Arrangement of an anode subsystem with a valve that can vent gas at temperatures below freezing

Abstract

A containment device comprising a body defining a chamber configured to contain liquid and gas from a fuel cell system. The chamber includes an upper and a lower end portion. A spout is disposed on the body and is in fluid communication with the lower end portion of the chamber. A gas bypass tube includes a first end in fluid communication with the upper end portion of the chamber and a second end in fluid communication with the lower end portion of the chamber. A solenoid valve is disposed between the chamber and the spout. The solenoid valve is switchable to an open state allowing fluid communication between the chamber and the spout to drain liquid and vent gas from the chamber, and to a closed state preventing fluid communication between the chamber and the spout.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information contained in this section is intended to provide a general context for the disclosure. Work by the inventors identified herein, to the extent described in this section, as well as aspects of the description that may not be prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly acknowledged as prior art over the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a hydrogen fuel cell system including an anode subsystem that enables a closed-loop water separation and gas recirculation process for the fuel cell system. The anode subsystem captures water and hydrogen gas from a fuel cell effluent and separates the water from the gas to drain the water from the fuel cell system. The anode subsystem can discharge the separated gas or recirculate it back into the fuel cell system as needed.

[0003] Typically, an anode subsystem contains a valve for draining liquid from the system and a valve for venting gas, for a total of two valves. To reduce space and weight, as well as simplify control, it is desirable for the anode subsystem to contain only one valve that can perform both the functions of draining liquid and venting gas. However, if the fuel cell must be operated at subzero temperatures, a single valve positioned to adequately drain water from the anode subsystem may not be able to vent the gas because frozen residual water blocks passage through the single valve. Although a heater can be incorporated into the anode subsystem design to melt the frozen water, this process can take several minutes.It is desirable to vent the gas within seconds of starting the vehicle and allow the fuel cell system to operate properly. SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of the disclosure provides a containment device. The containment device includes a body defining a chamber configured to receive liquid and gas from a fuel cell system. The chamber includes an upper and a lower end portion. The containment device includes an outlet disposed on the body and in fluid communication with the lower end portion of the chamber. A gas bypass tube includes a first end on the body in fluid communication with the upper end portion of the chamber and a second end on the body in fluid communication with the lower end portion of the chamber. A solenoid valve is disposed between the chamber and the outlet.The solenoid valve can be switched to an open state, which allows fluid communication between the chamber and the outlet to drain liquid and vent gas from the chamber, and to a closed state, which prevents fluid communication between the chamber and the outlet.

[0005] Embodiments of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the containment device further includes a sump in the lower end region of the chamber. The outlet and the second end of the gas bypass hose are in fluid communication with the sump at respective positions above a liquid high-level line. In further examples, the liquid high-level line is based on an amount of liquid that collects in the sump when the fuel cell system is not operating. In other examples, the containment device further includes a valve conduit extending between the chamber and the outlet.The outlet and the second end of the gas bypass hose are connected to the valve line at corresponding positions above the liquid high level line to enable fluid communication between the gas bypass hose and the outlet when the solenoid valve is in the open state.

[0006] In some versions, the collecting device also includes a heater arranged at the outlet.

[0007] In some aspects, the gas bypass tube maintains fluid communication between the upper and lower end regions of the chamber.

[0008] In some examples, the solenoid valve is switched to the open and closed states based on a control signal from a control module of an application equipped with the catcher. In further examples, the solenoid valve is switched to the open state in response to the control signal instructing the catcher to drain liquid from the chamber and the control signal instructing the catcher to drain gas from the chamber. In other examples, the solenoid valve is switched to the open state in response to the control signal indicating the start of the application.

[0009] In some embodiments, the upper end portion of the chamber is disposed above the lower end portion of the chamber.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a containment device. The containment device includes a body defining a chamber configured to receive liquid and gas from the fuel cell system. The chamber includes an upper and a lower end portion. An outlet is disposed on the body and in fluid communication with the lower end portion of the chamber. A gas bypass tube includes a first end on the body in fluid communication with the upper end portion of the chamber and a second end on the body in fluid communication with the lower end portion of the chamber. A solenoid valve is disposed between the chamber and the outlet.The solenoid valve can be switched to two states: an open state that allows fluid communication between the chamber and the outlet to drain liquid and vent gas from the chamber, and a closed state that prevents fluid communication between the chamber and the outlet.

[0011] Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the containment device further includes a sump in the lower end region of the chamber. The outlet and the second end of the gas bypass hose are in fluid communication with the sump at respective positions above a liquid high-level line. The liquid high-level line is based on an amount of liquid that collects in the sump when the fuel cell system is not operating. In further examples, the containment device further includes a valve conduit extending between the chamber and the outlet.The outlet and the second end of the gas bypass tube are connected to the valve line at respective positions above the liquid high-level line to enable fluid communication between the gas bypass tube and the outlet when the solenoid valve is in the open state. In other further examples, the gas bypass tube maintains fluid communication between the upper end region of the chamber and the lower end region of the chamber. In other further examples, the solenoid valve is switched to the open or closed state based on a control signal from a control module of an application equipped with the containment device.The solenoid valve is switched to the open state when the control signal instructs the collector to drain liquid from the chamber, when the control signal instructs the collector to drain gas from the chamber, and when the control signal indicates the start of the application.

[0012] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a containment device. The containment device includes a body defining a chamber configured to receive liquid and gas from the fuel cell system. The chamber includes an upper and a lower end portion. An outlet is disposed on the body and is in fluid communication with the lower end portion of the chamber. A gas bypass hose includes a first end on the body in fluid communication with the upper end portion of the chamber and a second end on the body in fluid communication with the lower end portion of the chamber. A solenoid valve is disposed between the chamber and the outlet.The solenoid valve can be switched to two states: an open state that allows fluid communication between the chamber and the outlet to drain liquid and vent gas from the chamber, and a closed state that prevents fluid communication between the chamber and the outlet.

[0013] Embodiments of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the containment device further includes a sump in the lower end region of the chamber. The outlet and the second end of the gas bypass tube are in fluid communication with the sump at respective positions above a liquid high-level line. The liquid high-level line is based on an amount of liquid that collects in the sump when the fuel cell system is not operating.

[0014] In some embodiments, the containment device further includes a valve line extending between the chamber and the outlet. The outlet and the second end of the gas bypass hose are connected to the valve line at corresponding positions above the liquid high-level line to enable fluid communication between the gas bypass hose and the outlet when the solenoid valve is in the open state.

[0015] In some aspects, the gas bypass tube maintains fluid communication between the upper and lower end regions of the chamber.

[0016] In some examples, the solenoid valve is switched to the open and closed states based on a control signal from a control module of an application equipped with the containment device. The solenoid valve is switched to the open state when the control signal instructs the containment device to drain liquid from the chamber, when the control signal instructs the containment device to drain gas from the chamber, and when the control signal indicates the start of the application.

[0017] The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Further aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 is a side view of a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell system. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are perspective views of a single valve anode subsystem of the fuel cell system. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the anode subsystem taken along line 4-4 in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4A is an enlarged view of area 4A in Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the anode subsystem taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 5A is an enlarged view of area 5A in Fig. 5.

[0019] Corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Example arrangements will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While example arrangements are provided, this is a thorough disclosure designed to convey the full scope of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that none should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0021] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" can also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise," "comprising," "include," and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components and / or groups thereof.The procedure steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily being performed in the particular order explained or illustrated, unless expressly identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0022] When an element or layer is described as being "on" or "engaging with" another element or layer, or as being "connected" or "coupled" or "attached" to it, it may be directly on or engaging with, connected, coupled, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on" or "directly engaging with" another element or layer, or as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" or "attached" to it, there must be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g.,(e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" or "contiguous" versus "directly adjacent" or "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0023] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0024] For the purposes of this application, which includes the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit." The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field-programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (common, dedicated, or group) executing code; a memory (common, dedicated, or group) storing code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components providing the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, e.g., in a system-on-chip.

[0025] The term "code" as used above can include software, firmware and / or microcode and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" is a subset of the term "computer-readable medium".The term "computer-readable medium" does not encompass transitory electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium and can therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory storage. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory storage include tangible, computer-readable medium, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0026] The devices and methods described in this application may be implemented partially or entirely by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or be based on stored data.

[0027] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that causes a computing device to perform a task. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0028] Non-transitory memory can be physical devices used for the temporary or permanent storage of programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program status information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electronic erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., typically used for firmware such as boot programs). Examples of volatile memory include random-access memory (RAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), and floppy disks or tapes.

[0029] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) comprise machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be embodied in a procedural and / or object-oriented high-level programming language and / or in assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to computer program products of all kinds, non-transitory computer-readable media, apparatus, and / or devices of all kinds (e.g., magnetic disk storage, optical disks, memories, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) for delivering machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to deliver machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0030] Various embodiments of the systems and techniques described herein may be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, purpose-built ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various embodiments may include execution in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be used for special or general purposes and is coupled to receive data and instructions from and transmit data and instructions to a storage system, and at least one input and at least one output device.

[0031] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, which run one or more computer programs to perform functions by acting on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by special-purpose logic circuits, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Examples of processors suitable for executing a computer program include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random-access memory, or both.The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions, and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively connected to, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks, or to receive or transfer data to or from them, or both. However, a computer is not required to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data includes all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor storage devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.The processor and memory can be supplemented by or integrated into special logic circuits.

[0032] To enable interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor or a touchscreen for displaying information to the user, and optionally a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, for the user to input data into the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to enable interaction with the user; for example, the user may receive any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback, and user input may be received in any form, including auditory, voice, or tactile input.In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending and receiving documents to and from a device used by the user, for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a client device of the user in response to requests received from the web browser.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 1-3, an application, e.g., a vehicle 10, is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system 12 comprising a fuel cell 14 and a containment device or anode subsystem 100. The containment device 100 comprises a body 102 defining a cavity or chamber 104 ( Fig. 4) and has an upper end portion 106 and a lower end portion 108 opposite the upper end portion 106. The upper end portion 106 and the lower end portion 108 of the chamber 104 are in fluid communication with each other. When the containment device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 10, the upper end portion 106 is disposed above the lower end portion 108 so that liquid water in the chamber 104 can flow to the lower end portion 108 and gas in the chamber 104 can flow unhindered to the upper end portion 106. Furthermore, and as in Fig. 4, the body 102 includes an outer surface 110 and an inner surface 112 opposite the outer surface 110, the inner surface 112 defining the chamber 104.

[0034] The body 102 may be constructed of one or more types of rigid material, such as steel, aluminum, plastic, or other suitable material, and is capable of containing a liquid and gas mixture within the chamber 104. That is, the chamber 104 is configured to receive liquid and gas from the hydrogen fuel cell system 12. For example, an intake hose 116 extends from the housing 102 and forms a passageway between the outlet of the fuel cell 14 and the containment device 100. During operation of the hydrogen fuel cell system 12, liquid water and gas from the fuel cell 14 are expelled through the intake hose 116 into the chamber 104 of the containment device 100.

[0035] Additionally, the containment device 100 includes a gas bypass tube 118 having a first end 120 and a second end 122 opposite the first end 120. The first end 120 is disposed on the body 102 and is in fluid communication with the upper end portion 106 of the chamber 104, and the second end 122 is disposed on the body 102 and is in fluid communication with the lower end portion 108 of the chamber 104. The first end 120 and the second end 122 are in fluid communication with each other to establish fluid communication between the chamber 104 at the upper end portion 106 and the lower end portion 108.

[0036] A first outlet or drain outlet 124 is disposed on the body 102 and is in fluid communication with the lower end portion 108 of the chamber 104. The outlet 124 provides a liquid passageway away from the containment device 100, e.g., to an exhaust system 16 of the vehicle 10 or a water recovery device (not shown), so that liquid water and / or gas can be removed as waste products from the hydrogen fuel cell system 12.

[0037] An electrically actuated solenoid valve 130 is disposed between the chamber 104 and the outlet 124 to control the flow of liquid and / or gas from the chamber 104 to the outlet 16. That is, the solenoid valve 130 can be electrically actuated to alternate between an open state, in which the solenoid valve 130 allows fluid communication between the chamber 104 and the outlet 124 to discharge liquid and / or gas from the chamber 104, and a closed state, in which the solenoid valve 130 does not allow fluid communication between the chamber 104 and the outlet 124, and liquid and gas are retained in the chamber 104. The outlet 16 can have a lower pressure range compared to the chamber 104 (e.g.,The outlet 16 may be at atmospheric pressure and the chamber 104 may have a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure), so that the liquid and / or gas is forced through the outlet 124 to the outlet 16 when the solenoid valve 130 is operated in the open state. The solenoid valve 130 may comprise any type of valve that can be electronically switched and is capable of preventing the flow of water and gas through the outlet 124 and allowing the flow of water and gas through the outlet 124. The switching of the solenoid valve 130 from the closed to the open state may be controlled via electronic communication between the solenoid valve 130 and an electronic control module 18 of the hydrogen fuel cell system 12 and / or the vehicle 10.

[0038] A second outlet or gas recirculation outlet 128 is disposed on body 102 and is in fluid communication with upper end portion 106 to provide a passage for the return of gas to fuel cell 14. Outlet 128 includes a check valve for controlling the amount of gas returned to fuel cell 14. The gas remaining in chamber 104 can be vented from hydrogen fuel cell system 12 by switching solenoid valve 130.

[0039] In the example shown, the lower end region 108 of the chamber 104 contains a sump 132 which is in open fluid communication with the rest of the chamber 104 ( Fig. 4). The sump 132 may form a collection area for liquid water within the chamber 104. The second end 122 of the gas bypass hose 118 and the outlet 124 may be in fluid communication with the sump 132. Accordingly, the water collected by the collection device 100 within the chamber 104 may flow toward the sump 132 at the lower end region 108 of the chamber 104. When the solenoid valve 130 is switched to the open state, liquid water and / or gas may be discharged from the sump 132 through the outlet 124.

[0040] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. 4A, a residual water quantity 134 is collected in the sump 132, wherein the residual water quantity 134 corresponds to a liquid or water high-level line or a maximum quantity 136. The water high-level line 136 represents the height of the residual water 134 at the sump 132 when the hydrogen fuel cell system 12 is not operating and / or when the residual water 134 freezes and expands. In other words, when the hydrogen fuel cell system 12 is not operating and the residual water 134 collects in the sump 132, e.g., due to gas condensation, the residual water 134 and / or the frozen residual water 134 must not rise above the water high-level line 136. The water high level line 136 may be determined based on the amount of residual water 134 that is expected to accumulate in the sump 132, e.g.based on the volume of the chamber 104 (and thus the volume of gas expected to condense in the chamber 104 when the hydrogen fuel cell system 12 is not in operation) and the expansion of the amount of residual water 134 upon freezing. An opening of the second end 122 of the gas bypass hose 118 and / or an opening of the outlet 124 are connected to the sump 132 and are in fluid communication with the sump 132 at appropriate locations above the water high-level line 136 to prevent frozen residual water 134 from blocking these openings.

[0041] With reference to Fig. 4, Fig. 4A, Fig. 5 and Fig. 5A, the solenoid valve 130 includes a valve base 138 disposed on the outer surface 110 of the housing 102 of the containment device 100. A valve channel or conduit 140 extends from the valve base 138 at least partially within the chamber 104 at the sump 132. For example, the valve conduit 140 may extend from and be integrally formed with the inner surface 112 of the housing 102 of the containment device 100. The valve conduit 140 defines a valve conduit channel or passageway 142 extending between a first end, or valve end, 144 and a second end, or sump end, 146 of the valve conduit 140. The valve end 144 is disposed on the valve base 138, and the sump end 146 is located within the chamber 104 at the sump 132.In the illustrated example, an opening 148 of the valve conduit 142 at the sump end 146 is located at least partially below the water high line 136 so that fluid communication between the chamber 104 and the valve conduit 142 may be at least partially blocked when residual water 134 collects in the sump 132 and freezes.

[0042] A gas channel or gas line 150 extends between the second end 122 of the gas bypass tube 118 and the valve line 140 and thus the chamber 104 at the sump 132, establishing fluid communication therebetween. For example, the gas line 150 may extend from and be integrally formed with the inner surface 112 of the housing 102 of the containment device 100. The gas line 150 defines a gas line channel or passageway 152 that extends between a first end or gas line end 154 at the second end 122 of the gas bypass tube 118 and a second end or valve line end 156 in fluid communication with the valve line channel 142. Gas can flow from the gas bypass tube 118 into the valve line 140 through a gas opening 158 at the valve line end 156 of the gas line 150.The gas opening 158 may be located at least partially above the water high level line 136 to allow gas flow between the chamber 104 and the valve line 140 even if the sump end 146 of the valve line 140 is blocked.

[0043] In addition, a drain line or channel 160 extends between the solenoid valve 130 and the outlet 124 to enable fluid communication between the chamber 104, the gas bypass tube 118, and the outlet 124 when the solenoid valve 130 is in the open state. For example, the drain line 160 may extend from and be integrally formed with the inner surface 112 of the housing 102. The drain line 160 defines a drain channel or passage 162 that extends between a first end or outlet end 164 and a second end 166. The first end 164 is in fluid communication with the outlet 124, and the second end 166 includes a vent opening 168 that is in fluid communication with the solenoid valve 130. The drain opening 168 may, for example, be formed on the solenoid valve base 138.Because the drain opening 168 is formed on the solenoid valve base 138, the drain opening 168 is located above the water high-level line 136, thus allowing fluid to flow to the outlet 124 even during freezing conditions. When open, the solenoid valve 130 establishes fluid communication between the drain opening 168 and the valve line 140. A bypass channel or portion 170 of the drain line 160 extends from the second end 166 of the drain line 160 at the solenoid valve base 138 and at least partially along the valve line 140 to the first end 164 of the drain line 160 at the outlet 124.

[0044] When the solenoid valve 130 is open, fluid communication is possible between the chamber 104, the gas bypass tube 118, and the outlet 124 via the gas line 150, the valve line 140, the solenoid valve 130, and the drain line 160. When the solenoid valve 130 is open, the gas port 158 and the drain port 168 remain open and unobstructed, allowing liquid and / or gas to flow through the gas port 158 and the drain port 168 to the outlet 124. When the solenoid valve 130 is closed, fluid communication between the chamber 104 (including the gas bypass tube 118) and the outlet 124 is blocked. The solenoid valve 130 includes, for example, a piston 174 which engages the solenoid valve base 138 when the solenoid valve is closed and is retracted from the solenoid valve base 138 when the solenoid valve is open. As shown in Fig.4A, when the solenoid valve 130 is closed, the piston 174 engages the solenoid valve base 138 at the first end 144 of the valve conduit 140 to close over the first end 144 of the valve conduit 140 and the drain port 168 on the solenoid valve base 138, thereby blocking fluid flow from the valve conduit 140 and the gas conduit 150 to the drain port 168. Upon opening the solenoid valve 130, the piston 174 is retracted from the solenoid valve base 130 to allow fluid flow through the first end 144 of the valve conduit 140 and toward the drain port 168, thereby fluidly connecting the valve conduit 140 and the gas conduit 150 to the drain line 160 through the solenoid valve base 138 and the bypass channel 170.

[0045] During operation, the collection device 100 separates the water and gas that enters the collection device 100 from the fuel cell 14 via the intake hose 116. The fuel cell 14 may require a certain amount of hydrogen or fuel in the hydrogen fuel cell system 12 for proper and efficient functioning. The specific amount of hydrogen or fuel required can constantly change depending on the operating condition of the fuel cell 14 and the vehicle 10. To replenish the amount of hydrogen or fuel in the hydrogen fuel cell system 12, the collection device 100 returns gas to the hydrogen fuel cell system 12 via the check valve 128. At the same time, the liquid is drained, and excess gas can be vented from the system 100 at the solenoid valve 130.

[0046] When the hydrogen fuel cell system 12 is not in operation, residual water 134 may accumulate in the sump 132, e.g., due to condensation of water within the collection device 100. If the ambient temperature at the collection device 100 is above the freezing temperature of water, the residual water 134 may be in liquid form. When the vehicle 10 is started and operation of the hydrogen fuel cell system 12 begins (i.e., operation of the propulsion system of the vehicle 10 is initiated), the gas may be vented and liquid water may be drained from the collection device 100. The solenoid valve 130 performs the dual function of draining liquid water and gas from the collection device 100 by alternating between the closed and open states. Since the residual water 134 is in liquid form, the entry of gas into the valve line 140 via the sump end 146 of the valve line 140 is not impeded.By switching the solenoid valve 130, the amount of gas discharged can be controlled, for example, based on electronic inputs from the electronic control module 18, which communicates with the solenoid valve 130, so that the water and gas mixture can flow through the discharge opening 168, through the discharge line 160 and through the outlet 124 when the solenoid valve 130 is in the open state.

[0047] Because the solenoid valve 130 can drain both liquid water and gas from the chamber 104, the solenoid valve 130 is switched from the closed state to the open state based on both control signals that cause the liquid to drain from the chamber 104 through the containment device 100 and control signals that cause the gas to drain from the chamber 104 through the containment device 100. In other words, the solenoid valve 130 can be switched in the same way whether the system is being triggered to drain water or gas. Furthermore, the solenoid valve 130 can be automatically switched from the closed state to the open state upon vehicle start-up to initiate the draining of residual water and the draining of residual gas prior to further operation of the fuel cell system 12.During operation of the fuel cell 14, water and gas escape from the fuel cell 14 and enter the collection device 100 through the intake hose 116. Water and gas can separate in the chamber 104. When the solenoid valve 130 is closed, the water is retained in the chamber 104 and settles in the sump 132, while the gas can be returned to the fuel cell 14 by switching the check valve 128. When the solenoid valve 130 is open, both the water and an excess portion of the gas flow from the chamber 104 into the sump 132, where the water and gas enter the sump end 146 of the valve line 140 and flow through the valve line channel 142. The water and / or gas flows through the solenoid valve 130, into the drain opening 168, through the drain line 160 and through the outlet 124, where water and / or gas can be disposed of as waste products through the outlet 16.This cycle may be continued during operation of the hydrogen fuel cell system 12.

[0048] When the hydrogen fuel cell system 12 is not operating and residual water 134 remains in the sump 132, the residual water 134 may freeze if the ambient temperature at the containment device 100 is below the freezing temperature of water. Because the residual water is in the form of ice under these temperature conditions, the solid water may block the sump end 146 of the valve conduit 140 and prevent gas from entering the valve conduit channel 142 at the sump end 146. To melt the frozen residual water 134, an electrically powered heater 172 may be disposed in the containment device 100, for example, at or near the sump end 146. Operation of the heater 172 may be initiated upon starting the vehicle 10, although the heater 172 does not immediately thaw the frozen water.

[0049] To vent the gas by switching the solenoid valve 130 when the sump end 146 is blocked, the gas flows from the chamber 104 through the gas bypass hose 118 to the valve line 140. In other words, the gas bypass hose 118 maintains fluid communication between the chamber 104 and the valve line 140 even when the sump end 146 is blocked. When the solenoid valve 130 is switched to the open state, the gas flows through the gas bypass hose 118 from the first end 120 in the upper end region 106 of the chamber 104 to the second end 122, where the gas exits the gas bypass hose 118 via the gas line end 154. The gas flows through the gas line channel 152 to the valve line end 156, where the gas exits through the gas opening 158 into the valve line 140.Because the gas opening 158 is located above the water high-level line 136, the gas opening 158 cannot be blocked by the frozen residual water 134, and the solenoid valve 130 can effectively vent the gas before the residual water 134 melts. The immediate venting of the gas upon startup of the vehicle 10 and the associated hydrogen fuel cell system 12 enables proper and effective operation of the vehicle 10 and the hydrogen fuel cell system 12 even under conditions below the freezing temperature of water.

[0050] Once the heater 172 has melted the frozen residual water 134, the sump end 146 of the valve line 140 may be free, allowing gas to be vented and water to be drained through the solenoid valve 130 via the sump end 146.

[0051] Thus, the containment device 100 offers a smaller space and material requirement, lower weight and easier control with a single valve capable of discharging both water and gas under all operating conditions of the vehicle 10.

[0052] A number of embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims. The foregoing description of the embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and description; it is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited thereto, but are interchangeable and may be used in a selected embodiment even if not specifically shown or described. They may also be modified in many ways. Such modifications are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such changes are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] Collection device, the collection device comprising: a body defining a chamber configured to receive liquid and gas from a fuel cell system, the chamber comprising an upper and a lower end region; an outlet disposed on the body and in fluid communication with the lower end portion of the chamber; a gas bypass tube comprising a first end on the body in fluid communication with the upper end region of the chamber and a second end on the body in fluid communication with the lower end region of the chamber; and a solenoid valve disposed between the chamber and the outlet and switchable into two states, namely an open state allowing fluid communication between the chamber and the outlet to drain liquid and vent gas from the chamber, and a closed state preventing fluid communication between the chamber and the outlet. [2] The collection device of claim 1, further comprising a sump at the lower end region of the chamber, wherein the outlet and the second end of the gas bypass tube are in fluid communication with the sump at respective positions above a liquid high level line. [3] The collection device of claim 2, wherein the liquid high level line is based on an amount of liquid that collects in the sump when the fuel cell system is not in operation. [4] The containment device of claim 2, further comprising a valve conduit extending between the chamber and the outlet, wherein the outlet and the second end of the gas bypass tube are in fluid communication with the valve conduit at respective positions above the liquid high level line to enable fluid communication between the gas bypass tube and the outlet when the solenoid valve is in the open state. [5] Collecting device according to claim 1, further comprising a heater arranged at the outlet. [6] The containment device of claim 1, wherein the gas bypass tube maintains fluid communication between the upper and lower end regions of the chamber. [7] The catcher according to claim 1, wherein the solenoid valve is switched to an open and closed state based on a control signal from a control module of an application equipped with the catcher, the solenoid valve being switched to the open state in response to (i) the control signal instructing the catcher to drain liquid from the chamber, (ii) the control signal instructing the catcher to drain gas from the chamber, and (iii) the control signal indicating start-up of the application. [8] A collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the upper end region of the chamber is arranged above the lower end region of the chamber. [9] A fuel cell system, the fuel cell system comprising a collecting device, the collecting device comprising: a body defining a chamber configured to receive liquid and gas from the fuel cell system, the chamber including an upper and a lower end region; an outlet disposed on the body and in fluid communication with the lower end portion of the chamber; a gas bypass tube having a first end on the body in fluid communication with the upper end region of the chamber and a second end on the body in fluid communication with the lower end region of the chamber, the gas bypass tube maintaining fluid communication between the upper and lower end regions of the chamber; a solenoid valve disposed between the chamber and the outlet and switchable to an open state allowing fluid communication between the chamber and the outlet to drain liquid and vent gas from the chamber, and to a closed state preventing fluid communication between the chamber and the outlet; and a sump at the lower end region of the chamber, wherein the outlet and the second end of the gas bypass hose are in fluid communication with the sump at respective positions above a liquid high-level line, the liquid high-level line being based on an amount of liquid that collects in the sump when the fuel cell system is not in operation. [10] A vehicle comprising a fuel cell system, the fuel cell system comprising a collecting device, the collecting device comprising: a body defining a chamber configured to receive liquid and gas from the fuel cell system, the chamber including an upper and a lower end region; an outlet disposed on the body and in fluid communication with the lower end portion of the chamber; a gas bypass tube having a first end on the body and in fluid communication with the upper end region of the chamber and a second end on the body and in fluid communication with the lower end region of the chamber, the gas bypass tube maintaining fluid communication between the upper end region of the chamber and the lower end region of the chamber; a solenoid valve disposed between the chamber and the outlet and switchable to an open state allowing fluid communication between the chamber and the outlet to drain liquid and vent gas from the chamber, and to a closed state preventing fluid communication between the chamber and the outlet; and a sump at the lower end region of the chamber, wherein the outlet and the second end of the gas bypass hose are in fluid communication with the sump at respective positions above a liquid high-level line, the liquid high-level line being based on an amount of liquid that collects in the sump when the fuel cell system is not in operation.

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