, the main body 110 includes: via end plate 22 ( Figure 2 The closed end formed by the flange 24 and the open end of the exhaust port 14, and the cylindrical sidewall 26 extending between the closed end and the open end. The separation chamber 15 can be defined by the cylindrical sidewall 26 and the end plate 22, and has a generally extending direction L ( Figure 2 The central axis that extends from it.

[0038] The mixture inlet 12 is located near the closed end of the main body 110 and is disposed on the side wall 26 of the main body 110. For example, the mixture inlet 12 is defined by a tubular protrusion 32 extending transversely to, for example, substantially perpendicular to, the extension direction L. The tubular protrusion 32 may, but does not necessarily, be integrally formed with the main body 110.

[0039] The separation device 20 is located inside the separation chamber 15, roughly corresponding to the position of the mixture inlet 12. This allows the gas-liquid mixture entering (or exiting) at high speed through the mixture inlet 12 to impact the separation device 20 immediately. This facilitates the condensation of water vapor in the gas-liquid mixture into liquid water and also promotes the separation of gas and liquid.

[0040] Exemplarily, the separation device 20 includes a central hub 42 extending from an end plate 22 at a generally central location in the separation chamber 15, and a plurality of blades 44 radially arranged around the central hub 42, with gaps 46 defining between adjacent blades 44 to allow gas flow. The central hub 42 has a hub length defined in the extension direction L between a connecting end and an end. The hub length may be a portion of the chamber length of the separation chamber 15 in the extension direction L. The figure shows that the central hub 42 includes a process aperture 41.

[0041] Each blade 44 may extend helically around the central hub 42 as illustrated. In the extension direction L, each blade 44 has a first end 44a extending to or near the end plate 22, and a second end 44b extending to or near the free end of the central hub 42. Each blade 44 has a first radial outermost dimension (or radial external dimension) at the first end 44a and a second radial outermost dimension at the second end 44b that is greater than the first radial outermost dimension. In the extension direction L, in a first length portion starting from the second end 44b, the external dimension of the blade 44 remains the second radial outermost dimension, which is designed to be equal to or slightly smaller than the radial internal dimension of the inner surface 28 of the sidewall 26; in other words, in this first length portion, the blade 44 extends radially outward to or approximately to the inner surface 28 of the sidewall 26. Along the remaining length of the blade 44 starting from the first end 44a in the extension direction L, the outermost radial dimension of the blade 44 gradually increases from the first outermost radial dimension of the first end 44a to the second outermost radial dimension. This increase may be linear or curve-like as shown in the figure.

[0042] Exemplarily, the hub length of the central hub 42 of the separating device 20 may be one-third to two-thirds of the cavity length of the separating cavity 15. The inner surface 28 defining the separating cavity 15 of the sidewall 26 includes a first surface portion 28a and a remaining second surface portion 28b along the hub length, or the separating cavity 15 includes a first cavity segment 15a near the closed end where the separating device 20 is located and a remaining second cavity segment 15b near the open end. The first surface portion 28a has a substantially uniform inner diameter along the hub length (as shown), or preferably may have a gradually increasing inner diameter. The second surface portion 28b has a gradually increasing inner diameter. The increase may also be linear or curvilinear. This facilitates efficient outflow of the separated liquid. As an example, the second surface portion 28b of the inner surface 28 is an inwardly convex curved surface. Alternatively, the first surface portion 28a may also be formed similarly to the second surface portion 28b.

[0043] As shown in the figure, the open end of the main body 110 is exposed through the exhaust port 14 and includes an end surface 50. The end surface 50 is a stepped end surface to adapt to the specific structure of the air compressor. The internal channel 16 can be formed to open onto both the recess 52 and the second surface portion 28b of the end surface 50, or it can be modified to open onto either the recess 52 or the second surface portion 28b. The internal channel 16 can be in the form of a straight, curved, or any combination thereof internal bore or internal flow channel.

[0044] Thus, the internal channel 16 and exhaust port 14 of the tail exhaust module are located at the open end of the main body 110, the mixture inlet 12 is located at the opposite closed end, and the separation device 20 is located between the mixture inlet 12 and the internal channel 16 and exhaust port 14. In this way, a gas-liquid mixture containing liquid and gas enters through the mixture inlet 12 and impacts the curved blades 44 of the separation device 20 within the first chamber section 15a of the separation chamber 15. The gas is guided through the gap 46 between adjacent blades 44 to the second chamber section 15b of the separation chamber 15 and discharged through the exhaust port 14 into the air compressor connected to the tail exhaust module. The liquid is guided along the side surface 43 of the blades 44 to the first surface portion 28a of the inner surface 28, then to the gradually expanding second surface portion 28b, until it enters the internal channel 16 and then the exhaust channel 25.

[0045] As can be seen from the figure, when viewed along the extension direction L, the internal channel 16 and the mixture inlet 12 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the central axis of the separation chamber 15, for example, relative to the entry direction X of the cathode waste entering the separation chamber 15. Figure 2In general, during use, the inlet direction X is or approximately vertical, with the mixture inlet 12 and internal channel 16 arranged on the upper and lower sides of the separation chamber 15, respectively. This arrangement facilitates the flow of the separated liquid into the internal channel 16. The inlet direction X is perpendicular to or approximately perpendicular to the extension direction L.

[0046] Furthermore, the discharge passage 25 is arranged side-by-side with and extends substantially parallel to the separation chamber 15. Alternatively, the discharge passage 25 is offset from the separation chamber 15, for example, in a direction other than the extension direction L and the inlet direction X (e.g., horizontal or substantially horizontal). Moreover, in the inlet direction X, the discharge passage 25 and the internal passage 16 are located on the same side of the central axis of the separation chamber 15, i.e., the side opposite to the mixture inlet 12. Preferably, in the inlet direction X, the central axis of the discharge passage 25 and the internal passage 16 (e.g., its opening into the discharge passage 25) are at substantially the same height.

[0047] In a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction L (e.g., defined by the entry direction X and the other direction), the end surface of the extension 120 is flush with the end surface 50 of the main body 110, or the extension 120 and the main body 110 share a common end surface 50. As shown, the extension 120 and the main body 110 can be two separate parts connected by a flange 24 having the end surface 50, or the extension 120 and the main body 110 can extend in the same direction from two parts of the common flange 24, respectively. Connection holes 11 for connection with an air compressor are distributed on the common flange 24, for example, extending through the common flange 24 in the extension direction L. As an example, some of the connection holes 11 are arranged around the exhaust port 14 defined by the main body 110, and some are arranged around the port 35 of the discharge passage 25 of the extension 120. Specifically, some of the connection holes 11 are arranged between the exhaust port 14 of the main body 110 and the pipe port 35 of the extension 120 to facilitate a sealed connection between the exhaust module and the air compressor.

[0048] As can also be seen from the figure, the tubular extension 120 also includes an inlet port 62 for guiding waste from other parts into the discharge channel 25. Figure 1 Although an exemplary inlet hole 62 is shown in the figure, this application does not limit the number, location, etc. of inlet holes 62. Preferably, similar to the internal channel 16 opening at approximately the center height of the discharge channel 25, the inlet hole 62 is also located at approximately the center height of the discharge channel 25 when used for introducing waste in liquid form.

[0049] The exemplary structure of the illustrated tailpipe module has been described in detail above. Those skilled in the art should understand that the structures shown in the figures and described above are merely exemplary and not all embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make any modifications based on the above description to achieve the same functionality. Some possible variations are listed below.

[0050] Based on the principles of this application, the tailpipe module is integrated by placing the separation device 20 within the housing 100, achieving technical advantages in terms of saving the number of components (e.g., external piping) and associated costs and installation space, resulting in a simpler and more compact structure. Furthermore, this application does not limit the specific construction of the separation device 20; the figure shows merely one example of the separation device 20. Any known centrifugal separation structure or separation structure based on any other principle in the art can be used to replace or add to the illustrated separation device 20.

[0051] Although the exemplary structure illustrates the housing 100 as an integral structure including the main body 110 and the extension 120, this application is not limited thereto. The purpose of saving components and installation space can also be achieved by forming the main body 110 and the extension 120 separately and attaching or connecting them directly together. Similarly, it is conceivable that the separating device 20 and / or the tubular protrusion 32 providing the mixture inlet 12, etc., do not necessarily need to be integrally formed with the main body 110, but can be manufactured separately and mounted or connected to the main body 110.

[0052] Furthermore, this application does not limit the specific structural details of the main body 110 and the extension 120; they do not necessarily have to be formed as a barrel and a tubular body respectively, nor do they necessarily have to be formed as two separate parts connected by a flange. For example, the housing 100 including the main body 110 and the extension 120 can be provided or formed as a block or any other modular housing with a different outer contour. The outer contour details of the main body 110 and the extension 120 can be changed as needed.

[0053] Although the exhaust channel 25 is schematically arranged generally parallel to the separation chamber 15, this is not mandatory. This application does not limit the structural details of the exhaust channel 25 and the separation chamber 15, as long as two hollow cavities with the above-mentioned functions are provided and the two hollow cavities are connected by an internal channel (internal channel 16). For example, the exhaust channel 25 can be curved, and the internal channel 16 can have any suitable structural details.

[0054] As mentioned above, the two portions 28a and 28b of the inner surface 28 defining the separation chamber 15 can both be formed to extend in an expanding manner from the closed end toward the open end along the extending direction L. Guide grooves for guiding the flow of the separated liquid can also be formed on the inner surface 28. Similar guide grooves can also be formed on the inner surface of the discharge channel 25.

[0055] The connection structure for connecting the exhaust module to the air compressor is not limited to the bolt connection shown in the figure; any other mechanical connection method can be used.

[0056] When the exhaust module of this application is connected to an air compressor for waste discharge applications on the cathode side of a fuel cell, it eliminates the need for external pipelines. The integrated structure realizes gas-liquid separation and final discharge of cathode waste, achieving technical advantages such as low cost, light weight, small size, simple and compact structure, and easy layout.

[0057] Other embodiments obtained by modification by those skilled in the art after reading the teachings of this application are all within the scope of protection of this application. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated exhaust module, comprising a housing (100), characterized in that, The housing (100) defines: a separation chamber (15) extending in the extension direction (L) and closed at one end; a mixture inlet (12) communicating with the separation chamber (15) to allow a gas-liquid mixture to enter the separation chamber; and a discharge channel (25) penetrating the housing (100) and communicating with the separation chamber (15) via an internal channel (16). The integrated tailpipe module also includes a gas-liquid separator (20) housed within the separation chamber (15), configured to separate the gas-liquid mixture entering via the mixture inlet (12) into liquid and gas; and The housing (100) also defines an exhaust port (14) in communication with the separation chamber (15) to allow the separated gas to exit the separation chamber.

2. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixture inlet (12) is connected to the separation chamber (15) at or near the closed end of the separation chamber (15), and the exhaust port (14) and the internal passage (16) are connected to the separation chamber (15) at or near the opposite open end of the separation chamber (15).

3. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mixture inlet (12) is configured to allow the gas-liquid mixture to enter the separation chamber in an entry direction (X) transverse to the extension direction (L), and the gas-liquid separation device (20) is disposed in the separation chamber (15) along the path in which the gas-liquid mixture enters.

4. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separation device (20) includes a plurality of blades (44) arranged radially around the central axis of the separation chamber (15), each blade extending spirally around the central axis.

5. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separation device (20) also includes a central hub (42), and the plurality of blades (44) extend radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the central hub (42).

6. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separation device (20) further includes one or more of the following features: In the extending direction (L), the hub length of the central hub (42) is one-third to two-thirds of the cavity length of the separation cavity (15); Each blade (44) has a first end (44a) and a second end (44b) opposite in the extension direction (L), the first end corresponding to the position of the mixture inlet (12), and the second end being closer to the opening end of the separation chamber than the first end; Each blade (44) has a first radial outermost dimension at a first end (44a) and a second radial outermost dimension at a second end (44b) that is greater than the first radial outermost dimension, and each blade (44) increases linearly or curvilinearly from the first radial outermost dimension to the second radial outermost dimension; The second end (44b) of each blade (44) extends radially outward to the housing or nearby.

7. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The separation chamber (15) has a first chamber section (15a) where the gas-liquid separation device (20) is located and a second chamber section (15b) near the opening end, at least one of the first chamber section (15a) and the second chamber section (15b) extending outward toward the opening end.

8. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The exhaust port (14) forms an opening at the opening end, and the internal channel (16) opens into the separation cavity (15) on the end surface (50) of the opening end and / or on the inner surface defining the second cavity segment (15b).

9. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the inlet direction (X), the mixture inlet (12) and the internal channel (16) are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the separation chamber (15), and the discharge channel (25) and the internal channel (16) are located at approximately the same height.

10. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the internal passage (16) and the discharge passage (25) includes: a straight passage section and / or a curved passage section; and / or The emission channel (25) extends along the extension direction (L).

11. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The housing (100) includes a main body (110) defining the separation chamber (15) and an extension (120) defining the discharge passage (25), the main body (110) and the extension (120) being integral or directly connected together.

12. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The main body (110) is a barrel-shaped body, the extension (120) is a tubular body, the main body (110) and the extension (120) are connected together by a common flange (24), and the port (35) of the exhaust port (14) and the exhaust channel (25) extends through the end surface (50) of the common flange (24).

13. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 12, characterized in that, The main body (110) and the extension (120) are two separate parts that extend in the same direction from the common flange (24).

14. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 13, characterized in that, The housing (100) includes connection features for connection to an energy recovery device.

15. The integrated tailpipe module according to claim 14, characterized in that, The connection features include a plurality of connection holes extending into or through the common flange (24).

16. A fuel cell system, characterized in that, include: Fuel cells; The integrated exhaust module according to any one of claims 1-15 is connected to the cathode side of the fuel cell to receive its cathode exhaust via the mixture inlet (12); and An energy recovery device is connected to the integrated tailpipe module so that gas discharged via the exhaust port (14) enters the energy recovery device and then returns to the exhaust channel (25).

17. The fuel cell system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The energy recovery device is an air compressor.

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