Water separator for the passage of gas and separation of water or similar components of steam and / or liquid from the steam and / or liquid components of a gas flow and fuel cell system

Abstract

The invention relates to a water separator (100) for the passage of gas and the separation of water from vapor components of the gas of a gas flow (10) in the water separator, comprising: - a water separator housing (110) with a wall surrounding an interior space, and - in the interior (2) a baffle element (120) and / or a flow guide wall (150.1, 150.2) is arranged for the flow of gas (13), and - in the interior space, an arrangement of one or more walls of the wall (113) and the impact element (120) is designed to form a flow path (1) such that the flow path (1) from the gas inlet to the gas outlet provides the gas (13) with at least a first deflection (U1) with a first deflection angle (φ1) and a second deflection (U2) with a second deflection angle (φ2), wherein the first and second deflection angles (φ1, φ2) are greater than or equal to 90°, and - the gas outlet (112) is formed on a ceiling wall or on a side wall of the wall, - the liquid outlet (114) is formed on a bottom wall (113.2) of the wall. According to the invention, it is provided that - the gas inlet (111) is formed on a bottom wall (113.2) or side wall (113.3) of the wall (113), wherein an inlet level (N1) of the gas inlet (111) lies below the outlet level (N2) of the gas outlet (112), such that in an operating arrangement of the water separator the flow path (1) is arranged overall from the inlet level to the outlet level against the force of gravity (G), and - downstream of the second deflection (U2) a flow resistance element (130) protrudes into the flow path (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a water separator according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a fuel cell system comprising a number of fuel cells and a water separator. The invention also relates to an energy supply system, in particular a power supply and / or a marine vehicle propulsion system, comprising a fuel cell system. The invention particularly relates to a stationary or mobile energy supply system.

[0002] Such a water separator as mentioned above serves to carry out gas and separation of water or similar portions of vapor and / or liquid from vapor and / or liquid portions of the gas of a gas flow in the water separator, and comprises: - a water separator housing with a wall surrounding an interior space, wherein - the wall has a gas inlet to the interior for a vapor and / or liquid-bearing off-gas of a fuel cell, a gas outlet for a gas from the interior depleted of vapor and / or liquid components of the vapor and / or liquid-bearing off-gas, and a liquid outlet for discharging water or similar liquid components from the vapor and / or liquid-bearing off-gas from the interior, and - a baffle element and / or a flow guide wall for the gas flow is arranged in the interior, and - in the interior space, an arrangement of one or more walls of the wall and of the impact element is designed to form a flow path such that the flow path from the gas inlet to the gas outlet provides the gas with at least one first deflection with a first deflection angle and a second deflection with a second deflection angle, wherein the first and second deflection angles are greater than or equal to 90°, and - the gas outlet is formed on a ceiling or side wall of the wall, and - the liquid outlet is formed on a bottom wall of the wall.

[0003] Since hydrogen is brought into contact with oxygen in a fuel cell, particularly to a high degree in multiple fuel cell modules of a fuel cell system, water is produced in a fuel cell module due to the chemical reaction. A water separator can therefore be provided, particularly in a fuel cell system, and possibly even in a fuel cell module. This has a variety of reasons – in particular, for the separation of water from vapor components of an unused off-gas from a fuel cell or fuel cell module; i.e., from a vapor- and / or liquid-bearing off-gas of a gas flow in the water separator.

[0004] A stationary or mobile energy supply system, in particular a power supply and / or a marine vehicle drive, may comprise such a fuel cell system.

[0005] For example, a fuel cell system in US Pat. No. 9,853,303 B2 comprises a fuel cell stack fluidly connected to a water separator for centrifugal water separation. The water separator has a first vortex section for a gas flow and a second lower section, each forming a chamber separated by a grid, with a liquid sink formed in the second lower section.

[0006] While such centrifugal separation is fundamentally feasible for use in exhaust air systems, it has surprisingly not proven successful. The disadvantage of centrifugal separation is that, while a high degree of separation can be achieved due to the flow pattern, it simultaneously results in increased pressure loss, which may not be acceptable in the system under certain circumstances.

[0007] If, on the other hand, the water cannot be drained away, or can only be drained away to a limited extent or in an uncontrolled manner, the water would escape via an exhaust duct, such as in the chimney of a fuel cell system, and in the worst case scenario, condense there directly. In a stationary application of a fuel cell system, this would result in a container being constantly wetted with water. In the case of a marine application, a film of water could form on the deck of the hull of a ship or similar watercraft, which would freeze in winter and thus pose a hazard. In addition, there would be a risk that large quantities of water could accumulate in the exhaust system of the fuel cells - i.e. individual fuel cell modules of a fuel cell or a fuel cell system - which could damage the fuel cell modules of a fuel cell system.

[0008] In this respect, US 7,615,296 B2 more appropriately describes a fuel cell system as mentioned above, comprising a fuel cell configured to generate energy by consuming a fuel gas and provided with an outlet opening through which the fuel gas flows out. This system further comprises a dehumidification unit configured to remove moisture contained in the fuel gas—the vapor-bearing off-gas—passed through the outlet opening. Furthermore, a burner arranged downstream of the dehumidification unit is provided to combust the fuel gas, and a gas line on / off valve configured to open and close a pipe so that the dehumidification unit and the burner communicate with each other.The fuel cell system is designed so that the gas line on / off valve closes when power generation stops.

[0009] The dehumidification unit has a wall as explained above, a gas inlet to the interior for a vapor-bearing off-gas of the fuel cell, a gas outlet for a gas from the interior that is depleted of vapor components of the vapor-bearing off-gas, and a liquid outlet for removing water from the vapor-bearing off-gas from the interior - a baffle element and / or a flow guide wall for the flow of gas is arranged in the interior.

[0010] This dehumidification unit can also be improved in terms of separation efficiency and pressure drop. This raises the problem that a water separator should be able to remove most of the liquid water from the exhaust air system in a controlled manner, but with a comparatively reduced overall pressure drop in the gas flow.

[0011] This is where the invention comes in. Its object is to provide a water separator with which water or similar vapor and / or liquid components can be separated from vapor and / or liquid components of the gas flow in the water separator, in particular from a fuel cell's vapor- and / or liquid-bearing off-gas. In particular, water droplets should be able to be separated in a controlled manner from a mixed fluid (in principle, a gaseous medium with vapor and / or liquid components). In any case, at least large water droplets should be able to be separated from the mixed fluid in a controlled manner.

[0012] A fuel cell system with the water separator should separate, in an improved manner, vaporous and / or liquid components of an off-gas flowing out of the fuel cell stack of fuel cell modules of a fuel cell or a fuel cell system in a controlled manner - i.e. in particular at a defined predetermined location - and thus prevent an uncontrolled distribution of water within an energy supply system and / or the environment of the energy supply system, in particular in a vehicle with the energy supply system.

[0013] This object is achieved by a water separator according to independent claim 1.

[0014] Starting from a water separator of the type mentioned at the beginning, the invention provides that for the improved conduction of gas and separation of water or similar liquid components from vapor and / or liquid components of the gas of a gas flow in the water separator, - the gas inlet is formed on a bottom wall or a side wall of the wall, wherein an inlet level of the gas inlet is below the outlet level of the gas outlet, such that in an operating arrangement of the water separator the flow path as a whole from the inlet level to the outlet level is arranged against gravity, and - downstream of the second deflection, a flow resistance element protrudes into the flow path.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention relates to a fuel cell system having a number of fuel cells and having a water separator according to the concept of the invention, wherein a gas outlet of one or more of the fuel cells is fluidly connected to the gas inlet to the interior for a vapor and / or liquid-bearing off-gas of the fuel cell.

[0016] The invention is based on the idea that "only" a water separation design is required that separates large to medium-sized droplets from the system, which is sufficient to prevent potential frost formation (after exiting the stack) in a stationary system. A high separation efficiency is not required. The water separator according to the concept of the invention makes it possible, in an improved manner, to remove most of the liquid water from the exhaust air system of a fuel cell in a controlled manner; but with a comparatively reduced pressure loss of the gas flow.

[0017] In brief, according to the concept of the invention, a water separator with multiple walls is provided, with which a gas containing water vapor and water or similar liquid components - i.e. a vapor- and / or liquid-bearing off-gas or similar gaseous medium with liquid components, such as water droplets - is deflected in such a way that as many water droplets or similar liquid components as possible are separated in the water separator. For this purpose, the vapor- and / or liquid-bearing off-gas, which flows into the water separator at the inlet, is deflected at least twice with the aid of at least two deflection walls. In an operating position, gas transport in the water separator takes place entirely against gravity; preferably, the flow direction is against gravity immediately at an inlet or immediately after the inlet.

[0018] It turns out that the concept of the invention, with the additional measure of a flow resistance element extending into the flow path downstream of the second deflection, is sufficient to "merely" enable adequate water separation; in particular, this separates large to medium-sized droplets from the system. The invention recognizes that this is sufficient to prevent potential frost formation (after exiting the chimney). A high degree of separation in the sense of centrifugal separation is therefore not required, as recognized by the invention.

[0019] The function of water separation is divided into two essential factors. Firstly, the water droplets are deflected within the flow to generate the highest possible separation force and thus deflect or eject the droplets from the streamlines. Secondly, the flow velocity is reduced particularly sharply—with the additional measure of a flow resistance element protruding into the flow path downstream of the second deflection, particularly in the part of the largest expansion space—to prevent the droplets from being entrained. This leads to water droplets raining down from the vapor portions into the liquid outlet, e.g., at a bottom wall of the wall. Controlled drainage of water or similar liquid portions can be supported, if necessary, by means of a collector box or similar container design (e.g., a cuboid container acting as a collector box).The water or similar liquid components can then be drained off in a controlled manner. Features: The key advantage of the invention is the comparatively low pressure losses combined with a moderate separation rate. The comparatively simple design also makes a cost-effective solution possible. The water separation results in water droplets being removed from the fuel cell system in a controlled manner before they escape through the chimney. This prevents large quantities of water - at ambient temperatures below the freezing point of water - from remaining in the energy supply system or reaching the area around the energy supply system, where ice can then possibly form. Particularly in a stationary or mobile energy supply system - for example for power supply or in a marine vehicle drive, e.g. a container or a ship - the increased introduction of steam or water can pose a danger.This could be accompanied by ice formation, which posed a further threat to the energy supply system and the surrounding area. One advantage of a water separator is that the pure product water is collected and can be marketed or further processed (possibly in an electrolyzer).

[0020] Accordingly, the invention also provides a fuel cell system comprising a number of fuel cells and a water separator, wherein a gas outlet of one or more of the fuel cells is fluidly connected to the gas inlet to the interior of the fuel cell for a vapor- and / or liquid-bearing off-gas. Advantageously, the inlet of the water separator is connected to a fluid outlet of a fuel cell stack of a fuel cell system.

[0021] Accordingly, the invention also leads to a stationary energy supply system, in particular a power supply, with a fuel cell system.

[0022] Accordingly, the invention also leads to a mobile energy supply system, in particular a marine vehicle drive, with a fuel cell system.

[0023] Advantageous further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and specify in detail advantageous possibilities for realizing the concept explained above within the scope of the task and with regard to further advantages.

[0024] Advantageously, the water separator is provided with a flow resistance element in the form of a hook or collar, with one leg of the hook being attached to the wall and directed transversely to the flow path, and a second leg of the hook directed along the wall against the flow path. In particular, a flow resistance element in the form of a hook or collar arranged opposite a side wall—so to speak, distal in the flow inlet direction—serves to increase the amount of separated water.

[0025] Advantageously, the water separator is provided with the flow resistance element extending into an expansion chamber of the flow path formed in the interior, wherein the expansion chamber and the flow resistance element are designed to reduce the flow velocity of the gas flow in the water separator. Generally, the flow cross-section of the flow path within the water separator is larger than the cross-sections at the inlet and outlet. This generally reduces the flow velocity of the gas flow, preventing water droplets from being entrained. In particular, the expansion chamber is provided with the largest expansion of the flow cross-section. The interaction with the flow resistance element in the expansion chamber of the flow path formed in the interior is therefore particularly efficient.The flow resistance element in the area of ​​the expansion space of the flow path is, on the one hand, associated with little pressure loss and yet offers an effective contribution to reducing the flow velocity of the gas flow.

[0026] The flow path therefore comprises at least two clearly visible deflections of the streamlines within the housing in order to generate the highest possible acceleration due to a sharp change in direction and to move the water droplets outside the streamlines. Each individual deflection is advantageously more than 90°. The water separator is advantageously provided with the first deflection angle being greater than or equal to 90°, in particular around 90°. The water separator is advantageous with the second deflection angle being significantly greater than 90°, in particular around 135° or 180°.

[0027] Advantageously, the water separator is provided with the gas inlet and / or gas outlet configured as a nozzle, wherein the nozzle extends into the interior space to guide the flow. In an operating position of the water separator with respect to a direction of gravity, a bottom inlet and / or a top side inlet or a bottom side inlet is provided. Inflow into the inlet preferably occurs laterally or below the water separator. Outflow from the outlet preferably occurs above the water separator; in particular, at a ceiling wall or at a side wall of the wall.

[0028] Advantageously, the water separator is provided with a guide element mounted on a trailing edge for forming a diffuser at the gas inlet and / or gas outlet, in particular a nozzle of the gas inlet and / or gas outlet. The guide element can be understood as a pressure relief element with respect to the gas flow of the vapor- and / or liquid-bearing off-gas.

[0029] Advantageously, a guide element can also serve as a deflection element for the off-gas carrying steam and / or liquid.

[0030] In this sense, a guide element, in particular a deflection element, serves to expand the gas entering through the inlet and is arranged at the fluid inlet. The fluid inlet preferably comprises an inlet nozzle, in particular an inlet pipe. The expanding guide element, in particular a deflection element, is advantageously arranged at the end of the inlet nozzle. The guide element can interact with a wall running approximately the same or parallel to the inlet—proximal in the flow inlet direction, so to speak—and, together with a side wall, guide the gas toward another wall of the wall—distal in the flow inlet direction, so to speak.

[0031] It is advantageous in the water separator that the impact element carries a guide element attached to a trailing edge to form a diffuser.

[0032] It is advantageous for the water separator to have an overall S-shaped, U-shaped or B-shaped flow path.

[0033] Advantageously, the water separator is provided with a wall of the wall opposite the inlet and / or the impact element being arranged and designed to form an impact flow.

[0034] Advantageously, the water separator is provided with the impact element extending into the interior. Additionally or alternatively, a flow guide wall may extend into the interior, in particular, a plurality of flow guide walls may extend into the interior. Preferably, one or two flow guide walls may extend into the interior. In particular, an impact element and / or a plurality of flow guide walls in the sense of a guiding deflection element has proven advantageous. It may be arranged on the distal wall of the water separator.

[0035] This can be particularly advantageously combined with a guide element to form a diffuser; preferably, together with the guide element, a second deflection of the gas away from the outlet. This second deflection, due to the acceleration resulting from a sharp change in direction, causes further water droplet separation without excessive pressure loss.

[0036] Advantageously, the water separator is provided with the impact element and / or a number of flow guide walls projecting into the interior at an angle to the wall, in particular at an angle deviating from 90°.

[0037] The water separator is advantageously provided with a cooling structure and / or connected to a cooling device. This can be advantageously used to dissipate a heat flow across the surface of the housing, enabling further condensation of water vapor. To maximize the heat flow, both active and passive cooling could be implemented on the outer wall. The surface area of ​​the box can also be increased.

[0038] Advantageously, the water separator is designed with a housing having a cylindrical or angular cross-section. The housing can, in particular, be cuboid-shaped or cylindrical.

[0039] The liquid outlet, in particular as a water drain, is formed on a bottom wall of the wall. It is advantageous that the liquid outlet is formed at the lowest point of the housing, in particular of a separation box; there is advantageously a connection or drain there to carry off the resulting water. With the help of a water drain, the separated liquid water is guided out of the water separator and collected, for example, in a container that is used, for example, to supply an electrolyzer with water. Separation takes place gravimetrically, thus preventing backflow of the condensate. Particularly for mobile applications (ships or similar watercraft), but also for stationary applications (containers), the container should be designed so that the point of water separation is located at the lowest point of the container.

[0040] Embodiments of the invention will now be described below with reference to the drawings in comparison to the prior art, some of which is also shown. These are not necessarily intended to represent the embodiments to scale; rather, where useful for explanation, the drawings are schematic and / or slightly distorted. With regard to additions to the teachings immediately apparent from the drawings, reference is made to the relevant prior art. It should be noted that many modifications and changes to the form and detail of an embodiment can be made without departing from the general idea of ​​the invention. The features of the invention disclosed in the description, in the drawings and in the claims can be essential for the further development of the invention, both individually and in any combination.Furthermore, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawings and / or the claims fall within the scope of the invention. The general idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the exact form or detail of the preferred embodiment described below, or limited to an object that would be more limited than the object claimed in the claims. For specified dimensioning ranges, values ​​within the stated limits are also intended to be disclosed as limit values ​​and to be used and claimed as desired. Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

[0041] This shows in: Fig. 1 a water separator according to a first preferred embodiment, wherein in view (A) a diagram of the water separator is shown in cross-section, in view (B) some freedom parameters for the needs-based design of the dimensions of the water separator are illustrated and in view (C) a velocity and flow distribution and special impact and deflection areas or flow spaces of a gas flow for the water separator according to this special embodiment are shown, in principle illustrated by symbolic arrows; Fig. 2 an analogous representation of views (A), (B) and (C) as in Fig. 1 for a further preferred form of a water separator; Fig. 3 an analogous representation of views (A) and (B) for a third particularly preferred embodiment of a water separator; Fig. 4 a basic flow diagram to illustrate the essential design elements for carrying out a gas flow through the water separator according to the concept of the invention, as it is based on the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 is illustrated; Fig. 5 a fuel cell system with a number of fuel cells and a water separator, as in accordance with the previously explained third embodiment of the Fig. 3 as an example of a fuel cell system according to a preferred embodiment.

[0042] In view (A) of the Fig. 1 schematically shows in cross-section the structure of a water separator 100, which is designed to carry out gas and separation of water or similar liquid components from vapor and / or liquid components of the gas of a gas flow in the water separator. The gas flow 10 is presently in Fig. 1 View (C) shows a more detailed simulated representation of the flow path 1 shown in view (A) for the water separator 100 mentioned; i.e., as a vector field of a velocity distribution of velocities v of the gas flow 10. The water separator 100 is also shown in view (B) with an illustration of design parameters for the specific design of the dimensions of the water separator housing 110, as well as a position and length of the nozzles 111S, 112S for inlet 111 and outlet 112 in the wall 113 of the housing 110.

[0043] Further referring to view (A) of the Fig. 1, the water separator housing 110 has an interior space 2 which is completely surrounded by the water separator housing 110 except for the gas inlet 111 and gas outlet 112 in the wall 113 of the water separator housing 110, which are clearly marked with "In" and "Out". The wall 113 thus has a gas inlet 111 to the interior space 2 for a vapor and / or liquid-bearing off-gas 11 of a fuel cell, a gas outlet 112 for a gas 12 from the interior space 2 that is depleted of vapor components of the vapor and / or liquid-bearing off-gas 11, and a liquid outlet 114 for discharging water 14 from the vapor-bearing off-gas 11 from the interior space 2.

[0044] According to the concept of the invention, in the present embodiment, a baffle element 120 for the flow of gas 13 is arranged in the interior space 2. Furthermore, an arrangement of one or more walls of the wall 113 and the baffle element 120 is designed in the interior space 2 to form the flow path 1 for the gas flow 10. The flow path 1 is designed such that the flow path 1 from the gas inlet 111 to the gas outlet provides the gas 13 with at least one first deflection U1 with a first deflection angle φ1 and a second deflection U2 with a second deflection angle φ2. In the embodiment shown in view (A) of the Fig. 1, it is provided that - as in all embodiments according to the concept of the invention - the first and second deflection angles φ1, φ2 are greater than or equal to 90°. In the present case of the embodiment of the Fig. 1, the first deflection angle φ1 is 180° and the second deflection angle φ2 is also 180°; the flow path 1 is therefore S-shaped overall.

[0045] Furthermore, from view (A) the Fig. 1 that the gas outlet 112 is formed on a ceiling wall or on a side wall 113.1 of the wall 113, and the liquid outlet 114 is formed on a bottom wall 113.2 of the wall 113. In the present embodiment, the gas inlet 111 is also located in the bottom wall 113.2; the inlet direction of the gas flow for the vapor-bearing off-gas is thus directed against the force of gravity G in an operating position of the water separator 100. According to the concept of the invention, it is obvious that the inlet level N1 of the gas inlet 111 is below the outlet level N2 of the gas outlet 112.

[0046] This level difference "N2 - N1" between outlet level N2 and inlet level N1 is now designed such that in an operating arrangement of the water separator 100, the flow path 1 as a whole from the inlet level N1 to the outlet level N2 is designed against the force of gravity G - the gas flow 10 thus moves at a speed v against the force of gravity G; thus, it releases its kinetic energy in favor of a gain in potential energy. This clearly leads to a reduction in the flow velocity v of the gas flow 10 in an advantageous manner. From view (C) of the Fig. 1, in principle, a distribution of the velocity v of the gas flow 10 is made visible -- merely by symbolic arrows -- and furthermore, special impact areas 5 or reversal and deflection areas 7 or flow spaces 3, 4 of a gas flow 10 for the water separator 100 are indicated.

[0047] In addition to the wall 113 and the impact element 120 of the water separator for shaping the flow path 1 of the gas flow 10, these and, in principle, the potential difference resulting from the level difference N2 - N1 serve to reduce the flow velocity v. According to the concept of the invention, the design of the water separator 100 also effectively supports this in that a flow resistance element 130 protrudes into the flow path 1 between the second deflection U2 and the gas outlet 112.

[0048] According to the concept of the invention, the flow resistance element 130 --especially in this area of ​​the expansion space 4 of the flow path 1-- has a slowing effect on the speed v of the flow 10. It can be seen that between the second deflection U2 and the gas outlet 112 a very considerable spatial expansion or widening of the gas flow 10 in the expansion space 3 is provided, so that here - as in view (C) of the Fig. 1 clearly visible—a very significant reduction in the flow velocity v is achieved. This interaction of the aforementioned aspects is responsible for the effective separation of vapor components of the gas of the gas flow 10 as water 14 or similar liquid components from the vapor and / or liquid-bearing off-gas 11 in the interior 2 of the water separator 100. The water 14 can then be discharged in a controlled manner through the liquid outlet 114.

[0049] The water separation is implemented particularly efficiently and in a controlled manner by forming an expansion chamber 3 in the interior space 2; i.e., the aforementioned flow resistance element 130 is arranged downstream of the inlet chamber 4 and in the expansion chamber 3, projecting into the flow path 1. The expansion chamber 3 and the flow resistance element 130 are designed to effectively reduce a flow velocity v of the gas flow 10 in the water separator 100 and thus slow it down so that the vapor is separated as water 14 or similar liquid components for controlled discharge via the liquid outlet 114.

[0050] The effective flow slowdown of the gas flow 10 of the gas 13 can be seen in the flow pattern in view (C) of the Fig. 1; prepared by the treatment of the gas flow 10 in the area upstream of the impact element 120 of the water separator 100 in the interior space 2 of the water separator housing 110. After the off-gas 11 flows from the fuel cell into the interior space 2 of the water separator housing 110, it first encounters the top wall 113.1 of the wall 113 of the water separator housing 110 via the gas inlet 111; the top wall 113.1 serves as a baffle and causes a first significant deflection essentially by 90°, after which the flow 10 directly encounters the impact element 120, which causes a further deflection by 90°. Overall, a first deflection U1 by φ1 = 180° is implemented there in this distal part of the water separator 100, which is located essentially opposite the inflow area; This results in a significant reduction in speed.

[0051] It can be seen here that in the first impact zone 5 of the gas flow 10, a significant reduction in velocity of the gas flow 10 occurs at the ceiling wall 113.1 of the wall 113 of the water separator housing 110 and at the impact element 120. In this first—and thus further—deflection zone, an increase in velocity of the gas flow 10 initially occurs at the impact element 120, with the impact element 120 then acting as a conductor for the gas flow 10 in its further course.

[0052] In the deflection region 7, which follows the further flow path along the impact element 120, the gas flow 10 then increases in velocity again. Furthermore, the gas flow 10 is directed toward the side or bottom wall, and toward these walls, at least at the side or bottom wall, a reduction in the flow velocity v then occurs; the same applies in the transition from the inlet chamber 4 to the expansion chamber 3.

[0053] View (B) of the Fig. Figure 1 shows the design features for the inlet chamber 4 and the expansion chamber 3 in the interior space 2 of the water separator 100. Furthermore, it can be seen that the gas outlet 112 and the gas inlet 111 are each designed as nozzles 111S, 112S, with the nozzles projecting into the interior space 2 in a flow-guiding manner. The extent to which a nozzle 111S or 112S projects into the interior space 2 can be measured more or less in relation to the inlet chamber 4 and the expansion chamber 3 to optimize the separation quality of the water separator.

[0054] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the same reference symbols are used below for the same or similar features or features with the same or similar function.

[0055] Nevertheless, it can be seen that the embodiment of the Fig. 2 and thus the water separator 200, as shown there, is different from the water separator 100, as shown in the embodiment of the Fig. 1. Therefore, only the clearly recognizable differences between the second embodiment of the water separator 200 and the first embodiment of the water separator 100 will be discussed below, with reference to the description of the Fig. 1 is to be referred to.

[0056] While the flow path 1 of view (A) in Fig. 1 is largely S-shaped, a flow path 1 in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 in the second embodiment of a water separator 200 is largely U-shaped.

[0057] The water separator 200 also provides for the flow path 1 in the interior 2 - in this case essentially with the U-shaped flow path - a level difference N2 - N1 even if in the present case the level difference N2 - N1 is smaller than in the embodiment of the Fig. 1. Nevertheless, the level difference N2 - N1 also causes a fundamental decrease in the kinetic energy of the flow 10 and thus in the velocity v in the flow 10 for the gas 13.

[0058] It is also noteworthy that, on the one hand, the impact flow at the lateral gas inlet 111 has a significantly stronger effect on the impact element 120, so that even with a first deflection angle φ1 of only 90° at the first deflection U1, this still leads to an initial strong reduction in velocity. Visible here is the impact area 6 of the gas flow 10 with a significant reduction in velocity of the gas flow 10 at the impact element 120. The significant reduction in velocity of the flow in the expansion chamber 3, which then leads to the separation of water 14 or similar liquid components for discharge in the liquid outlet 114, functions in principle analogously to the Fig. 1 explained.

[0059] It is also noteworthy that the impact element 120 protrudes into the interior space 2 and is also designed for preferential introduction of the flow 10 from the inlet space 4 into the expansion space 3. The impact element 120 carries a guide element 140 attached to the trailing edge 121 of the impact element 120 for deflecting water 14 or similar liquid components. In this second deflection region, an initial increase in the velocity of the gas flow 10 occurs at the guide element 140. Furthermore, the gas flow 10 is directed toward the side or bottom wall, and a reduction in the flow velocity v then occurs toward these walls, at least toward the side or bottom wall. The guide element 140 causes the water 14 or similar liquid components to be forced against the bottom wall 113.2 or the side wall 113 with the initially accelerated gas flow 10.1 and that there and beyond it, towards the expansion chamber 3, a reduction in the flow velocity v is achieved. This prevents the entrainment of drops of water 14.

[0060] As can be seen, the gradual decrease in flow velocity v between inlet chamber 4 and expansion chamber 3 is thus further enhanced, resulting in significantly improved water separation according to the concept of the invention. This latter effect also clearly occurs in the area of ​​the liquid outlet 114 at the bottom wall 113.2 of the wall 113.

[0061] View (B) of the Fig. 2 again shows design options with regard to the design of nozzles 111S, 112S as well as the impact element and the inlet or outlet chamber; this is analogous to that shown in view (B) of the Fig. 1 explained.

[0062] Fig. 3 again shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a water separator 300, which in the following case differs in a special way from the previously explained embodiments of water separators 100, 200.

[0063] It can be seen first of all that, in contrast to the previous embodiments, a first and a second impact element --or rather a first and a second guide element 150.1, 150.2-- is provided in the interior 2 to form a substantially B-shaped flow path 1.

[0064] The flow path 1 is characterized in the present case by essentially a first, second and third deflection U1, U2, U3 with a first and second and third deflection angle φ1 = 90° and φ2 = 135° and φ3 = 135°.

[0065] By virtue of the side and bottom in a side wall 113.3, opposite an opposite (distal) side wall 113.4, the advantages of the first and second embodiments are combined, so to speak.

[0066] The impingement flow at the opposite (distal) side wall 113.4 opposite the gas inlet 111 is, so to speak, optimized with a deflection angle φ1 = 90° and, in addition, a level difference N2 - N1 is given in the present case by the full utilization of the water separator housing 110 with its full height.

[0067] In addition, the second and third deflection angles φ2, φ3 of the first, second and third deflections, at least with regard to the second and third deflections U2, U3, are comparatively large, which overall leads to a particularly strong reduction in the velocity in the water separator housing 110 without the pressure loss becoming too great.

[0068] In the water separator 300 according to the third embodiment, the water separation rate is optimized compared to the previously explained embodiments.

[0069] The optimization is further enhanced by the fact that, in this case, a gas inlet 111 is also formed as a nozzle 111S, and in this case—although not on a guide element, then at least on the inlet nozzle 111S—the flow guide wall 150.1 is formed, so to speak, as a guide element 140. The guide element 140 in the form of the flow guide wall 150.1 is formed on a trailing edge 111SA of the inlet nozzle. The guide element 140 serves at precisely this location to expand a gas flow 10 immediately after the inlet 111 and, secondly, as the aforementioned flow guide wall 150.1 to shape the essentially B-shaped flow path 1.

[0070] The inlet chamber 4 is designed particularly effectively as an inlet chamber located upstream of the expansion chamber 3 along the flow path 1 for flow slowing or impingement flow formation. Furthermore, the expansion chamber 3 in the water separator 300, with the previously explained flow resistance element 130 in the form of a hook, serves for particularly effective flow slowing and thus effective water separation of water 14 or similar liquid components from the liquid outlet 114.

[0071] As with all previously explained embodiments, the liquid outlet 114 is located directly below the expansion chamber 3.

[0072] A summary of the design features particularly important for the water separator according to the concept of the invention is given in Fig. 4 shown.

[0073] The gas inlet 111 (in Fig. 5 and the diagrams of the water separator also "In") is formed on a bottom wall 113.2 or side wall 113.3 of the wall 113, wherein an inlet level N1 of the gas inlet 111 is below the outlet level N2 of the gas outlet 112 (in Fig. 5 and the diagrams of the water separator also "Off"), such that in an operating arrangement of the water separator, the flow path 1 is arranged entirely from the inlet level N1 to the outlet level N2 against the force of gravity G. Downstream of the second deflection U2, a flow resistance element 130 projects into the flow path 1.

[0074] An inlet 111 of off-gas 11 thus occurs at a comparatively low level of the inlet level N1, whereas an outlet 112 of depleted gas 12 occurs at a comparatively higher level of the outlet level N2, so that a level difference N2-N1 in the present water separator 100, 200, 300 is generally optimized according to the concept of the invention. This overall optimized flow deceleration by removing kinetic energy for the gas flow 10 in the water separator housing 110 is supported by four additional operating method features.

[0075] With a first operating method step V1, the flow 10 is widened or widened against or transverse to a gravity component against the gravity G.

[0076] In a second operating method step V2, the gas flow 10 is directed as an impact flow against or transversely to the gravitational force component, ie against or transversely to the gravitational force G, to an impact element or to a wall to form the impact flow.

[0077] In this way or in a further operating process step V3.1, the flow is deflected with a first deflection U1 and a deflection angle φ1 that is greater than or equal to 90°.

[0078] This moderate deflection step in operating process step V3.1 can be supported by a corresponding guide element on a trailing edge 111SA of a baffle element or nozzle, particularly to form a diffuser. This has the effect that a flow or velocity gradient for the second deflection U2 with a significantly larger deflection angle φ2 in operating process step V3.2 results in a significantly increased velocity reduction, thus enabling particularly efficient water separation in operating process step V3.2.

[0079] Fig. 5 shows a fuel cell system 1000, in this case with a stack 1000S of fuel cells BZ of any number, which can be used to generate a direct current GS by means of a known chemo-electrical reaction in the sense of a galvanic cell. In this case, this is done by supplying hydrogen gas H2 and air or oxygen gas O2. The fuel cell stack 1000S thus discharges an off-gas, i.e., essentially unused gas such as oxygen O2 or air, which—due to the nature of the electrochemical reaction—is vapor-laden. The off-gas 11 thus carries water H2O or similar portions of vapor and / or liquid.The off-gas 11 is fed in the manner explained above to the water separator 300 at the inlet "In" (111), which serves to conduct the gas 13 and separate water H2O or similar liquid components from vapor and / or liquid components of the gas 13 as gas flow 10 in the water separator 300 - at the gas outlet 112 ("Out") of the water separator 300, depleted gas 12 exits; at the liquid outlet 114 of the water separator 300, water H2O exits in liquid form.

[0080] The Fig. The embodiment of the fuel cell system shown in Figure 5 with the particularly preferred embodiment of a water separator 300 has an optimized design; this is due to the previously explained special design of the baffle or flow guide walls 150.1, 150.2. The guide element effect unfolds a flow path essentially in the shape of a B with three deflections U1, U2, U3 between inlet 111 and outlet 112. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 flow path 2 Interior 3 Expansion space 4 Entrance hall 5, 6 first and second impact area with significant reduction in gas flow velocity 7, 8 first and second deflection area with significant increase in gas flow velocity 10 Gas flow 11 Steam and / or liquid-carrying off-gas 12 depleted gas 13 Gas 14 Water or similar proportions of steam and / or liquid 100, 200, 300 water separators 110 Water separator housing, housing 111 Gas inlet, "On" 111S nozzle 111SA trailing edge 112 Gas outlet, “Off” 112S nozzle 113 Wall 113.1 Ceiling wall or on a side wall 113.2 Floor wall 113.3 Side wall 113.4 opposite side wall 114 Liquid outlet, H2O 120, 120.1 Impact element 121 trailing edge 130 Flow resistance element 140 Guide element 150.1, 150.2 Flow guide wall 1000 fuel cell system 1000S stack FC fuel cell G Gravity GS direct current U1, U2, U3 diversion φ1 first deflection angle φ2 second deflection angle φ3 third deflection angle N1 inlet level N2 outlet level N2 - N1 level difference v flow velocity V1, V2, V3.1, V3.2 Operating procedure steps QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 9,853,303 B2

[0005] US 7,615,296 B2

[0008]

Claims

[1] Water separator (100) for passing gas and separating water from vapor components of the gas of a gas flow (10) in the water separator, comprising: - a water separator housing (110) with a wall (113) surrounding an interior space, wherein - the wall (113) has a gas inlet (111) to the interior for a vapor-carrying off-gas (11) of a fuel cell, a gas outlet (112) for a gas (12) depleted of vapor components of the vapor and / or liquid-carrying off-gas from the interior (2) and a liquid outlet (114) for discharging water (14) from the vapor-carrying off-gas from the interior, and - a baffle element (120) and / or a flow guide wall (150.1, 150.2) for the flow of gas (13) is arranged in the interior space (2), and - in the interior space, an arrangement of one or more walls of the wall (113) and of the impact element (120) is designed to form a flow path (1) such that the flow path (1) from the gas inlet to the gas outlet provides the gas (13) with at least one first deflection (U1) with a first deflection angle (φ1) and a second deflection (U2) with a second deflection angle (φ2), wherein the first and second deflection angles (φ1, φ2) are greater than or equal to 90°, and - the gas outlet (112) is formed on a ceiling wall or on a side wall of the wall, - the liquid outlet (114) is formed on a bottom wall (113.2) of the wall, characterized by , that - the gas inlet (111) is formed on a bottom wall (113.2) or side wall (113.3) of the wall (113), wherein an inlet level (N1) of the gas inlet (111) is below the outlet level (N2) of the gas outlet (112), such that in an operating arrangement of the water separator, the flow path (1) is arranged entirely from the inlet level to the outlet level against the force of gravity (G), and - downstream of the second deflection (U2) a flow resistance element (130) projects into the flow path (1). [2] Water separator according to claim 1, characterized by that the flow resistance element (130) is designed in the form of a hook, wherein one leg of the hook is fastened to the wall (113) and is directed transversely to the flow path and a second leg of the hook is directed along the wall (113) against the flow path. [3] Water separator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the flow resistance element projects into an expansion space (3) formed in the interior of the flow path, wherein the expansion space (3) and the flow resistance element (130) are designed to reduce a flow velocity (v) of the gas flow (10) in the water separator. [4] Water separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first deflection angle (φ1) is greater than or equal to 90°, in particular around 90°. [5] Water separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second deflection angle (φ2) is significantly greater than 90°, in particular around 135° or 180°. [6] Water separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the gas inlet and / or gas outlet is designed as a nozzle (111S, 112S), wherein the nozzle projects into the interior in a flow-guiding manner. [7] Water separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the gas inlet and / or gas outlet, in particular a nozzle (111S, 112S) of the gas inlet and / or gas outlet, carries a guide element (140) attached to a trailing edge (111SA) for deflecting water (14) to the bottom wall (113.2) or side wall (113.3) and for reducing the flow velocity (v). [8] Water separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the impact element (120) and / or the flow guide wall (150.1, 150.2) carries a guide element (140) attached to a trailing edge to form a diffuser. [9] Water separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the flow path (1) is overall S-shaped, U-shaped or B-shaped. [10] Water separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a wall of the wall (113) opposite the inlet and / or the impact element (120) is arranged and designed to form an impact flow. [11] Water separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the impact element (120) and / or a number of flow guide walls (150.1, 150.2), in particular one or two flow guide walls, protrude into the interior. [12] Water separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the impact element and / or a number of flow guide walls protrude into the interior at an angle oblique to the wall, in particular deviating from 90°. [13] Water separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (110) carries a cooling structure and / or is connected to a cooling device. [14] Water separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the housing (110) is formed with an interior space which is cylindrical or angular in cross section. [15] Fuel cell system (1000) with a number of fuel cells (FC) and a water separator (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a gas outlet of one or more of the fuel cells is fluidly connected to the gas inlet to the interior for a vapor and / or liquid-bearing off-gas of the fuel cell. [16] Energy supply system, in particular stationary energy supply system or mobile energy supply system, with a fuel cell system (1000) according to claim 15, in particular wherein the stationary energy supply system is a power supply or the mobile energy supply system is a marine vehicle drive.

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