System for a fuel cell vehicle, exhaust fluid processing devices, the fuel cell vehicle, and methods for handling a fuel cell exhaust fluid of a fuel cell system of the fuel cell vehicle

Abstract

A system for a fuel cell vehicle and methods therein are provided. The system comprises at least one fuel cell system producing a fuel cell exhaust fluid as a byproduct, and an exhaust assembly comprising an elongate exhaust conduit configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system. The conduit comprises a first portion comprising a lowermost point of the conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the exhaust fluid; a second portion having at least one bend; a transition portion having a decreasing diameter; and a third portion, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity. The exhaust assembly comprises an exhaust fluid processing device configured to be in fluid communication with the drain port, and configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid.

Description

TITLESYSTEM FOR A FUEL CELL VEHICLE, EXHAUST FLUID PROCESSING DEVICES, THE FUEL CELL VEHICLE, AND METHODS FOR HANDLING A FUEL CELL EXHAUST FLUID OF A FUEL CELL SYSTEM OF THE FUEL CELL VEHICLETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to a system for a fuel cell vehicle, an exhaust assembly, exhaust fluid processing devices, the fuel cell vehicle, and methods for processing or handling a fuel cell exhaust fluid produced by a fuel cell system of the fuel cell vehicle.

[0002] The disclosure can be applied in heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment.BACKGROUND

[0003] Fuel cells are considered a promising, more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional internal combustion engines, for powering a vehicle. Thus, fuel cells are increasingly considered for powering fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), such as e.g. pure electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0004] In a fuel cell vehicle, a fuel cell system comprises one or more, and typically hundreds of fuel cells forming a fuel cell stack for generating the desired power supplied to the vehicle. A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that includes an anode and a cathode, and an electrolyte such as e.g. a proton exchange membrane (PEM) sandwiched between the anode and cathode. The anode receives hydrogen gas used as a fuel that is reacted with oxygen or ambient air received by the cathode and used as an oxidant. Electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen releases energy, e.g. used to power the vehicle. The electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell system creates, as a byproduct, an exhaust fluid comprising water, in liquid and steam form, and heat. The fuel cell exhaust fluid may comprise certain amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, as well as contaminants.

[0005] As the fuel cell system is operating, the generated fuel cell exhaust fluid needs to be carried away from the fuel cell system and the vehicle and / or reused in some way. In general, handling the fuel cell system exhaust presents a challenging problem. In particular, collecting, processing, and discharging or reusing the fuel cell exhaust fluid, which is expelled by the fuel cell system as the fuel cell system is operating, is a known challenge in the automotive industry.

[0006] Approaches have been developed to handling the fuel cell exhaust fluid. For example, the fuel cell exhaust fluid may be processed such that liquid water and steam are extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid. When the steam is released, for example, at a top of the vehicle such as a truck with a trailer, the steam may land on the trailer and on vehicles traveling behind, which is not desirable. Moreover, the steam may be visible and it may thus obstruct a view of the vehicle's driver and of other drivers on the road. Other issues exist that are related to processing the fuel cell exhaust fluid and expelling it and / or its constituents from the vehicle.

[0007] Accordingly, there exists a need for improved systems and systems for handling the fuel cell exhaust produced by the fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle.SUMMARY

[0008] In an aspect, a system for a fuel cell vehicle is provided, the system comprising at least one fuel cell system and at least one exhaust assembly configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system. The at least one exhaust assembly comprises an elongate exhaust conduit extending between a first end of the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the exhaust conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the exhaust conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. The elongate exhaust conduit comprises a first portion, a second portion, a transition portion, and a third portion. The first portion extends between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the exhaust conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The second portion extends between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend. The transition portion extends between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter. The third portion extends between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity.

[0009] A technical benefit may include that, in use, the system for the fuel cell vehicle allows releasing the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell vehicle in an improved manner. For example, less moisture may be released onto the vehicle and / or a trailer that may be coupled to the vehicle, and other vehicles on the road. Vapor or steam from the fuel cell exhaust fluid may be released high above the vehicle, in the manner that may overcome possible visibility and other issues typically associated with fog-like or cloud-like vapor being released from the top of the vehicle. Liquid water phase of the fuel cell exhaust fluid may be released separately from the vapor or steam e.g. in a controlled manner. The liquid water may be filtered or cleaned such that its quality, and thus a potential for reuse, is improved. Also, the filtered liquid water may be more suitable for being released into the environment.

[0010] In some examples, the decreasing diameter of the transition portion is decreasing by an angle of approximately 4 degrees.

[0011] In some examples, the at least one bend of the second portion comprises a plurality of bends. In some examples, the at least one bend of the second portion shifts a corresponding part of the second portion of the exhaust conduit upwards by a degree of from zero to 80 degrees.

[0012] In some examples, the third portion extends through a back portion of a cabin of the vehicle.

[0013] In some examples, the exhaust conduit is configured so as to release at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a liquid phase through the drain port and so as to carry as much as possible of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a vapor phase through the third portion of the exhaust conduit to the outside.

[0014] In some examples, the drain port in the lowermost point is configured to fluidly couple to an exhaust fluid processing device configured and positioned to receive at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the drain port.

[0015] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device is configured to receive the at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid such that a remaining portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid that remains in the exhaust conduit is carried towards the exhaust conduit opening in a vapor phase.

[0016] The technical benefit includes that, in use, the system for the fuel cell vehicle and the exhaust fluid processing device allow releasing the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell vehicle in an improved manner. For example, the system for the fuel cell vehicle and the exhaust fluid processing device are configured such that, in cases in which some of steam and waterdrops in the exhaust conduit condense inside the conduit and, together with the liquid water from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, flow down to the lowest or lowermost point of the exhaust conduit, this fluid can be passed through the exhaust fluid processing device which handles. The exhaust fluid processing device may be configured to handle and / or process the fluids to extract liquid water therefrom and / or to filter or clean the fluids.

[0017] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises a steam lock device that is positioned in the drain port such that a top surface of the steam lock device is facing an inside of the exhaust conduit, wherein the steam lock device is configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and wherein the steam lock device is further configured to selectively release the liquid water based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit.

[0018] In some examples, the steam lock device comprises a demister component and a one-way flow valve positioned under the demister component. The demister component may be configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets. The one-way flow valve, positioned under the demister component, may comprise a body and an inner channel configured to receive the liquid water from the demister component, the one-way flow valve being configured to adopt its degree of opening based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit to thereby selectively release the liquid water from the inner channel.

[0019] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises an exhaust filter device.

[0020] In some examples, the exhaust filter device comprises a housing comprising an exhaust filter device inlet port in fluid communication with the drain port; an inner channel extending through the exhaust filter device, a filter component that is configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and wherein the filter component is configured to retain impurities from the fuel cell exhaust fluid; and an exhaust filter device outlet port configured to receive the liquid water from theinner channel and to carry the liquid water away from the housing after the liquid water has passed through the filter component.

[0021] The technical benefits of use of the exhaust filter device in the system for the fuel cell vehicle include providing a filtered, cleaner fluid as a result of processing of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in the exhaust filter device. In this way, the discharge of the exhaust assembly of the fuel cell vehicle may be free of harmful substances. The exhaust filter device may be configured to demist the fuel cell exhaust fluid.

[0022] In some examples, the filter component may be removable and replaceable.

[0023] In some examples, the exhaust filter device outlet port may comprise a flow control valve positioned in the exhaust filter device outlet port and configured and / or controlled to selectively release the liquid water through the exhaust filter device outlet port based on a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a drain conduit configured to fluidly couple the exhaust filter device to the drain port. The technical benefit may include that, due to balancing of draining and pressure inside the exhaust conduit and the exhaust filter device, flooding of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system may be avoided.

[0024] In some examples, the exhaust filter device inlet port may comprise a flow control valve positioned in the exhaust filter device inlet port and configured and / or controlled to selectively release the liquid water through the exhaust filter device inlet port based on a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a drain conduit configured to fluidly couple the exhaust filter device to the drain port. In some examples, wherein the exhaust filter device inlet port comprises the flow control valve positioned in the exhaust filter device inlet port, the exhaust filter device may not include a flow control valve positioned in the exhaust filter device outlet port.

[0025] In some examples, the filter component comprises one or more out of an active carbon filter and ion exchange resin. In some examples, the filter component comprises one or more out of an active carbon filter, ion exchange resin, and nano-filter material.

[0026] In some examples, the filter component is at least partially enclosed by a membrane.

[0027] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device may be a removable and replaceable exhaust fluid processing device. The removable and replaceable exhaust fluid processing device may be e.g. a steam lock device, an exhaust filter device, or another exhaust fluid processing device in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0028] In an aspect, a method for processing a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method is performed in a system for the fuel cell vehicle, the system comprising the fuel cell system and an exhaust assembly configured to carry the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The method comprises routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system to and through the exhaust assembly. The exhaust assembly comprises an elongate exhaust conduit extending between a first end of the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the exhaust conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the exhaust conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside.

[0029] The elongate exhaust conduit comprises a first portion, a second portion, a transition portion, and a third portion. The first portion extends between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuelcell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the exhaust conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The second portion extends between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend. The transition portion extends between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter. The third portion extends between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity. In the method, as much as possible of the fuel cell exhaust fluid may be carried in a vapor phase to the outside.

[0030] In an aspect, a fuel cell vehicle is provided comprising a system that comprises at least one fuel cell system and at least one exhaust assembly configured to carry an exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system. The at least one exhaust assembly comprises an elongate exhaust conduit extending between a first end of the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the exhaust conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the exhaust conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside while maintaining a pressure in the exhaust conduit above a pressure threshold. The elongate exhaust conduit comprises a first portion, a second portion, a transition portion, and a third portion. The first portion extends between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the exhaust conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The second portion extends between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend. The transition portion extends between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter. The third portion extends between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity.

[0031] In some examples, the drain port in the lowermost point is configured to fluidly couple to an exhaust fluid processing device configured and positioned to receive at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the drain port, and wherein the exhaust fluid processing device is configured to receive the at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid such that a remaining portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid that remains in the exhaust conduit is carried towards the conduit opening in a vapor phase.

[0032] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises a steam lock device. The steam lock device may be configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0033] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises an exhaust filter device. The exhaust filter device may be configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0034] In an aspect, an exhaust assembly is provided that is configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle. The exhaust assembly comprises an elongate exhaust conduit extending between a first end of the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the exhaust conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the exhaust conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. The elongate exhaust conduit comprises a first portion, a second portion, a transition portion, and a third portion. The first portion extends between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the exhaust conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The second portion extends between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend. The transition portion extends between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter. The third portion extends between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity.

[0035] In some examples, the exhaust assembly comprises an exhaust fluid processing device that may be configured to fluidly couple to the exhaust conduit via the drain port in the lowermost point. The exhaust fluid processing device may be configured to receive at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid and to handle or process the portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid. A remaining portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid, that remains in the exhaust conduit, may be carried towards the conduit opening in a vapor phase.

[0036] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises a steam lock device. The steam lock device may be configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0037] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises an exhaust filter device. The exhaust filter device may be configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0038] In an aspect, a method for processing a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method may comprise routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid to and through an exhaust assembly for the fuel cell vehicle. The exhaust assembly may comprise an elongate exhaust conduit extending between a first end of the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the exhaust conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the exhaust conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. The elongate exhaust conduit comprises a first portion, a second portion, a transition portion, and a third portion. The first portion extends between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the exhaust conduit in adirection of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The second portion extends between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend. The transition portion extends between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter. The third portion extends between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity.

[0039] In some examples, the exhaust assembly comprises an exhaust fluid processing device that may be configured to fluidly couple to the exhaust conduit via the drain port in the lowermost point. The exhaust fluid processing device may be configured to receive at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid and to handle or process the portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid. A remaining portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid, that remains in the exhaust conduit, may be carried towards the conduit opening in a vapor phase.

[0040] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises a steam lock device. The steam lock device may be configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0041] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises an exhaust filter device. The exhaust filter device may be configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0042] Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings. Furthermore, additional advantages will be readily apparent from the present disclosure to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein. There are also disclosed herein control units, computer program products, and computer-readable media associated with the above discussed technical effects and corresponding advantages.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of aspects of the disclosure cited as examples.

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example of a fuel cell vehicle comprising a system for a fuel cell vehicle, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the system for a fuel cell vehicle of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a system for a fuel cell vehicle, the system comprising two exhaust conduits, in accordance with an example.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exhaust conduit of the two exhaust conduits of FIG. 3, in accordance with an example.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a third portion of the exhaust conduit of the two exhaust conduits of FIG. 3, in accordance with an example.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a first portion of the exhaust conduit of the two exhaust conduits of FIG. 3, in accordance with an example.

[0050] FIG. 7A is a perspective, partially transparent review of a vehicle comprising two exhaust conduits in accordance with an example.

[0051] FIG. 7B is top, partially transparent review of the vehicle of FIG. 7A, in accordance with an example.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion an exhaust conduit of FIG. 3, the exhaust conduit being in fluid communication with a steam lock device, in accordance with an example.

[0053] FIG. 9A is perspective cross-sectional view of the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the steam lock device of FIG. 8, in accordance with an example.

[0054] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional, enlarged view of the steam lock device shown in FIG. 9A.

[0055] FIG. 10A is another perspective cross-sectional view of the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the steam lock device of FIG. 8, in accordance with an example.

[0056] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional, enlarged view of the steam lock device shown in FIG. 10A.

[0057] FIG. 11 A is a perspective, top view of a demister component of the steam lock device of FIG. 8, in accordance with an example.

[0058] FIG. 11 B is a perspective, bottom view of the demister component of the steam lock device of FIG. 8, in accordance with an example.

[0059] FIG. 12A is a perspective, top view of a one-way flow valve of the steam lock device of FIG. 8, in accordance with an example.

[0060] FIG. 12B is a perspective, bottom view of the one-way flow valve of the steam lock device of FIG. 8, in accordance with an example.

[0061] FIG. 13 is a perspective top view of an exhaust filter device, in accordance with an example.

[0062] FIG. 14A is a side cross-sectional view of the exhaust filter device of FIG. 13.

[0063] FIG. 14B is a side cross-sectional view of the exhaust filter device of FIG. 13, illustrating paths traveled by a fuel cell exhaust fluid as the fuel cell exhaust fluid passes through the exhaust filter device, in accordance with an example.

[0064] FIG. 15 is a perspective, side cross-sectional view of the exhaust filter device of FIG. 13.

[0065] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exhaust filter device, in accordance with an example.

[0066] FIG. 17 is a perspective, side cross-sectional view of the exhaust filter device of FIG. 16.

[0067] FIG. 18A is a side cross-sectional view of the exhaust filter device of FIG. 16.

[0068] FIG. 18B is a side cross-sectional view of the exhaust filter device of FIG. 16, illustrating paths traveled by a fuel cell exhaust fluid as the fuel cell exhaust fluid passes through the exhaust filter device, in accordance with an example.

[0069] FIG. 19A is a side cross-sectional view of an exhaust filter device in accordance with an example, illustrating paths traveled by a fuel cell exhaust fluid as the fuel cell exhaust fluid passes through the exhaust filter device, in accordance with an example.

[0070] FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional, enlarged view of a portion of the exhaust filter device of FIG. 19A.

[0071] FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of an exhaust filter device in accordance with an example.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] A fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle, as a result of the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen or air which produces electrical power, produces fluid, referred to as a fuel cell exhaust fluid or exhaust fluid, such as a mixture of liquid water, water vapor or steam, and certain amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen gases, as well as possible impurities. The fuel cell exhaust fluid, which is mainly water, is considered environmentally clean, which is one of the reasons that fuel cell vehicles gain increasing attention worldwide.

[0073] There are issues that may arise in conjunction with handling and discharging of the exhaust fluid. For example, when vapor phase of the exhaust fluid is released from a top of the vehicle, the vapor creates a fog-like cloud behind the vehicle, thereby obscuring visibility on the roads.

[0074] Accordingly, as a number of fuel cell vehicles on the roads increases, handling water discharged by the vehicles presents a challenge that needs to be addressed. The system for the fuel cell vehicle an exhaust conduit, configured to be coupled to an exhaust fluid processing device, and exhaust fluid processing devices in accordance with examples of the present disclosure address this need. More specifically, in examples herein, the exhaust conduit configured to be positioned in a fuel cell vehicle is specifically configured to direct a vapor or steam of the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the exhaust conduit in a manner that causes a velocity of the vapor or steam to increase, such that the steam is released high above the vehicle. In this way, instead of falling on the vehicle and / or a trailer coupled to the vehicle and on vehicles traveling behind, the steam is absorbed by the ambient air and is not visible or barely visible. Accordingly, even though the steam is released from the top of the vehicle, as in some existing solutions for handling a fuel cell exhaust, the improvement is that the steam does not present an obstruction to visibility on the roads, and also does not moisten one or more of the vehicle, the trailer that may be coupled to the vehicle, other vehicles, and the road.

[0075] Small amount of hydrogen will also follow the exhaust up above the vehicle, such that hydrogen gas is released from the top of the vehicle. This may advantageously eliminate a risk of hydrogen being released in an uncontrollable manner, which may occur when hydrogen gas from the fuel cell exhaust fluid is released from under the vehicle. Also, a risk of hydrogen gas being accumulated in a confined space is reduced or eliminated.

[0076] The exhaust conduit of the system in accordance with examples of the present disclosure is configured to have several specific portions, coupled to one another to provide a path for the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to a conduit outlet of exhaust conduit at a top of the vehicle. The exhaust conduit includes a lowermost point comprising a drain point or port configured to fluidly couple to an exhaust fluid processing device that is configured to separate the fuel cell exhaust fluid into a vapor or steam phase and a liquid phase. Thus, at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid is directed to and through the exhaust fluid processing device and, driven by a compressor, passes through the exhaust fluid processing device.

[0077] The exhaust fluid processing device which may be included in a system for a fuel cell vehicle may be configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid, which is routed to pass through the device, such that liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid. Thus, the exhaust fluid processing device performs a function of a demister. The fuel cell exhaust fluid may also be filtered in some implementations of the exhaust fluid processing device. The vapor or steam is carried by the exhaust conduit to the outside to be release from the top of the vehicle. The exhaust fluid processing device may be configured to receive, via the drain port of the exhaust conduit, a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid that includes a remaining liquid water that the system was not able to carry to the top of the vehicle inside the exhaust conduit. The processed fuel cell exhaust fluid, mainly in the form of liquid water, may be collected e.g. in a fluid storage container of the vehicle and stored for use or reuse.

[0078] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a vehicle 10 according to an example of the present disclosure. The vehicle 10 is shown in FIG. 1 as a truck, such as a heavy-duty truck for towing one or more trailers (not shown). The vehicle 10 may be a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) or a hybrid vehicle comprising a fuel cell system. It should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to any specific type of vehicle, and may be used for any other type of vehicle, such as a bus, construction equipment, e.g. a wheel loader or an excavator, a passenger car, an aircraft, and a marine vessel.

[0079] As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 comprises at least one system 25 comprising a fuel cell system 20 and an exhaust assembly 52 in fluid communication with the fuel cell system 20. The fuel cell system 20 produces a fuel cell exhaust, also referred to as a fuel cell exhaust fluid or an exhaust fluid, as a byproduct of the electrochemical reaction that generates electrical energy or power. The exhaust assembly 52 is configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system 20, to handle and process the exhaust fluid, and to convey the processed fuel cell exhaust fluid away from the exhaust assembly 52.

[0080] The exhaust assembly 52 may comprise an exhaust conduit 54 and an exhaust processing device 50 configured to fluidly couple to the exhaust conduit 54. The exhaust conduit 54 may comprise multiple conduits such as e.g. pipes coupled together to form the elongate exhaust conduit 54, wherein the exhaust conduit 54 is configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. The exhaust conduit 54 may be configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside while maintaining a pressure in the exhaust conduit above a certain pressure threshold, whereby it becomes possible to push the vapor or steam from the fuel cell exhaust fluid as high as possible above the vehicle 10, so that the steam can be spread out in the environment. The vapor or steam may be absorbed by ambient air in the environment, so that the vapor or steam becomes less visible and is thus less obstructive.

[0081] The exhaust conduit 54 extends between a first end of the exhaust conduit 54 coupled to and in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the exhaust conduit having a conduit opening 57 that opens towards the outside at a top of the vehicle 10. The first end of the exhaust conduit 54 may be considered a proximal-most end and the conduit opening 57 may be considered a distal-most point of the exhaust conduit 54. Accordingly, as used herein, a proximal position or location is a position or location that is closer to the fuel cell system i.e. to the outlet of the fuel cell system that expels the fuel cell exhaust flow, and adistal position or location is a position or location that is further away from the fuel cell system, e.g. along a path taken by the fuel cell exhaust fluid in the exhaust conduit.

[0082] In examples in accordance with the present disclosure, the exhaust conduit 54 may be configured such that it has a lowermost point or portion which is the lowest point in the exhaust conduit 54 in the direction of gravity. The lowermost point or portion comprises a drain port that can be configured to seat an exhaust fluid processing device or to couple with an exhaust fluid processing device. The exhaust conduit 54 may be formed such that a piping path thereof follows downwards, in the direction of gravity and towards the lowermost point, and then upwards, away from the lowermost point and towards the conduit opening 57 of the exhaust conduit 54.

[0083] The exhaust processing device 50 may be configured to be in fluid communication with the lowermost point or portion of the exhaust conduit 54. The lowermost point comprises the drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid such as e.g. liquid water. The exhaust conduit 54 may be configured so as to release at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a liquid phase through the drain port and so as to carry as much as possible of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a vapor phase through the exhaust conduit to the outside. The exhaust conduit may be configured to release liquid water via e.g. a drain conduit 56 shown in FIG. 1, such as e.g. a pipe. The liquid water may optionally be stored in a fluid storage container 42, for reuse, and the fluid storage container 42 is shown schematically in FIG. 1 . If released directly into the environment from the exhaust conduit 54, the liquid water is released from under the vehicle 10.

[0084] In some examples, the exhaust processing device 50 may be configured to be positioned in the drain port. In some examples, the exhaust processing device 50 may be configured to fluidly couple to the drain port, rather than being directly seated in the drain port. The exhaust processing device 50, configured to separate the fuel cell exhaust fluid into the liquid phase or form and a vapor phase or form, may be coupled to the drain port in any suitable manner.

[0085] The exhaust conduit 54 is configured so as to release at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a liquid phase through the drain port and so as to carry as much as possible of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a vapor phase through the exhaust conduit to the outside. The exhaust conduit 54 is configured such that the vapor or steam phase is pressed as high as possible above the vehicle 10, so that the vapor or steam can be spread out in the environment as the vehicle is moving. The vapor or steam is evacuated into the ambient environment in the manner such that the vapor or steam may be not visible or much less visible than in existing systems for releasing fuel cell exhaust.

[0086] In some examples, the at least one system 25 comprises two systems, each comprising a corresponding fuel cell system 20 and an exhaust assembly 52 coupled to and in fluid communication with the fuel cell system 20. In such examples, the vehicle 10 includes two exhaust conduits 54, wherein each of the two exhaust conduits may be in fluid communication with a corresponding exhaust fluid processing device 50. Flows or streams of fuel cell exhaust fluids produced by each of the two fuel cell systems may be handled and / or processed and conveyed away from the exhaust assembly 52 separately, via corresponding exhaust conduits 54. Some or all of the resulting exhaust flows may be merged. The liquid water may be stored for later release e.g. upon a trigger event, and / or for reuse in the vehicle or outside the vehicle.

[0087] As least a part of the exhaust conduit 54 is configured to extend through a gantry or tower 12 of the vehicle 10, as shown in FIG. 1. The gantry or tower 12, as used herein, refers to a compartment of a vehicle cab or cabin 15 behind a driver compartment 18. For example, in the trailer tractor, the cabin 15 may be referred to as a truck tractor, to which a trailer may be attached. The tower 12 includes various electrical and other components and can include at least a portion of the exhaust conduit 54. The portion of the exhaust conduit 54, e.g., a more distal portion, may be positioned in the tower 12 such that a top of that portion protrudes from the top, e.g. a roof, of the tower 12.

[0088] The fuel cell system 20 is used for powering one or more electric drive motors (not shown in FIG. 1) which are used for creating a propulsion force to the vehicle 10. The fuel cell system 10 may additionally be used for powering other electric power consumers (not shown) of the vehicle 10, such as e.g. an electric motor for a crane, an electric motor for a refrigerator system, an electric motor for an air conditioning system, or any other electric power consuming function of the vehicle 10. The fuel cell system 10 may thus additionally or alternatively be used for powering one or more power take-off (PTO) device, such that power can be transmitted from an electric motor of the vehicle 10 to another piece of equipment e.g. an attached implement or separate machine.

[0089] The fuel cell system 20 comprises two or more fuel cells which together form a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell system 20 is arranged to provide the fuel cells stack with necessary supply of hydrogen fuel (H2) and air, cooling, heating, etc., and the fuel cell system may include various components which are not shown herein. The fuel cell system 20 may comprise multiple fuel cell systems, and each fuel cell system may comprise its own control system, which may be communicatively connected to a controller or control unit. In some examples, the fuel cell system 20 includes two fuel cell systems. In some examples, the fuel cell system 20 comprises more than two fuel cell systems, such as three or more than three fuel cell systems.

[0090] The vehicle 10 also comprises an electrical storage system (ESS) 40 such as one or more batteries and / or one or more supercapacitors. The ESS 40 is rechargeable and is adapted and configured to store electrical energy, including excess electric energy produced by the fuel cell system 20. The ESS 40 may store energy regenerated during braking such as regenerative braking, and / or it may be configured for charging by a charger, such as, e.g., from an external power grid. The ESS 40 is configured to assist the fuel cell system in supplying energy to the drive motor, to meet power / energy demands of the vehicle 10. The ESS 40 may be configured to provide additional propulsive power in situations when the complete required power cannot be provided by fuel cell system 20, or when it is not suitable to provide the complete required power by the fuel cell system 20. In various examples, the ESS 40 may provide electrical energy storage during regenerative braking, provide electrical energy storage device for electrical energy that is generated from a fuel cell system at low loads, assist the fuel cell system 20 with generating power at higher loads, or may serve as a main energy supplier in some circumstances. The fuel cell system 20 and the ESS 40 can provide power to one or more auxiliary systems of the vehicle 10. It should be appreciated that the vehicle may be powered using electrical energy from any combination of the fuel cell system 20 and the ESS 40.

[0091] The vehicle 10 may also comprise a control device or controller 30 configured to control operation of the system 25, the fuel cell system 20, the ESS 40, and / or other components. The controller 30 may be anon-board controller, but it shall be understood that the controller 30 may also be a remote control device or system, e.g., an off-board control system or a combination of an on-board and off-board control system or systems. The controller 30 may be an electronic control unit or system that comprises processing circuitry which is adapted and configured to execute a computer program comprising computer-executable instructions, to perform a method according to aspects of the present disclosure. The controller 30 may comprise hardware, firmware, and / or software for performing the method according to aspects of the present disclosure. The controller 30 may be denoted a computer. The vehicle 10 may also comprise various other components not shown in FIG. 1.

[0092] Although the present disclosure is described with respect to a vehicle such as a truck, aspects of the present disclosure are not restricted to this particular vehicle, but may also be used in other vehicles such as passenger cars, off-road vehicles, aircrafts, and marine vehicles.

[0093] FIG. 2 further illustrates an example of a configuration of the vehicle 10 comprising the system 25 that comprises the fuel cell system 20 and the exhaust assembly 52, shown partially, in fluid communication with the fuel cell system 20. Operation of the system 25 may at least in part be controlled by the controller 30.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell system 20 comprises a fuel cell stack 22 comprising an anode or anode side 24, a cathode or cathode side 26, and an electrolyte 28 such as e.g. a proton exchange membrane (PEM) sandwiched between the anode 24 and cathode 26. The anode side 24 receives fuel such as hydrogen gas that may be supplied e.g. from a fuel storage container 33 or from another source. The cathode side 26 of the fuel cell stack 22 receives air from the ambient environment, as shown by line 34. The ambient air is pressurized e.g. by a compressor 36 before being delivered to the cathode 26 of the fuel cell stack 22. As shown in FIG. 2 by a dot-dashed line, an electrical turbocharger 38, also referred to as eTurbo, in communication with the fuel cell system 20, may comprise the compressor 36 and a turbine 37. The compressor 36 is configured to pressurize ambient air before the air is supplied to the cathode 26. The turbine 37 is configured to expand the fuel cell exhaust fluid that is produced by the fuel cell stack 22 and is directed to the turbine 37, as shown by an arrow 35. The turbine 37 is configured to expand the flow of the exhaust fluid from the fuel cell stack 22, thereby extracting energy that in turn can drive the compressor 36 of the electrical turbocharger 38. The electrical turbocharger 38 is shown as an example, as other configuration, as well as other devices or systems, may be employed in addition or alternatively.

[0095] The exhaust assembly 52 comprises the exhaust fluid processing device 50 that is configured and positioned to receive at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid, e.g. through a drain port in the lowermost portion of the exhaust assembly 52. The exhaust assembly 52 is configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid that has been pressurized by the turbocharger 38 and that is routed through the exhaust fluid processing device 50. The turbine 37 of the turbocharger 38 is positioned upstream of the exhaust fluid processing device 50, wherein an upstream position as used herein refers to a position that is closer to the fuel cell system 20 e.g. an outlet of the fuel cell system 20 configured to output the exhaust fluid. A downstream position, as used herein, defines a position that is farther away from the fuel cell system 20, in a direction towards the outside, in which the exhaust fluid is carried through the exhaust assembly 52 and ultimately away from the vehicle 10.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 2, the exhaust fluid processing device 50 is configured to receive the exhaust fluid as shown by an arow 39 and separate the exhaust fluid as it passes through the device 50 into liquid and vapor phases. The liquid phase e.g. liquid water may be discharged via the drain conduit 56. The liquid water can be released under the vehicle 10 and / or it may be collected and stored in the fluid storage container 42 as shown in FIG. 2. The exhaust conduit 54 is configured to convey the vapor phase i.e. vapor or steam through the exhaust conduit 54 and towards the outside.

[0097] In the example of FIG. 2, the fuel cell system 20 is shown to output the fuel cell exhaust fluid, as shown by arrow 35 before or upstream of the electrical turbocharger 38 and by arrow 39 after or downstream the electrical turbocharger 38. The fuel cell system 20 may be configured to discharge or expel or output the fuel cell exhaust fluid from, e.g. an outlet port 23 of the fuel cell system 20, as shown schematically in FIG. 2. It should be noted that a position of the outlet port 23 of the fuel cell system 20 is shown schematically.

[0098] The fuel cell exhaust fluid may be referred to as a main exhaust flow, which comprises byproducts discharged from both the anode side 24 and cathode side 26 of the fuel cell stack 22 that are combined into the single flow that is routed through the device 50. The anode side 24 and cathode side 26 can have respective separate exhaust conduits (not shown), and flows carried in the conduits may be combined into the main fuel cell exhaust flow. In some examples, the separate exhaust conduits may carry respective exhaust fluid flows from the anode and cathode sides 24, 26 away from the fuel cell stack.

[0099] In some examples, the liquid phase of the fuel cell exhaust fluid, such that liquid water which may be filtered in the exhaust fluid processing device 50, may be expelled from the exhaust conduit 54 directly on the ground e.g. on the road. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 2, the water may optionally be collected and stored in the fluid storage container 42 such as e.g. a water tank. The water stored in the fluid storage container 42 may be released upon a trigger, e.g., responsive to stopping the vehicle 10 and / or shutting down or preparing to shut down the fuel cell system 20.

[0100] In some examples, the liquid water collected and stored in the fluid storage container 42 may be reused in the vehicle 10, for example, for one or more out of cooling needs, delivering water to a fuel cell humidifier, vehicle washing, etc.

[0101] In the example of FIG. 2, electric power, labeled as 43, generated by the fuel cell stack 22 may be supplied to a junction box or unit 46, such as e.g. a high-voltage junction box. The power may be supplied through a converter, e.g. a DC / DC converter, that converts and stabilizes the voltage. The power is supplied, via the junction unit 46, to an electric motor or machine 48, also referred to herein as an electric traction machine, for propelling one or more sets of wheels 55 of the vehicle. The junction unit 46 is a component that serves as a communal meeting spot for electrical connections between the fuel cell stack 22, the ESS 40, and the electric machine 48. Traction power to the wheels 55 is delivered by the electric machine 48 supplied by one or both the ESS 40, such as e.g. a battery system comprising one or more batteries, and the fuel cell stack 22. Electrical connections are shown by dotted lines in FIG. 2.

[0102] Operation of the system 25 may be controlled at least in part by a control device such as the controller 30 also shown in FIG. 1. The controller 30 comprises processing circuitry 32 and memory storingcomputer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry 32, perform methods in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. In some examples, a method comprises routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid produced by the fuel cell system of the fuel cell vehicle 10 through the exhaust fluid processing device 50. In some examples, a method comprises routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid produced by the fuel cell system of the fuel cell vehicle 10 through the exhaust conduit 54 of the exhaust assembly 52 of the system 25 for the fuel cell vehicle 10.

[0103] As mentioned above, the fuel cell vehicle 10 may comprise two systems, such as the system 25, and thus the vehicle 10 may comprise two exhaust assemblies 52 each comprising a respective exhaust conduit 54. Thus, in some examples, the fuel cell system comprises two fuel cell systems, the at least one exhaust assembly comprises two exhaust assemblies, and each of the two exhaust assemblies is configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a corresponding fuel cell system of the two fuel cell systems. The exhaust assembly 52 may be configured to carry the fuel cell exhaust fluid away from the fuel cell system 20 and away from the fuel cell vehicle 10 e.g. to an ambient environment, through a liquid water extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid may in some implementations be stored in the vehicle 10 or otherwise collected and stored without being released to the ambient environment.

[0104] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an exhaust conduit such as the exhaust conduit 54 of at least one exhaust assembly 52 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 also illustrates, in addition to the exhaust conduit 54 which may be referred to as a first exhaust conduit, a second exhaust conduit 54' that is not described separately herein since it has a similar configuration as the exhaust conduit 54. In some examples, the fuel cell vehicle 10 may include two fuel cell systems and two corresponding exhaust conduits such as the first and second exhaust conduits 54, 54'. In some examples, however, the vehicle may include one or more than two fuel cell systems and corresponding exhaust conduits each configured to fluidly couple to a corresponding fuel cell system.

[0105] It is noted that the second exhaust conduit 54' may be routed differently through the gantry or tower of the vehicle, as a space and other components in the tower allow, and the exact shape of the second exhaust conduit 54' may differ from a shape of the exhaust conduit 54. Nevertheless, the first and second exhaust conduits 54, 54' may be configured similarly, such that they include similar or same corresponding portions and have similar or same functionality.

[0106] The exhaust conduit 54 may be configured to extend between a first end 54a of the exhaust conduit 54 in fluid communication with the fuel cell system (not shown) and a second end 54b of the exhaust conduit 54 having a conduit opening 57 that opens towards the outside at the top of the vehicle. The exhaust conduit 54 is configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside, wherein the exhaust conduit 54 is configured such that the vapor or steam from the fuel cell exhaust fluid is pressed as high as possible above the vehicle, to spread out the steam in the ambient air. The exhaust vapor released through the conduit opening 57 also includes hydrogen gas which is typically present in the fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 3, the exhaust conduit 54 comprises a first portion 60, a second portion 62, a transition portion 64, and a third portion 66. The first portion extends between a first portion proximal end 60a coupled to the fuel cell system e.g., an outlet port of the fuel cell system (not shown) and a first portion distal end 60b comprising a lowermost point 68 of the exhaust conduit 54 in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point 68 comprising a drain port 70 for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The drain port 70 can seat an exhaust fluid processing device 50. In some examples, the drain port 70 may be in fluid communication with the exhaust fluid processing device 50, such that the fuel cell exhaust flow may be conveyed from the first portion 60 of the exhaust conduit 54, through the drain port, and to the exhaust fluid processing device 50. The flow of raw, such as unprocessed, fuel cell exhaust fluid, which is pressurized by a compressor such as e.g. a turbocharger compressor of turbocharger 38 (FIG. 2), is routed to pass through the exhaust fluid processing device 50 that releases a processed fuel cell exhaust flow such as liquid water.

[0108] Regardless of the way in which the exhaust fluid processing device 50 is coupled to the drain port 70, liquid water, extracted from the fuel cell exhaust flow and possibly filtered, is released from the exhaust fluid processing device 50 as shown schematically by an arrow 61 in FIG. 3.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 3, the second portion 62 extends between a second portion proximal end 62a coupled to the first portion distal 60b, and a second portion distal end 62b, the second portion 62 having at least one bend. The at least one bend may comprise a plurality of bends. The at least one bend of the second portion may shift a corresponding part of the second portion 62 of the exhaust conduit upwards by a degree of from zero to 80 degrees. In the illustrated example, the second portion 62 of the exhaust conduit 54 comprises five bends b1, b2, b3, b4, and b5, though it should be appreciated that another number of bends, including fewer than five or greater than five, may be formed. Each of the five bends may shift a corresponding part of the second portion 62 upwards, e.g. by a degree of from zero to 80 degrees or from 1 to 80 degrees . As shown, the second portion 62 has a greater length that the first portion 60 of the exhaust conduit 54.

[0110] The transition portion 64 of the exhaust conduit 54 extends between a transition portion proximal end 64a coupled to the second portion distal end 62b and a transition portion distal end 64b. The transition portion 64 has a decreasing diameter that decreases from a first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end 64a has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end 64b has the second diameter. In some examples, one or both of the first and second portions 60, 62 of the exhaust conduit 54 may have a circular cross-section and have the first diameter. There may be deviations from the first diameter, e.g. at bent portions. In some examples, one or both of the first and second portions 60, 62 of the exhaust conduit 54 may have an oval or other rounded cross-section.

[0111] The third portion 66 of the exhaust conduit 54 extends between a third portion proximal end 66a coupled to the transition portion distal end 64b and a third portion distal end 66b comprising the conduit opening 57. The third portion 66 may extend through a back portion of a cabin of a vehicle such as e.g. vehicle cabin 15 of the vehicle 10. At least a part of the third portion 66 is positioned vertically relative to the direction of gravity. In some examples, the third portion 66 is positioned vertically throughout its entire length, such that it may have the second diameter throughout its entire length. In some examples, the majority of the third portion 66 ispositioned vertically, such that the majority of the third portion 66 may have the second diameter throughout its length. When the third portion 66 has a bend, the diameter of the third portion 66 may deviate, in its part comprising the bend, from the second diameter. In some examples, the third portion 66 is primarily vertical, but a distal-most part of the third portion 66 may include a bend, as discussed below.

[0112] The transition portion 64 of the exhaust conduit 54 is configured so as to speed up the steam expelled via the exhaust conduit 54 as part of the fuel cell exhaust fluid, such that the steam is pressed up against inner walls of the transition portion 64. The velocity of the steam is increased in the transition portion 64 due to the decreasing diameter of the transition portion 64, relative to the upstream second portion 62. Also, the entire configuration of the exhaust conduit 54 and the transition portion 64 in particular ensure that the steam is released as far as possible away from the conduit opening 57. The higher the velocity of the steam, the faster it spreads around in the ambient air as the vehicle is moving. The configuration of the third portion 66, e.g. the fact that it is primarily vertical in relation to the ground, further facilities the release of the steam from the exhaust conduit 54.

[0113] FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of an example of a portion of the first exhaust conduit 54, circled and marked as E1 in FIG. 3, that comprises the transition portion 64, as well as parts of the second portion 62 and the third portion 66. A similar portion of the second exhaust conduit 54', also circled in FIG. 3, may have a configuration that is similar to the configuration of the portion E1 of the first exhaust conduit 54, shown in FIG. 4. An angle o1 of the decrease of the diameter of the transition portion 64, from the transition portion proximal end 64a to the transition portion distal end 64b, may be about 4 degrees. In some examples, the angle o1 of the decrease of the diameter of the transition portion 64 is from about 2 degree to about 10 degrees. As also shown in FIG. 4, a first diameter d1, at the transition portion proximal end 64a, is larger than a second diameter d2 at the transition portion distal end 64b. The transition portion 64 has a decreasing diameter such that its diameter decreases from d1 to d2. In some examples, the second diameter d2 comprises from 80% to 90% of the first diameter d1.

[0114] The second portion 62 may have a diameter that is equal to the first diameter d1 of the transition portion proximal end 64a, and the third portion 66 may have a diameter that is equal to the second diameter d2 of the transition portion distal end 64b. Thus, the third portion 66 may have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the second portion 62.

[0115] A corner radius R1 of an expanded transition segment between the second portion 62 and the transition portion 64 may be about 2xd1 ± 20%, and a corner radius R2 of another expanded transition segment between the transition portion 64 and the third portion 66 may also be about 2xd 1 ± 20%. The corner radius R1 and the corner radius R2 may have other lengths.

[0116] Returning to FIG. 3, the third portion 66 of the exhaust conduit 54 extends between a third portion proximal end 66a coupled to the transition portion distal end 64b and a third portion distal end 66b comprising the conduit opening 57. At least a part of the third portion 66 is positioned vertically relative to the direction of gravity. In some examples, the third portion 66 is positioned vertically throughout its entire length, such that it may have the second diameter throughout its entire length.

[0117] In some examples, the majority of the third portion 66 of the exhaust conduit 54 is positioned vertically in a direction of gravity. In some examples, whereas the majority of the third portion 66 may be vertical, a part of the third portion 66 of the exhaust conduit 54 may comprise a bend, for example, a bend in proximity to the third portion distal end 66b. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a part of the third portion 66 of the exhaust conduit 54, wherein the part of the third portion 66 comprises a bend B1. As marked in FIG. 5, the bend B1 has a length L, a diameter K, and a corner radius R3. The length L may be at least K / 2 i.e. at least a half of the diameter K. The corner radius R may be about 1.6xK, and an angle of the bend B1, p1, may be from 0 to about 35 degrees. As shown in FIG. 5, the bend B1 may be formed in proximity to the third portion distal end 66b that comprises the conduit opening 57. The bend B1 may assist in expelling the fuel cell exhaust fluid in the form of the steam to the ambient environment as far away as possible from the conduit opening 57. An arrow 77 illustrates schematically a direction in which the stream travels upwards in the conduit 54.

[0118] FIG. 6 illustrates an example a part of the first portion 60 of the exhaust conduit 54, wherein the first portion 60 comprises a drain port (not shown). FIG. 6 depicts an example of a bend B2 of the first portion 60 upstream the drain port. Thus, in the first portion 60, the fuel cell exhaust fluid flows downwards, in a direction shown schematically by an arrow 79. Up to the drain port, the fuel cell exhaust fluid may be unprocessed, such that it may not be yet separated into the liquid phase and the vapor or steam phase. In some examples, an inner angle y1 of the bend B2 may be from 0 to 80 degrees. In some examples, the angle y1 of the bend B2 may be from 0 to 80 degrees or from 1 to 80 degrees. In some examples, a corner radius R4 of the first portion 60 at the bend B2 may be about 1 ,6xM, wherein M is a diameter of the first portion 60. The configuration of the first portion 60 of the exhaust conduit 54 as shown in the example of FIG. 6 ensures the liquid water flows downwards in the direction of gravity. It should be appreciated that FIG. 6 illustrates the bend B2 of the first portion 60 by way of example.

[0119] In some examples, as discussed above, at least one fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle comprises more than one fuel cell system, for example, two fuel cell systems. In such examples, at least one exhaust assembly comprises two exhaust assemblies, and each of the two exhaust assemblies comprises a corresponding exhaust conduit that is configured to carry a stream of a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a corresponding fuel cell system of the two fuel cell systems.

[0120] FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a portion of the vehicle 10' which is similar to vehicle 10 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, and, for simplicity of representation, similar components are labeled using the same numerical references as those used in connection with vehicle 10 of FIGs. 1 and 2. FIG. 7A shows first and second exhaust conduits 54, 54'. Each of the first and second exhaust conduits 54, 54' is included in a respective system comprising a fuel cell system and an exhaust assembly, the exhaust assembly comprising the exhaust conduit. Thus, as shown for the first exhaust conduit 54 of the exhaust assembly 52 of a first system 25 (shown in FIG. 1 as system 25), which may be referred to as a first exhaust assembly 52, the first exhaust conduit 54 is coupled to the fuel cell system 20 comprising the fuel cell stack 22 and the turbocharger 38. The second exhaust conduit 54' of an exhaust assembly 52' of a second system 25', which may be referred to as a second exhaust assembly 52', is coupled to a second fuel cell system 20' comprising a second fuel cell stack 22' and a second turbocharger38'. It should be noted that that each of the fuel cell stack 22 and the second fuel cell stack 22' may comprise multiple fuel cell stacks. Components of the second exhaust assembly 52' may be similar to corresponding components of the first exhaust assembly 52 and are therefore not described in detail herein.

[0121] Each of the first and second exhaust conduits 54, 54' may be in fluid communication with a corresponding exhaust fluid processing device, not shown in FIG. 7A.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 7A, the first and second exhaust conduits 54, 54' may be routed through the gantry or tower 12 of the vehicle 10', the tower 12 included in the vehicle cabin 15, e.g., behind the driver compartment 18. At least portion of each of the exhaust conduit may extend through a back portion of the vehicle cabin 15. The first and second exhaust conduits 54, 54' may be positioned in the gantry or tower 12 such that their respective distal-most ends protrude from a top of the vehicle 10', such as from a top of a roof 13 of the tower 12, and respective conduit openings 57, 57' are positioned above the top of the vehicle 10'.

[0123] FIG. 7B illustrates schematically an example of the top view of the vehicle 10'. A width of the vehicle 10' is shown as W by way of example. FIG. 7B shows that the first exhaust conduit 54 and second exhaust conduit 54' may be positioned in the vehicle e.g. in the tower or gantry, such that an outer edge of the second exhaust conduit 54' is offset from a side wall of the vehicle by a certain distance shown by an arrow x1 . The outer edge of the second exhaust conduit 54' may be offset from the side wall of the vehicle 10' by the distance of 20-30% of the width W of the vehicle. An outer edge of the first exhaust conduit 54 may be similarly offset of an opposite side wall of the vehicle by a certain distance, e.g. 20-30% of the width W of the vehicle, as shown by an arrow x2. The first exhaust conduit 54 and second exhaust conduit 54' may be configured in a similar manner, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure, though specific directions and angles of the bends of the conduits may differ, depending e.g. on other components in the vehicle's tower and other factors.

[0124] In examples in accordance with the present disclosure, as shown e.g. in FIG. 3, the lowermost point 68 of the exhaust conduit 54, discussed hereinbelow as a representative exhaust conduit, comprises the drain port 70. The drain port 70 may be in fluid communication with the exhaust fluid processing device 50. The exhaust fluid processing device 50 may have various configurations.

[0125] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device 50 comprises a steam lock device that is positioned in the drain port such that a top surface of the steam lock device is facing an inside of the exhaust conduit. The steam lock device is configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor or steam in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The steam lock device is also configured to selectively release the liquid water based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit 54.

[0126] A steam lock device 150 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure is discussed below in connection with FIGs. 8, 9A-B, 10A-B, 11A-B, and 12A-B. The steam lock device 150 may be configured to seat in the drain port of the lowermost point of the exhaust conduit 54, such that the steam lock device 150 is configured to remove excess water from the exhaust conduit 54. This may be performed based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit 54. The steam lock device 150 is configured to extract certain amounts of water from thefuel cell exhaust fluid, whereas remaining moisture, in the vapor or steam phase, in the fuel cell exhaust fluid is carried upwards, towards the conduit opening, to be released to the ambient environment.

[0127] In some examples, a portion of the remaining portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid traveling through the exhaust conduit may condense in the exhaust conduit and to flow towards lowermost point of the exhaust conduit in the direction of gravity, and this condensate may be processed in the exhaust fluid processing device such as e.g. the steam lock device 150.

[0128] In some examples, in which the vehicle 10 is a large vehicle e.g. a truck, the steam lock device 150 may be configured to extract, from a fuel cell exhaust fluid, amounts of water that are close to amounts of water expelled by conventional diesel truck exhausts or by fuel cell passenger cars. Accordingly, the steam lock device 150 may be configured to advantageously release to the outside reduced amounts of water at a time. This may be advantageous because releasing large amounts of water by fuel cell trucks may present a problem, particularly in cold climates or in winter conditions, when the water expelled on the roads by the trucks may freeze.

[0129] Furthermore, the steam lock device 150 is configured to keep or maintain the pressure inside the exhaust conduit, such that the pressure in the exhaust conduit may be maintained to be sufficient to carry the vapor or steam and smaller water drops through the exhaust conduit high up above the vehicle. In this way, the steam, expelled high above the vehicle, expands in the ambient air above the vehicle, and the ambient air absorbs the smaller exhaust waterdrops and steam before the waterdrops and steam fall on ground or hit parts of the vehicle and / or a trailer. Accordingly, the vapor or steam handled and carried by the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the steam lock device 150, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure, is released into the ambient air in the manner that does not cause visibility issues in the roads. Also, less moisture is released onto the vehicle and / or a trailer that may be coupled to the vehicle, and other vehicles on the road. In this way, the structure of the exhaust conduit 54, along with operation of the steam lock device 150, advantageously allow releasing the vapor from the fuel cell exhaust fluid from above the vehicle, but in the manner that overcomes possible visibility and other issues related to fog-like or cloud-like vapor being released from the top of the vehicle.

[0130] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the steam lock device 150 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The steam lock device 150 may be positioned in the drain port (obscured in FIG. 8) of the lowermost portion or point 68 of the first portion 60 of the exhaust conduit 54. The steam lock device 150 comprises a demister component 152 and a one-way flow valve 154 positioned under the demister component 152. FIG. 8 also shows that a drain pipe or conduit 156 is coupled to a bottom of the one-way flow valve 154.

[0131] As shown in FIGs. 9A and 9B, the drain conduit 156 may comprise an inner channel 157 in fluid communication with an inner channel 160 of the one-way flow valve 154. The one-way flow valve 154 is configured to selectively release the liquid water received from the demister component 152, and the liquid water may be discharged from the steam lock device 150 through a bottom opening 162 of the drain conduit 156, as shown schematically by an arrow a1 in FIG. 8. In some examples, the one-way flow valve 154 may be amechanical valve. In some examples, the one-way flow valve 154 may be an electric valve that is controllable, e.g., by controller 30 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2.

[0132] The demister component 152 may be configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The demister component 152 is configured such that water droplets in the exhaust fluid, e.g., a steam phase of the exhaust fluid, are brought together to form larger water droplets. Finer or smaller droplets condense, collide, and coalesce into larger and larger droplets that can thereby ultimately become part of the liquid phase of the exhaust fluid. Also, the demister component 152 is configured to make a more laminar flow of the fuel cell exhaust fluid, which makes it easier for hydrogen gas to the leave the main exhaust flow to be then released together with the vapor from the top of the vehicle.

[0133] FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate the exhaust conduit 54 in cross-section, and also show the steam lock device 150 positioned in the drain port 70 in the first portion 60 of the exhaust conduit 54. FIG. 9B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion E2 of the steam lock device 150, marked as E2 in FIG. 9A. As shown in FIG. 9A, the steam lock device 150 sits in the drain port 70 such that a top surface 151 of the steam lock device 150 is facing an inside of the exhaust conduit 54 at the drain port 70.

[0134] The top surface 151 of the steam lock device 150 comprises a top surface 151 of the demister component 152, as shown in FIG. 11A. As further shown in FIGs. 11A and 11 B illustrating an example of a configuration of the demister component 152, the demister component 152 may comprise a plurality of through orifices or holes 155 configured and dimensioned to cause the at least a portion of the vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets. The plurality of through holes 155 cause smaller water droplets to gather into larger water droplets, whereby the at least a portion of the vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid is transformed into a liquid phase i.e. the liquid water is produced and released from a bottom 153 of the demister component 152 shown in FIG. 11 B. The plurality of through holes 155 may include any suitable number of through holes forming any suitable pattern. A pattern of the holes may be selected to optimize performance of the demister component. It should be appreciated that the holes 155, like other components illustrates in Figures herein, are not shown to scale. Furthermore, in some examples, the demister component 152 may have other configurations.

[0135] In the example illustrated herein, the demister component 152 may have a body 152a and a flange 152b that is configured to mate with the flow valve 154. It should however be appreciated that the demister component 152 may have any suitable shape.

[0136] The one-way flow valve 154, positioned under the demister component 152 and mated with the demister component 152 in a suitable manner, may comprise a body 158 and the inner channel 160 that is configured to receive the liquid water from the demister component 152. As shown in FIGs. 12A and 12B illustrating an example of the one-way flow valve 154, the body 158 of the one-way flow valve 154 may comprise an upper flange 154a, a lower flange 154b, and a mid-portion 152c positioned between the upper and lower flanges 154a, 154b. The upper flange 154a of the one-way flow valve 154 is configured to mate with the flange 152b of the demister component 152, such that these flanges may be coupled to one another. The lower flange154b of the one-way flow valve 154 may be configured to mate with the drain conduit 156. The body 158 of the one-way flow valve 154 may have other shapes, and a spool-like shape is shown herein as an example only.

[0137] The one-way flow valve 154 is configured to adopt its degree of opening based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit 54 to thereby selectively release the liquid water from the inner channel 160, such as from an exit opening of the inner channel 160.

[0138] In some examples, as shown in FIGs. 9A and 9B, the one-way flow valve 154 may comprise a ball- and-spring valve. Thus, the valve 154 may comprise a ball or sphere 164 and a spring 166 coupled to the sphere 164 and configured to move the sphere 164 to thereby change a degree of opening of an upper orifice 168 of the inner channel 160 of the one-way flow valve 154. The sphere 164 and the spring 166 may be positioned in the inner channel 160. The upper orifice 168 of the inner channel 160 may be configured to allow the inner channel 160 to receive the water from the demister component 152. It should be noted that what is referred to therein as the liquid water or water discharged by the demister component 152 may include certain small amounts of gases such as hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, as well as certain small amounts of vapor, though the main constituent will be liquid water.

[0139] The steam lock device 150 is configured to receive at least a portion the fuel cell exhaust fluid that is moved through the exhaust conduit 54 due to the pressure in the exhaust conduit 54, wherein the portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid passes through the demister component 152, whereby the liquid water is formed and output by the demister component 152. The vapor or steam phase of the fuel cell exhaust fluid, which has not entered the steam lock device 150, is pushed further in the exhaust conduit 54, up towards the conduit opening 57 of the exhaust conduit 54. A part of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in the vapor or steam phase may condense in the exhaust conduit 54 and drip downwards and thus come in contact with the steam lock device 150. A main portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in the vapor or steam phase, however, is pushed upwards along the exhaust conduit 54, with the increased velocity in the third portion 66 of the exhaust conduit 54, and is released into the ambient air high above the vehicle 10. In some examples, the vapor may be released as high as 1.5 meter or higher above the top of the vehicle 10.

[0140] The valve 154 may be at least partially open. In other words, the one-way flow valve 154 may remain constantly open. In some examples, when the pressure in the exhaust conduit 54 is zero or close to zero, the valve 154 may be about 10% open relative to a fully open configuration. When the pressure in the exhaust conduit 54 is a maximum pressure, the valve 154 may be about 100% open relative to the fully open configuration, i.e. the valve 154 would be fully open. The pressure in the exhaust conduit 54 may be the maximum pressure when the fuel cell system is considered to be operating at a maximum load, with the maximum pressure, and also the fuel cell system is producing a maximum possible amount of the fuel cell exhaust fluid.

[0141] FIGs. 9A and 8B schematically illustrate an example of the one-way flow valve 154 in a position when the one-way flow valve 154 is only partially open, e.g., to about 10% relative to the fully open configuration, such that the upper orifice 168 of the inner channel 160 is about 10% open relative to its fully open configuration. For comparison, FIGs. 10A and 10B schematically illustrate an example of the one-way flow valve 154 in aposition when the one-way flow valve 154 is fully open, e.g., to about 100% relative to the fully open configuration, such that the upper orifice 168 of the inner channel 160 is fully open, such that the water can pass from the demister into the inner channel 160 of the one-way flow valve 154. A degree of opening of the one-way flow valve 154 may be directly proportional to the pressure in the exhaust conduit 54. FIG. 10B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion E3 of the steam lock device 150, marked as E3 in FIG. 10A.

[0142] In some examples, the one-way flow valve 154 may be configured and / or controlled such the degree of opening of the one-way flow valve 154 varies so as to maintain a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid above the demister component 152, at the drain port 70, between a first, lower level and a second, upper level. Accordingly, the one-way flow valve 154 would operate to maintain the level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid between the first level and the second level. In some examples, the first, lower level may be above the demister component 152. In some examples, the steam lock device 150 may comprise a liquid level sensor (not shown) that is configured to measure a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid at the drain port 170, and wherein the one-way flow valve 154, e.g., an electric valve, may be controlled in dependence on measurements acquired by the liquid level sensor.

[0143] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device in accordance with examples of the present disclosure comprises an exhaust filter device that is configured to be fluidly coupled to the drain port of the lowermost point of the exhaust conduit and configured to receive at least a portion of the exhaust fluid through the drain port. The exhaust filter device may be coupled to the drain port via an auxiliary passage of conduit, and the exhaust filter device may be positioned below the drain port, in the direction of gravity. The exhaust filter device may comprise a filter component and the exhaust filter device may be configured to operate as both a demister and a filter, such that liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid routed through the exhaust filter device, and the fuel cell exhaust fluid is filtered and / or cleaned by removing impurities and contaminants therefrom. The principle of operation of the exhaust filter device is to retain the fuel cell exhaust fluid therein for a sufficient amount of time which may be referred to as a resident time, so that appropriate amount of liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid and / or the fuel cell exhaust fluid is sufficiency filtered or cleaned. The liquid water may be reused for vehicle needs or outside the vehicle. In some cases, the liquid water, or a portion thereof, may be discharged to the outside environment.

[0144] The exhaust fluid processing device is configured to handle and / or process the fuel cell exhaust fluid such that a resulting processed fuel cell exhaust fluid is cleaner than the raw, unprocessed fuel cell exhaust fluid. This may be an advantage when the processed fuel cell exhaust fluid is released to the environment. Also, in examples in which the processed fuel cell exhaust fluid is retained for reuse, because it has an improved quality, it may be used in applications in which e.g. water without potentially harmful substances may be used.

[0145] The exhaust filter device may have a varied configuration. The configuration of the filter component, as well as of other components of the exhaust filter device may be selected so as to allow a pressurized flow of the fuel cell exhaust fluid to flow through the filter component at a desired speed. Thus, the exhaust filter device may be configured so that the fuel cell exhaust fluid passes through the device and the filter component inside the device for a certain duration of time. For example, depending on an application which requires a certaindegree of purity of the fuel cell exhaust fluid at the output by the exhaust filter device and / or depending on properties of the fuel cell exhaust fluid, different configurations of the exhaust filter device may be selected. In other words, the device may be configured so as to cause the fuel cell exhaust fluid to follow paths of varied lengths through the device. Also, the filter component may have different configurations.

[0146] In some examples, a position of an inlet of the exhaust device may vary. The filter component may or may not be partially surrounded by a shell or casing, and other variations in the configuration of the exhaust filter device are possible. Some non-limiting example implementations of the exhaust filter device are described below.

[0147] As shown in FIGs. 13, 14A, and 14B, in some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises a fuel cell exhaust filter device 250, also interchangeably referred to herein as an exhaust filter device 250. The exhaust filter device 250 may be configured to be fluidly couple to, e.g., to be coupled to and in fluid communication with, the drain port 70 of the lowermost point 68 of the exhaust conduit 54 and configured to receive at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the drain port 70. The exhaust filter device 250 may be coupled with the drain port 70 via a connector, passage, conduit, or another component not shown herein.

[0148] FIG. 13 depicts that the exhaust filter device 250 comprises a housing 252 having a longitudinal axis A2 extending between a first, upper end 252u and a second, lower end 252I of the housing 252. The housing 252 comprises an exhaust filter device inlet port 254, a removable and replaceable filter component 256 positioned in an inner cavity of the housing 252, and an exhaust filter device outlet port 258. The exhaust filter device inlet and outlet ports 254, 258 comprise flanges formed around respective openings through a wall of the housing 252. The exhaust filter device outlet port 258 may be configured to couple to a fluid storage container e.g. fluid storage container 42 of FIG. 2 such as e.g. a water tank. The fluid such as water stored in the fluid storage container 42 may be released upon a trigger, e.g., responsive to stopping the vehicle 10 and / or shutting down or preparing to shut down the fuel cell system 20. The water collected and stored in the fluid storage container 42 may also be reused in the vehicle 10, for example, for one or more out of cooling needs, delivering water to a fuel cell humidifier, vehicle washing, etc. In some examples, the water may also be reused outside of the vehicle.

[0149] The housing 252 may comprise an inner bore or inner channel 260 which may extend throughout the entirety of the length of the housing 252. In some examples, the inner channel 260 may be positioned such that its longitudinal axis coincides with the longitudinal axis A2 of the housing 252. The fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the inner channel 260 after it has passed through the filter component 256 and is thereby filtered, and the filtered fuel cell exhaust fluid e.g. in the form of liquid water is directed outside of the housing 252, via the inner channel 260, and through the exhaust filter device outlet port 258. In some examples, as shown in FIGs. 14A, 14B, and 15, the exhaust filter device outlet port 258 may comprise a flow control valve 258v that may be controlled to operate to release the processed fuel cell exhaust fluid, mainly in the liquid water phase, to the outside of the housing 252. As shown in FIG. 13, the filter component 256 is positioned radially around the inner channel 260, with a first inner space 262 formed between an inner wall of the filter component 256 and an outer wall of the inner channel 260. The first inner space 262, which radially surrounds the outer wall of the innerchannel 260, is configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid after it has passed through the filter component 256, as shown in FIG. 14B. The fuel cell exhaust fluid flows from the first inner space 262 to the inner channel 260.

[0150] In some examples, as further shown in FIG. 13, as well as in FIGs. 14A, 14B, and 15, the filter component 256 may be positioned in the housing 252 such that the filter component 256 is offset from an inner wall 252i (marked in FIGs. 14A and 15) of the housing 252, such that a second inner space 264 may be formed between the outer wall of the filter component 256 and the inner wall 252i of the housing 252. The second inner space 264 is configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid as the fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the housing 252 via the exhaust filter device inlet port 254, as shown in FIG. 14B. In the illustrated example, the device 250 is configured such that the second inner space 264 may not be in direct communication with the first inner space 262, and the fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the first inner space 262 after the fluid has passed through the filter component 256. It should be noted that the inner spaces 262, 264 are referred to as first and second inner spaces, respectively, for description purposes only.

[0151] In some examples, as illustrated in FIGs. 13, 14A, 14B, and 15, the inner channel 260 of the exhaust filter device 250 may be a separate component of the housing 252 of the exhaust filter device 250. The inner channel 260 may be e.g. in the form of a tubular pipe disposed in the housing 252, and it may be formed of a suitable material, such as from the same material of which the housing 252 is made or from a different material. In such examples, the filter component 256 may be positioned radially around the inner channel 260 such that the inner channel 260 extends through the filter component 256, with the first inner space 262 therebetween. The walls of the inner channel 260, when it is a separate component, may be not permeable to the fuel cell exhaust fluid. Thus, to reach the inside of the inner channel 260, the fuel cell exhaust liquid, which has passed through the filter component 256, first reaches an inner top space 268 that extends under a cover 265 and over the filter component 256, the first inner space 262, and the inner channel 260, as shown in FIGs. 14A, 14B, and 15.

[0152] The exhaust filter device inlet port 254 is configured to fluidly couple, directly or via one or more intermediate conduits or other elements, with the drain port 70. The exhaust filter device inlet port 254 may thus, in use, be coupled to and in fluid communication with the drain port 70. The exhaust filter device inlet port 254 is configured, when coupled to the drain port 70, to receive pressurized fuel cell exhaust fluid that is output by the fuel cell system 20 and that is conveyed via the exhaust conduit 54, through the drain port 70, and towards the exhaust filter device inlet port 254.

[0153] In the vehicle, the exhaust filter device 250 may be positioned vertically in the direction of gravity, i.e. as shown in FIG. 13. In this example, the inlet port 254 is positioned in proximity to the second, lower end 252I of the housing 252. In some implementations, the inlet port may be positioned in proximity to the first, upper end of the housing, as discussed in more detail below. It should be noted that the upper and lower ends of the housing may be referred to herein as first and second ends, respectively, for description purposes only.

[0154] The filter component 256 may be configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The filter component 256 is configured to retain impuritiesand / or contaminants from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and the filter component 256 may also function as a demister that can convert vapor into liquid water. In some examples, the filter component 256 may be removable and replaceable, such that the housing 252 can be accessed for replacement of the filter component 256. In FIG. 13, the housing 252 is shown without a top cover, but in use, as shown in FIGs. 14A, 14B, and 15, the cover 265 is placed over the housing 252. The cover 265 may be a removable cover that is configured to be removed or separated from the housing 252 to allow access to the inner cavity of the housing 252 e.g. for replacing the filter component 256. The cover 265 may be configured to be fixedly attached to the housing 252, using any suitable features.

[0155] The filter component 256 may be generally cylindrical, as shown in FIG. 13. It should be appreciated however that the filter component 256 may have other shapes and configurations.

[0156] In some examples, the filter component 256 may be at least partially enclosed by a filter component membrane. The membrane may be positioned around the filter component 256 such that the membrane encloses the filter component 256. Depending on one or more materials included in the filter component 256, the filter component membrane may have a containment function, i.e. to retain the material(s) in place. The filter component membrane may also function to facilitate spreading of the flow of the fuel cell exhaust fluid around such that an area over which the fuel cell exhaust fluid contacts the filter component may be increased.

[0157] In the example illustrated in FIGs. 13, 14A, 14B, and 15, the filter component 256 may be partially enclosed by a filter component membrane, which may be positioned around an outer side wall 256s of the filter component 256, around an inner side wall 256I of the filter component 256, and around a top surface 257t of the filter component 256. A bottom surface 256b of the filter component 256 may be enclosed by a base 267. The base 267, e.g. in the form of a plate or another similar component, may be positioned under the filter component 256 and the first and second inner spaces 262, 264. In some implementations, the inner surface of the housing 252, at the bottom of the housing, may serve as a base.

[0158] In some examples, a filter component membrane may be positioned only over a top surface of the filter component 256 or only over a bottom surface of the filter component 256. In some examples, a filter component membrane may be positioned radially around the outer sidewall surface of the filter component 256. In some examples, a filter component membrane may be positioned over the entirety of the filter component 256.

[0159] The filter component 256 may be configured to demist and clean the fuel cell exhaust fluid by one or more out of a mechanical cleaning, absorption, and ion exchange. The filter component 256 may comprise active carbon. The active carbon may be in the form of granules, spheres, pellets, or particles of other shapes, which may be at least partially enclosed by a filter component membrane and / or by other enclosure elements. In some examples, the filter component 256 may be made of an ion exchange resin, or a combination of active carbon and an ion exchange resin. Other materials may also be used in the filter component 256 additionally or alternatively. In some examples, the filter component 256 comprises nano filter material. For example, nano filter material may be pleated together with a filter material such as e.g. active carbon and / or an ion exchange resin. In some examples, the filter component membrane comprises a nano filter membrane. In some examples, the filtercomponent may be enclosed by a combination of a filter membrane and other enclosure elements, e.g. one or more casings, shells, walls, etc.

[0160] FIG. 14B, which is analogous to FIG. 14A, illustrates schematically, by thick black arrows, an example of a path taken by the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the device 250, as the fuel cell exhaust fluids is demisted and filtered as it is routed to and through the housing 252 of the device 250. As shown by an arrow b1, the fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the device via the exhaust filter device inlet port 254. The fuel cell exhaust fluid then enters the second inner space 264 and travels upwards and sideways, through the filter component 256, as shown by vertical arrows b2 in the second inner space 264 and six side arrows b3 (two of which are labeled in FIG. 14B), extending through the filter component 256 to the first inner space 262 and directed towards the inside of the housing 252. The filter component membrane 266 is permeable to the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and the fuel cell exhaust fluid penetrates through the thickness of the filter component 256 as shown by the side arrows b3 facing radially inside for illustration purposes only. The fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the inner top space 268 and flows into the inner channel 260 through a top opening 260t of the inner channel 260, as shown by arrows b4. The fuel cell exhaust fluid passes through the inner channel 260 downwards, in the direction of gravity towards the bottom of the inner channel 260 as shown by an arrow b5, and the fuel cell exhaust fluid exits the housing 252 via the exhaust filter device outlet port 258, as shown by an arrow b6 in FIG. 14B.

[0161] In some examples, as shown in FIGs. 13, 14A, 14B, and 15, the exhaust filter device outlet port 258 may comprise the flow control valve 258v that is configured to operate to release the fuel cell exhaust fluid, mainly in the form of the liquid water, to the outside of the housing 252. The flow control valve 258v may be configured to facilitate keeping the pressure inside the exhaust conduit, so the fuel cell exhaust fluid inside the exhaust filter device 250 is flowing slowly enough to meet a residence time requirement for active carbon or other one or more materials of the filter component 256. The flow control valve 258v may also assist in preventing the exhaust filter device 250 from drying out, since the flow control valve 258v operates to keep a certain level of liquid fluid in the exhaust filter device 250.

[0162] The flow control valve 258v, e. g. , a spring valve, may be a mechanical valve or an electric valve. In some examples, the flow control valve 258v may be configured and / or controlled to selectively release the fuel cell exhaust fluid based on a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a drain conduit that couples the exhaust filter device 250 to the drain port 70. In this way, due to balancing of draining and pressure inside the exhaust conduit and the exhaust filter device 250, a risk of flooding of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system may be reduced or eliminated.

[0163] FIG. 14B illustrates schematically such as a drain conduit 270 through which the fuel cell exhaust fluid can flow, driven by a pressure generated by a compressor such as e.g. a turbocharger compressor, from the drain port 70 of the exhaust conduit 54 towards the exhaust filter device inlet port 254, as shown by an arrow bO. A level sensor (not shown) may be associated with the drain conduit 270 and may be configured to monitor the level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in the drain conduit 270, as shown by lines 11 and I2, as an example. For example, the release of the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the housing 252 of the device 250 may be controlled, by controlling the flow control valve 258v, such that the flow control valve 258v is closed when the level sensordetects that a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid is at a lower threshold level shown as the line 12 in FIG. 14B and open when a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid is at an upper threshold level shown as the line 11 in FIG. 14B. It should be appreciated that the lines 11 and I2 are shown as an example only, to illustrate operation of the level sensor which may be employed in some examples, and to illustrate that the flow control valve 258v may be controlled based on measurements acquired by the level sensor.

[0164] In some examples, the level sensor may be not used, and the flow control valve 258v may be configured to change its configuration, to control release of the processed fuel cell exhaust fluid through the exhaust filter device outlet port 258, based on the level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in the drain conduit 270. For example, the flow control valve 258v may be configured to be or to move to in a closed configuration when a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid is at a lower threshold level and to be or to move to in an open configuration when a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid is at an upper threshold level.

[0165] In some examples, the flow control valve 258v may be a proportional valve, such that its degree of opening may depend on a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in the drain conduit 270. The flow control valve 258v may be controlled, e.g., controller 30 (shown in FIGs. 1 and 2) based on measurements acquired by a level sensor or by another sensor. In some examples, the flow control valve 258v may be a mechanical valve.

[0166] In some examples, the exhaust filter device 250 may comprise an auxiliary drain conduit 272 that is coupled to and in fluid communication with the housing 252. The auxiliary drain conduit 272, shown in FIG. 14B and 15A in a cross-section, is formed through the wall of the housing 252. The auxiliary drain conduit 272 may be e.g. a thin conduit or pipe that allows the fuel cell exhaust fluid, such as the liquid water, to continuously slowly drip out of the housing 252. Such drainage may be performed e.g. so that the water inside the housing 252 does not freeze and does not get stagnant. In some examples, the flow released from the exhaust filter device outlet port 258, such as filtered fuel cell exhaust fluid, may be combined with the flow released from the auxiliary drain conduit 272.

[0167] In some examples, an exhaust filter device inlet port may be positioned in proximity to the upper end of the housing of the exhaust filter device. In such examples, it may take a longer time for the fluid cell exhaust fluid to travel through the filter component to be ultimately released through the exhaust filter device outlet port. Also, the exhaust filter device may be configured such that a path that the fluid cell exhaust fluid travels through the device is longer.

[0168] FIGs. 16, 17, and 18A-B illustrate an example of an exhaust filter device 350 in which an exhaust filter device inlet port is positioned closer to the top of the device. As shown in FIG. 16, the exhaust filter device 350 comprises a housing 352 having a longitudinal axis A3 extending between a first, upper end 352u and a second, lower end 352I of the housing 352. The housing 352 comprises an exhaust filter device inlet port 354 that is positioned in proximity to the upper end 352u of the housing 352, such as closer to the upper end 352u than to the lower end 352I. In some implementations, the exhaust filter device inlet port 354 may be positioned in proximity to the lower end 352I of the housing 352, such as closer to the lower end 352I than to the upper end 352u of the housing 352. Similarly, the housing of the exhaust filter device 250 (FIGs. 13, 14A, 14B, and 15), the housing 352 of the exhaust filter device 350 in FIG. 16 comprises a filter component 356 positioned in aninner cavity of the housing 352, and an exhaust filter device outlet port 358. In some examples, the filter component 356 may be removable and replaceable.

[0169] The housing 352 also comprises an inner bore or inner channel 360 which may extend throughout the entirety of the length of the housing 352. In some examples, the inner channel 360 may be positioned such that its longitudinal axis coincides with the longitudinal axis A3 of the housing 352.

[0170] In the example shown in FIGs. 16, 17, and 18A-B, the exhaust filter device 350 comprises an outer shell 374 that is positioned radially around an outer side wall of the filter component 356. The outer shell 374 is not permeable to the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and the fuel cell exhaust fluid may enter the filter component 356 only from a bottom of the filter component 356, as illustrated in FIG. 18B.

[0171] The filter component 356, with the outer shell 374 formed therearound, is positioned in the housing 352 such that the outer shell 374 is offset from an inner wall 352I of the housing 352, such that an inner space 364 is formed between the outer shell 374 and the inner wall 352I of the housing 352. The inner space 364 is configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid as the fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the housing 352 via the exhaust filter device inlet port 354, as shown in FIG. 18B.

[0172] The exhaust filter device inlet and outlet ports 354, 358 comprise flanges formed around respective openings through a wall of the housing 352. The exhaust filter device outlet port 358 may be configured to couple to a fluid storage container e.g. fluid storage container 42 of FIG. 2 such as e.g. a water tank. The fluid such as water, produced from the fuel cell exhaust fluid as a result of passing the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the filter component 356, may be stored in the fluid storage container 42. The fuel cell exhaust fluid may be released from the fluid storage container 42 upon a trigger, e.g., responsive to stopping the vehicle 10 and / or shutting down or preparing to shut down the fuel cell system 20. The water collected and stored in the fluid storage container 42 may also be reused in the vehicle 10, for example, for one or more out of cooling needs, delivering water to a fuel cell humidifier, vehicle washing, etc. In some examples, the water may also be reused outside of the vehicle.

[0173] In some examples, as shown in FIGs. 16, 17, 18A, and 18B, the exhaust filter device outlet port 358 may comprise a flow control valve 358v that may be controlled to operate to release the processed fuel cell exhaust fluid, mainly in the form of the liquid water, to the outside of the housing 352.

[0174] The exhaust filter device inlet port 354 may be configured to fluidly couple, directly or via one or more intermediate conduits or other elements, with the drain port 70. The exhaust filter device inlet port 354 is configured to receive pressurized fuel cell exhaust fluid that is output by the fuel cell system 20 and that is conveyed via the exhaust conduit 54, through the drain port 70, and towards the exhaust filter device inlet port 354.

[0175] The filter component 356 is configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The filter component 356 is configured to retain impurities and / or contaminants from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and the filter component 356 may also function as a demister that can convert vapor into liquid water. The filter component 356 is removable and replaceable, such that the housing 352 can be accessed for replacement of the filter component 356. FIGs. 18A and 19 depict acover 365 that is configured to be placed over the housing 352. The cover 365 is a removable cover that is configured to be removed to allow access to the inner cavity of the housing 352 e.g. for replacing the filter component 356. The cover 365 is configured to be fixedly attached to the housing 352, using any suitable features.

[0176] The filter component 356 may be generally cylindrical, as shown in FIG. 16. It should be appreciated however that the filter component 356 may have other shapes and configurations.

[0177] In some examples, the filter component 356 may be at least partially enclosed by a filter component membrane. In the example illustrated in FIGs. 16, 17, 18A, and 18B, the filter component 356 may be partially enclosed by a filter component membrane, which may be positioned over a top and bottom surfaces 356t, 356b of the filter component 356. Thus, FIGs. 17, 18A, and 18B depict a top filter component membrane 366a positioned over the top surface 356t of the filter component 356 and a bottom filter component membrane 366b positioned over the bottom surface 356b of the filter component 356. As mentioned above, the outer side wall of the filter component 356 may be enclosed by an outer shell 374. The inner side wall 356I of the filter component 356 may be adjacent to an outer side wall of the inner channel 360. In some examples, an inner space may be formed between the inner side wall of the filter component 356 and the outer side wall of the inner channel 360, similar to the first inner space in the exhaust filter device 250 of FIGs. 13, 14A-14B, and 15.

[0178] The filter component 356 may be configured to demist and clean the fuel cell exhaust fluid by one or more out of a mechanical cleaning, absorption, and ion exchange. The filter component 356 may comprise active carbon. The active carbon may be in the form of granules, spheres, pellets, or particles of other shapes, which may be at least partially enclosed by a filter component membrane and / or by other enclosure elements. In some examples, the filter component 356 may be made of an ion exchange resin, or a combination of active carbon and an ion exchange resin. Other materials may also be used in the filter component 356 additionally or alternatively. In some examples, the filter component 356 comprises nano filter material. For example, nano filter material may be pleated together with a filter material such as e.g. active carbon and / or an ion exchange resin. In some examples, the filter component membrane comprises a nano filter membrane. In some examples, the filter component may be enclosed by a combination of a filter membrane and other enclosure elements, e.g. one or more casings, shells, walls, etc.

[0179] FIG. 18B, which is analogous to FIG. 18A, illustrates schematically, by thick black arrows, an example of a path taken by the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the exhaust filter device 350, as the fuel cell exhaust fluids is demisted and filtered as it is routed to and through the housing 352 of the device 350. As shown by an arrow d, the fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the device via the exhaust filter device inlet port 354. The fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the inner space 364 and travels downwards, through the inner space 364, as shown by arrows c2. Because the outer shell 374 is not permeable to the fuel cell exhaust fluid, the fuel cell exhaust fluid can only come in contact with the filter component 356 at the bottom 356b of the filter component 356, through an area in the bottom of the housing 352 where the inner space 364 and the filter component 356 are in fluid communication. The bottom 356b of the filter component 356 may have the filter component membrane 366b positioned over it, and in such implementations the filter component membrane 366b is permeable to thefuel cell exhaust fluid. Thus, as shown by arrows c3, the fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the filter component 356 from the bottom 356b of the filter component 356. Due to the pressure in the exhaust conduit 54, the fuel cell exhaust fluid travels upwards through the filter component 356, as shown by arrows c4. The fuel cell exhaust fluid passes through the filter component 356 in the upwards direction, as shown by the arrows c4 (two at each side of the inner channel 360), and the fuel cell exhaust fluid enters an inner top space 368 that extends under the cover 365 and over the filter component 356 and the inner channel 360, wherein the inner top space 368 is separated from the inner space 364 by the outer shell 374. Thus, to reach the inside of the inner channel 360, the fuel cell exhaust liquid, which has passed through the filter component 356, reaches the inner top space 368 that extends and flows into the inner channel 360, as shown by arrows c5 in FIG. 18B. The fuel cell exhaust fluid passes through the inner channel 360 downwards, in the direction of gravity towards the bottom of the inner channel 360 as shown by an arrow c6, and the fuel cell exhaust fluid exits the housing 352 via the exhaust filter device outlet port 358, as shown by an arrow c7 in FIG. 18B.

[0180] In some examples, as shown in FIGs. 16, 17, 18A, and 18B, the exhaust filter device outlet port 358 may comprise the flow control valve 358v that is configured to operate to selectively release the fuel cell exhaust fluid, mainly in the form of the liquid water, to the outside of the housing 352. The flow control valve 358v may be e.g., a spring valve, which may be a mechanical valve or an electric valve. The flow control valve 358v may be any other suitable type of valve, which may be mechanical or electric.

[0181] In some examples, the exhaust filter device outlet port 358 may not include the flow control valve such as e.g. flow control valve 358v. Thus, the processed fuel cell exhaust fluid may flow from the exhaust filter device via the exhaust filter device outlet port 358. In such examples, not shown herein but as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, the exhaust filter device inlet port 354 may comprise a flow control valve. The flow control valve may be a mechanical valve or an electric valve. In some examples, the flow control valve may be a spring valve or another type of valve.

[0182] In some implementations, the exhaust filter device may be configured to include a flow control valve configured and / or controlled to control access to the exhaust filter device inlet port and a flow control valve configured and / or controlled to control access to the exhaust filter device outlet port.

[0183] In some examples, the flow control valve 358v may be configured to selectively release the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the housing 352 based on a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a drain conduit that couples the exhaust filter device 350 to the drain port 70. The drain conduit, not shown in FIG. 18B, may be similar to drain conduit 270 of FIG. 14B. In some examples, a level sensor may be associated with the drain conduit and may be configured to monitor the level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in the drain conduit. In some examples, release of the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the housing 352 of the device 350 may be controlled, e.g., by controlling the flow control valve 358v, similar to the control of the flow control valve 258v of FIGs. 13, 14A, 14B, and 15.

[0184] In some examples, as shown in FIGs. 17, 18A, and 18B, the exhaust filter device 350 may comprise an auxiliary drain conduit 372 that is coupled to and in fluid communication with the housing 352. The auxiliary drain conduit 372, shown in a cross-section, may be formed through the wall of the housing 352. Theauxiliary drain conduit 372 may be e.g. a thin conduit or pipe that allows the fuel cell exhaust fluid such as the liquid water to be continuously slowly dripping out of the housing 352. Such drainage may be performed for freeze protection, so that the water inside the housing 352 does not freeze, and also so that the water inside the housing does not get stagnant. In some examples, the flow released from the exhaust filter device outlet port 358, such as filtered fuel cell exhaust fluid, may be combined with the flow released from the auxiliary drain conduit 372.

[0185] In the exhaust filter device 350 shown in FIGs. 17, 18A, and 18B, the exhaust filter device inlet port 354 is in proximity or adjacent to the upper end 352u of the housing 352. In some implementations, as mentioned above, the exhaust filter device inlet port 354 may be positioned in proximity to the lower end 352I of the housing 352, i.e. closer to the lower end 352I of the housing 352 than to the upper end 352u of the housing 352. In implementations of the exhaust filter device 350 in which the exhaust filter device inlet port 354 is positioned closer to the upper end 352u of the housing 352 than to the lower end 352I of the housing 352, the flow control valve 358v may also be a mechanical or electric valve. In some examples, the flow control valve 358v may be controlled based on a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a drain conduit configured to fluidly couple the exhaust filter device to the drain port. In examples in which a level sensor is employed, measurements acquired by the level sensor may be used to control operation of the flow control valve positioned at or associated with the exhaust filter device outlet port. Furthermore, in some examples of implementations of the exhaust filter device 350 in which the exhaust filter device inlet port 354 is positioned closer to the upper end 352u of the housing 352 than to the lower end 352I of the housing 352, a flow control valve may be employed to control a flow of fluid through an exhaust filter device inlet port and a flow control valve such as e.g. flow control valve 358v for controlling a flow of fluid through an exhaust filter device outlet port, may not be used.

[0186] In some examples, as discussed above, an exhaust filter device may be configured such that an inner channel is formed in the material of the filter component, wherein the fuel cell exhaust fluid can pass sideways from the filter component into the inner channel. In examples in which the inner channel is in the form of a channel cut through or otherwise formed in the filter component, the fuel cell exhaust fluid may follow a shorter path than in examples where the inner channel is a separate conduit not permeable to fluids. More specifically, in examples where the inner channel is accessible to the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the sides, such as around its circumference, the fuel cell exhaust fluid travels through the thickness of the filter component radially inwards.

[0187] FIGs. 19A and 19B illustrate an example of an exhaust filter device 450 in which an inner channel is formed through the filter component, without any barrier to a flow of the fuel cell exhaust fluid. FIG. 19B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion E4 of the exhaust filter device 450, marked as E4 in FIG. 19A.

[0188] The exhaust filter device 450 may be generally similar to exhaust filter devices 250 and 350 and some components shown for devices 250 and 350 are not labeled in FIGs. 19A and 19B and also not discussed in detail. As shown in FIG. 19A, the exhaust filter device 450 may comprise a housing 452 having a longitudinal axis A4 extending between an upper and lower ends of the housing 452. The housing 452 may comprise an exhaust filter device inlet port 454, a removable and replaceable filter component 456 positioned in an innercavity of the housing 452, and an exhaust filter device outlet port 458. An inner space 464 is formed between a surface of the inner wall of the housing 452 and a surface of outer wall of the filter component 456.

[0189] The exhaust filter device inlet port 454 is positioned in proximity to the upper end of the housing 452, such as closer to the upper end than to the lower end. In some implementations, the exhaust filter device inlet port 454 may be positioned in proximity to the lower end of the housing 452, i.e. closer to the lower end of the housing 452 than to the upper end of the housing 452. The exhaust filter device inlet port 454 is configured to fluidly couple, directly or via one or more intermediate conduits or other elements, with the drain port 70. The exhaust filter device inlet port 454 is configured to receive pressurized fuel cell exhaust fluid that is output by the fuel cell system 20 and that is conveyed via the exhaust conduit 54, through the drain port 70, and towards the exhaust filter device inlet port 454.

[0190] The exhaust filter device inlet and outlet ports 454, 458 comprise flanges formed around respective openings through a wall of the housing 452. The exhaust filter device outlet port 458 may be configured to couple to a fluid storage container e.g. fluid storage container 42 of FIG. 2 such as e.g. a water tank. The fluid such as water, produced as a result of passing the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the filter component 456, may be stored in the fluid storage container 42 and may be released upon a trigger, e.g., responsive to stopping the vehicle 10 and / or shutting down or preparing to shut down the fuel cell system 20. The water collected and stored in the fluid storage container 42 may also be reused in the vehicle 10, for example, for one or more out of cooling needs, delivering water to a fuel cell humidifier, vehicle washing, etc. In some examples, the water may also be reused outside of the vehicle.

[0191] The housing 452 comprises an inner bore or inner channel 460 that extends throughout the entirety of the length of the housing 452 and is in fluid communication with the exhaust filter device outlet port 458. In the example illustrated in FIGs. 19A and 19B, the inner channel 460 is formed through the filter component 456, such that the inner channel 460 is reachable to the fuel cell exhaust fluid, passing through the filter component 456, directly from the filter component 456. The inner channel 460 may be formed such that its longitudinal axis coincides with the longitudinal axis A4 of the housing 452.

[0192] The filter component 456 of FIGs. 19A and 19B is configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The filter component 456 is configured to retain impurities and / or contaminants from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and the filter component 456 may also function as a demister that can convert vapor into liquid water. The filter component 456 is removable and replaceable, such that the housing 452 can be accessed for replacement of the filter component 456. For example, a cover 465, which is configured to be positioned over the housing 452, may be a removable cover that is configured to be removed or otherwise separated from the housing 452 to allow access to the inner cavity of the housing 452 e.g. for replacing the filter component 456.

[0193] In some examples, the filter component 456 may be at least partially enclosed by a filter component membrane which is permeable to fluids such as the fuel cell exhaust fluid.

[0194] Accordingly, the fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the housing 452 via the exhaust filter device inlet port 454, flows downwards through the inner space 464 that is formed between the surface of the inner wall of the housing 452 and the surface of outer wall of the filter component 456, and enters the filter component 456 through of sides the filter component 456. The fuel cell exhaust fluid, after having passed through the filter component 456 and thus filtered and demisted, enters the inner channel 460 and flows downward through the inner channel 460, and may then be released from the housing 452 via the exhaust filter device inlet port 458.

[0195] In some examples, as shown in FIGs. 19A and 19B, the exhaust filter device 450 comprises a flow control valve 458v positioned in the exhaust filter device outlet port 458 and configured to be controlled to selectively release the fuel cell exhaust fluid, mainly in the form of the liquid water, to the outside of the housing 452. The flow control valve 458v, e. g. , a spring valve, may be a mechanical valve or an electric valve. In some examples, the flow control valve 458v may be configured to selectively release the fuel cell exhaust fluid based on a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a drain conduit that couples the exhaust filter device 450 to the drain port 70. A level sensor may be employed, such as associated with a drain conduit (not shown) which fluidly couples the drain port 70 of the exhaust conduit 54 to the exhaust filter device inlet port 454, the level sensor being configured to measure a level of the fluid in the drain conduit, similar to the approach shown in connection with FIG. 14B for the exhaust filter device 250.

[0196] In some examples, the exhaust filter device 450 may comprise an auxiliary drain conduit (not shown), similar to auxiliary drain conduits 272 and 372 of exhaust filter devices 250 and 350.

[0197] FIG. 19A additionally illustrates schematically, by thick black arrows, an example a path that may be taken by the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the exhaust filter device 450, and as the fuel cell exhaust fluids is demisted and filtered as it is routed through the filter component 456. As shown by an arrow d1, the fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the device via the exhaust filter device inlet port 454. The fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the inner space 364 and travels downwards, through the inner space 364, as shown by arrows d2. The fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the filter component 456 from the sides of the filter component 456 and travels radially inward, as shown by arrows d3. The fuel cell exhaust fluid passes through the filter component 456 and enters the inner channel 460. The fuel cell exhaust fluid then flows downwards through the inner channel 460, in the direction of gravity, as shown by an arrow d4. The fuel cell exhaust fluid may exit the housing 452 via the exhaust filter device outlet port 458, which may be controlled by the flow control valve 458v positioned in the outlet 458.

[0198] In some examples of the exhaust filter device 450 shown in FIGs. 19A and 19B, the exhaust filter device inlet port 454 may be positioned in proximity to the lower end of the housing 452.

[0199] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of an exhaust filter device 550 which may be similar to the exhaust filter device 450 shown in FIGs. 19A and 19B, but where an exhaust filter device inlet port 554 is positioned in proximity to a lower end of the housing 552.

[0200] The exhaust filter device 550 of FIG. 20 comprises the housing 552 that comprises the exhaust filter device inlet port 554, a filter component 556 positioned in the housing, and an exhaust filter device outlet port 558. In some examples, the filter component 556 may be replaceable and removable.

[0201] An inner channel 560 of the device 550 is formed through a material of the filter component 556, similar to inner channel 460 of the device 450 of FIGs. 19A and 19B. The exhaust filter device outlet port 558 may comprise a flow control valve 558v, which may be a mechanical or electric valve. In some examples, operation of the valve 558v may be controlled in dependence on measurements acquired by a level sensor, e.g. similar to as described for exhaust filter device 250 shown in FIG. 14B. The level sensor may be employed to measure a level of fluid in a drain conduit, as also described in connection with FIG. 14B.

[0202] In some examples, the exhaust filter device outlet port 558 may not include the flow control valve such as e.g. flow control valve 558v. In such examples, not shown herein but as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, the exhaust filter device inlet port 554 may comprise a flow control valve. The flow control valve may be a mechanical valve or an electric valve. In some examples, the flow control valve may be a spring valve or another type of valve.

[0203] In examples in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, an exhaust fluid processing device may have various other configurations. In some examples, any of the exhaust fluid processing device described herein may be replaceable and removable devices such that they may be decoupled or separated from the exhaust conduit of the exhaust assembly and replaced by a new and / or replacement exhaust fluid processing device.

[0204] EXAMPLES

[0205] In an aspect, a system for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The system comprises at least one fuel cell system and at least one exhaust assembly configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system, the at least one exhaust assembly comprising an elongate exhaust conduit extending between a first end of the conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. The exhaust conduit comprises a first portion extending between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid; a second portion extending between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend; a transition portion extending between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter; and a third portion extending between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity.

[0206] In some examples, the drain port in the lowermost point may be configured to fluidly couple with an exhaust fluid processing device configured and positioned to receive at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the drain port. In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device may be configured to receivethe at least a portion of the exhaust fluid such that a remaining portion of the exhaust fluid that remains in the conduit is carried towards the conduit opening in a vapor phase. In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises a steam lock device. The steam lock device may be positioned in the drain port such that a top surface of the steam lock device is facing an inside of the exhaust conduit, wherein the steam lock device is configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and wherein the steam lock device is further configured to selectively release the liquid water based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit.

[0207] In some examples, the steam lock device comprises a demister component configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, and a one-way flow valve positioned under the demister component and comprising a body and an inner channel configured to receive the liquid water from the demister component, the one-way flow valve being configured to adopt its degree of opening based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit to thereby selectively release the liquid water from the inner channel.

[0208] In an aspect, a system for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The system comprises at least one fuel cell system and at least one exhaust assembly configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the at least one fuel cell system. The at least one exhaust assembly comprises an elongate exhaust conduit extending between a first end of the conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the exhaust conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. The exhaust conduit comprises a first portion extending between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid; a second portion extending between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend; a transition portion extending between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter; and a third portion extending between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening. The at least one exhaust assembly also comprises an exhaust fluid processing device configured and positioned to receive at least a portion of the exhaust fluid through the drain port.

[0209] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises a steam lock device that is positioned in the drain port such that a top surface of the steam lock device is facing an inside of the exhaust conduit, wherein the steam lock device is configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and wherein the steam lock device is further configured to selectivelyrelease the liquid water based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit. The steam lock device may comprise a demister component configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, and a one-way flow valve positioned under the demister component and comprising a body and an inner channel configured to receive the liquid water from the demister, the one-way flow valve being configured to adopt its degree of opening based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit to thereby selectively release the liquid water from the inner channel.

[0210] In an aspect, a method for processing a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method may be performed in a system for the fuel cell vehicle, the system comprising the fuel cell system and an exhaust assembly configured to carry the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The method comprises routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid to and through the exhaust assembly, the exhaust assembly being configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure and comprising an exhaust fluid processing device such as a steam lock device. The steam lock device may be configured to fluidly couple to the exhaust conduit, e.g. to a drain port of the exhaust conduit. In some examples, the steam lock device may be configured to receive at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the drain port. The steam lock device may be configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0211] In an aspect, a method for processing a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method comprises routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid to and through an exhaust fluid processing device configured to fluidly couple to an exhaust conduit of an exhaust assembly of a system for the fuel cell vehicle. The exhaust fluid processing device comprises a steam lock device that is configured to fluidly couple to the exhaust conduit, e.g. to a drain port in a lowermost point of the exhaust conduit. In some examples, the steam lock device may be configured to receive at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the drain port. The steam lock device may be configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The exhaust assembly may be configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0212] In an aspect, an exhaust fluid processing device for processing a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The exhaust fluid processing device may comprise a steam lock device. The exhaust fluid processing device may comprise a demister component configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, and a one-way flow valve positioned under the demister component and comprising a body and an inner channel configured to receive the liquid water from the demister, the one-way flow valve being configured to adopt its degree of opening based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit to thereby selectively release the liquid water from the inner channel.

[0213] In some examples, the one-way flow valve may comprise a spring valve.

[0214] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device may be configured to be positioned in a lowermost point of a first portion of an exhaust conduit of an exhaust assembly for the fuel cell vehicle, the exhaust conduit comprising the first portion, a second portion, a transition portion, and a third portion. The exhaust conduit may be configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0215] In an aspect, a fuel cell vehicle is provided that comprises a system for the fuel cell vehicle, the system comprising at least one fuel cell system and at least one exhaust assembly configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the at least one fuel cell system. The at least one exhaust assembly comprises an elongate exhaust conduit and an exhaust fluid processing device. The elongate exhaust conduit may extend between a first end of the conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. The exhaust conduit comprises a first portion extending between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a second portion extending between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend, a transition portion extending between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter; and a third portion extending between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity. The exhaust fluid processing device is configured and positioned to receive at least a portion of the exhaust fluid through the drain port.

[0216] The exhaust fluid processing device may comprise a steam lock device that is positioned in the drain port such that a top surface of the steam lock device is facing an inside the exhaust conduit. The steam lock device may be configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The steam lock device may be further configured to selectively release the liquid water based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit. The steam lock device may comprise a demister component configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets; and a one-way flow valve positioned under the demister component and comprising a body and an inner channel configured to receive the liquid water from the demister, the one-way flow valve being configured to adopt its degree of opening based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit to thereby selectively release the liquid water from the inner channel.

[0217] In an aspect, a system for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The system comprises at least one fuel cell system and at least one exhaust assembly configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system. The at least one exhaust assembly comprises an elongate exhaust conduit extending between a first end of the conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside; and an exhaust fluid processing device configured and positioned to receive at least a portion of the exhaust fluid from the exhaustconduit, e.g., through a drain port in lowermost portion or point of the exhaust conduit. The exhaust fluid processing device comprises a steam lock device that is positioned in the drain port such that a top surface of the steam lock device is facing an inside the exhaust conduit, wherein the steam lock device may be configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The steam lock device may be configured to selectively release the liquid water based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit. The steam lock device may comprise a demister component configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, and a one-way flow valve positioned under the demister component and comprising a body and an inner channel configured to receive the liquid water from the demister, the one-way flow valve being configured to adopt its degree of opening based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit to thereby selectively release the liquid water from the inner channel.

[0218] In an aspect, a system for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The system comprises at least one fuel cell system and at least one exhaust assembly configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the at least one fuel cell system, the at least one exhaust assembly comprising an elongate exhaust conduit extending between a first end of the conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. The exhaust conduit comprises a first portion extending between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid; a second portion extending between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend; a transition portion extending between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter; and a third portion extending between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity.

[0219] In some examples, the drain port in the lowermost point may be configured to fluidly couple with an exhaust fluid processing device configured to receive at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the drain port. In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device may be configured to receive the at least a portion of the exhaust fluid such that a remaining portion of the exhaust fluid that remains in the conduit is carried towards the conduit opening in a vapor phase. In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises an exhaust filter device. The exhaust filter device comprises a housing that comprises an exhaust filter device inlet port in fluid communication with the drain port, an inner channel extending through the exhaust filter device, a filter component, and an exhaust filter device outlet port. The filter component, which has the inner channelextending therethrough, is configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and wherein the filter component is configured to retain impurities from the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The exhaust filter device outlet port is configured to receive the liquid water from the inner channel and to carry the liquid water away from the housing after the liquid water, extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, has passed through the filter component.

[0220] In some examples, the housing of the exhaust filter device may comprise a first, upper end and a second, lower end of the housing. In some examples, the exhaust filter device inlet port may be positioned at the first, upper end of the housing. In some examples, the exhaust filter device inlet port may be positioned at the second, lower end of the housing.

[0221] In some examples, the inner channel of the filter component may be a separate component formed or positioned or inserted in the housing of the exhaust filter device. In some examples, the inner channel of the filter component may be formed through a material of the filter component, such that walls of the inner channel are part of the filter component.

[0222] In some examples, the filter component may be removable and replaceable.

[0223] In some examples, the filter component may comprise one or more out of an active carbon filter and ion exchange resin. In some examples, the filter component comprises active carbon in a form of one or more out of granules, pellets, spheres, and rods.

[0224] In some examples, the filter component is at least partially enclosed by a membrane.

[0225] In some examples, the exhaust filter device comprises an outer shell positioned around the filter component.

[0226] In some examples, the exhaust filter device outlet port may comprise a flow control valve positioned in the exhaust filter device outlet port and configured and / or controlled to selectively release the liquid water through the exhaust filter device outlet port based on a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a drain conduit configured to fluidly couple the exhaust filter device to the drain port. The flow control valve may be a mechanical valve or an electric valve.

[0227] In some examples, the exhaust filter device inlet port may comprise a flow control valve positioned in the exhaust filter device inlet port and configured and / or controlled to selectively release the liquid water through the exhaust filter device inlet port based on a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a drain conduit configured to fluidly couple the exhaust filter device to the drain port. The flow control valve may be a mechanical valve or an electric valve.

[0228] In some examples, the exhaust filter device outlet port comprises a flow control valve and the exhaust filter device inlet port does not comprise a valve.

[0229] In some examples, the exhaust filter device inlet port comprises a flow control valve and the exhaust filter device outlet port does not comprise a valve.

[0230] In some examples, a configuration of the exhaust filter device may be selected in dependence on a desired speed in which the fuel cell exhaust fluid is to travel through the exhaust filter device. The configurationmay be selected to provide a path or paths taken by the fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a fuel cell system of the fuel cell vehicle, wherein a length of the path or paths may determine a time during which the fuel cell exhaust fluid may retain in the exhaust filter device.

[0231] In an aspect, a system for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The system comprises at least one fuel cell system and at least one exhaust assembly configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the at least one fuel cell system, the at least one exhaust assembly comprising an elongate exhaust conduit and an exhaust fluid processing device. The exhaust conduit may extend between a first end of the conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. The exhaust conduit comprises a first portion extending between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid; a second portion extending between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend; a transition portion extending between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter; and a third portion extending between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity.

[0232] The exhaust fluid processing device may comprise an exhaust filter device configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0233] In an aspect, a system for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The system comprises at least one fuel cell system and at least one exhaust assembly configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system. The at least one exhaust assembly comprises an elongate exhaust conduit and an exhaust fluid processing device. The elongate exhaust conduit extends between a first end of the conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. The exhaust fluid processing device, such as an exhaust filter device in accordance with examples of the present disclosure, may be configured and positioned to receive at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid from exhaust conduit, e.g., through a drain port in a lowermost point or portion of the exhaust conduit.

[0234] In an aspect, a fuel cell vehicle is provided that comprises a system for the fuel cell vehicle, the system comprising at least one fuel cell system and at least one exhaust assembly configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the at least one fuel cell system. The at least one exhaust assembly comprises an elongate exhaust conduit and an exhaust fluid processing device. The elongate exhaust conduit may extend between a first end of the conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a secondend of the conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. The exhaust conduit comprises a first portion extending between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a second portion extending between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend, a transition portion extending between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter; and a third portion extending between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity. The exhaust fluid processing device, which is configured and positioned to receive at least a portion of the exhaust fluid through the drain port, comprises an exhaust filter device. The exhaust filter device is configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0235] In an aspect, an exhaust assembly is provided that is configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle. The exhaust assembly comprises an elongate exhaust conduit and an exhaust fluid processing device that comprises an exhaust filter device. The elongate exhaust extends between a first end of the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the exhaust conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the exhaust conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. The elongate exhaust conduit comprises a first portion, a second portion, a transition portion, and a third portion. The first portion extends between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the exhaust conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The second portion extends between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend. The transition portion extends between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter. The third portion extends between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity.

[0236] In some examples, the exhaust filter device may be configured to fluidly couple to the exhaust conduit via the drain port in the lowermost point. The exhaust filter device may be configured to receive at least a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid and to handle or process the portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid. A remaining portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid, that remains in the exhaust conduit, may be carried towards the conduitopening in a vapor phase. The exhaust filter device may be configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0237] In an aspect, an exhaust filter device is provided for processing a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle. The exhaust filter device comprises a housing comprising an exhaust filter device inlet port in fluid communication with the drain port; an inner channel extending through the exhaust filter device e.g. through the housing; a filter component that is configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and wherein the filter component is configured to retain impurities from the fuel cell exhaust fluid; and an exhaust filter device outlet port configured to receive the liquid water from the inner channel and to carry the liquid water away from the housing after the liquid water has passed through the filter component. In some examples, the exhaust filter device may be configured to fluidly couple to an exhaust conduit of an exhaust assembly of a system for the fuel cell vehicle in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0238] In an aspect, a method for processing a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method comprises routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid to and through an exhaust filter device comprising a housing comprising an exhaust filter device inlet port in fluid communication with the drain port; an inner channel extending through the exhaust filter device e.g. through the housing; a filter component that is configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and wherein the filter component is configured to retain impurities from the fuel cell exhaust fluid; and an exhaust filter device outlet port configured to receive the liquid water from the inner channel and to carry the liquid water away from the housing after the liquid water has passed through the filter component. In some examples, the exhaust filter device may be configured to fluidly couple to an exhaust conduit of an exhaust assembly of a system for the fuel cell vehicle in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0239] In an aspect, a method for processing a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method is performed in a system for the fuel cell vehicle, the system comprising the fuel cell system and an exhaust assembly configured to carry the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The method comprises routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system to and through the exhaust assembly, the exhaust assembly comprising an elongate exhaust conduit and an exhaust filter device. The elongate exhaust conduit extends between a first end of the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the exhaust conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the exhaust conduit being configured to transport the exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside. In some examples, the exhaust conduit comprises a first portion extending between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the exhaust conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the exhaust fluid, wherein at least a portion of the exhaustfluid is released from the exhaust conduit in a liquid form through the drain port; a second portion extending between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend; a transition portion extending between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, and wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from a first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter; and a third portion extending between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity. The exhaust filter device may be configured in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0240] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a,” "an,” and "the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises,” "comprising,” "includes,” and / or "including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0241] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0242] Relative terms such as "below” or "above” or "upper” or "lower” or "horizontal” or "vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected” or "coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, may be unitary with the other element, or intervening elements may be present. The term "coupled” does not necessarily indicates mechanical coupling. When an element is referred to as being "directly connected” or "directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0243] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0244] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, therehave been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the inventive concepts being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A system (25) for a fuel cell vehicle (10), the system (10) comprising at least one fuel cell system (20) and at least one exhaust assembly (52) configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system, the at least one exhaust assembly comprising: an elongate exhaust conduit (54) extending between a first end of the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the exhaust conduit having a conduit opening (57) that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the exhaust conduit being configured to transport the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside, the exhaust conduit comprising: a first portion (60) extending between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the fuel cell exhaust fluid; a second portion (62) extending between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend; a transition portion (64) extending between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter; and a third portion (66) extending between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the decreasing diameter of the transition portion is decreasing by an angle of approximately 4 degrees.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one bend comprises a plurality of bends.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one bend of the second portion shifts a corresponding part of the second portion of the exhaust conduit upwards by a degree of from zero to 80 degrees.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the third portion extends through a back portion of a cabin of the vehicle.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the exhaust conduit is configured so as to release at least a portion of the exhaust fluid in a liquid phase through the drain port and so as to carry as much as possible of the exhaust fluid in a vapor phase to the outside.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the drain port in the lowermost point is configured to fluidly couple to an exhaust fluid processing device (50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550) configured and positioned to receive at least a portion of the exhaust fluid through the drain port.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the exhaust fluid processing device is configured to receive the at least a portion of the exhaust fluid such that a remaining portion of the exhaust fluid that remains in the exhaust conduit is carried towards the conduit opening in a vapor phase.

9. The system of claim 7 or 8, wherein the exhaust fluid processing device comprises a steam lock device (150) that is positioned in the drain port such that a top surface of the steam lock device is facing an inside of the exhaust conduit, wherein the steam lock device is configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and wherein the steam lock device is further configured to selectively release the liquid water based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the steam lock device (150) comprises: a demister component (152) configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the fuel cell exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, and a one-way flow valve (154) positioned under the demister component and comprising a body and an inner channel configured to receive the liquid water from the demister component, the one-way flow valve being configured to adopt its degree of opening based on the pressure in the exhaust conduit to thereby selectively release the liquid water from the inner channel.11 . The system of claim 7 or 8, wherein the exhaust fluid processing device comprises an exhaust filter device (250, 350, 450, 550).

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the exhaust filter device (250, 350, 450, 550) comprises a housing (252, 352, 452, 552) comprising: an exhaust filter device inlet port (254, 354, 454, 554) in fluid communication with the drain port, an inner channel (260, 360, 460, 560) extending through the exhaust filter device, a filter component (256, 356, 456, 556) that is configured to have the fuel cell exhaust fluid pass therethrough to cause at least a portion of vapor in the exhaust fluid to be converted into water droplets, whereby liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and wherein the filter component is configured to retain impurities from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, and an exhaust filter device outlet port (258, 358, 458, 558) configured to receive the liquid water from the inner channel and to carry the liquid water away from the housing after the liquid water has passed through the filter component.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the exhaust filter device outlet port (258, 358, 458, 558) comprises a flow control valve positioned in the exhaust filter device outlet port and configured and / or controlled to selectivelyrelease the liquid water through the exhaust filter device outlet port based on a level of the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a drain conduit configured to fluidly couple the exhaust filter device to the drain port.

14. The system of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the filter component comprises one or more out of an active carbon filter and ion exchange resin.

15. The system of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the filter component is at least partially enclosed by a membrane.

16. A method for processing a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle, the method being performed in a system for the fuel cell vehicle, the system comprising the fuel cell system and an exhaust assembly configured to carry the fuel cell exhaust fluid, the method comprising: routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system to and through the exhaust assembly, the exhaust assembly comprising: an elongate exhaust conduit extending between a first end of the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the exhaust conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the exhaust conduit being configured to transport the exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside, the exhaust conduit comprising: a first portion extending between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the exhaust conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the exhaust fluid, wherein at least a portion of the exhaust fluid is released from the exhaust conduit in a liquid form through the drain port; a second portion extending between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend; a transition portion extending between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, and wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from a first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter; and a third portion extending between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity.

17. A fuel cell vehicle (10) comprising at least one system (25, 25') that comprises at least one fuel cell system (20, 20') and at least one exhaust assembly (52, 52') configured to carry a fuel cell exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system, the at least one exhaust assembly comprising:an elongate exhaust conduit (54, 54') extending between a first end of the exhaust conduit in fluid communication with an outlet port of the fuel cell system and a second end of the exhaust conduit having a conduit opening that opens towards an outside at a top of the vehicle, the exhaust conduit being configured to transport the exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the outside while maintaining a pressure in the exhaust conduit above a pressure threshold, the exhaust conduit (54, 54') comprising: a first portion (60) extending between a first portion proximal end coupled to the outlet port of the fuel cell system and a first portion distal end comprising a lowermost point of the exhaust conduit in a direction of gravity, the lowermost point comprising a drain port for discharging a portion of the exhaust fluid; a second portion (62) extending between a second portion proximal end coupled to the first portion distal and a second portion distal end, the second portion having at least one bend; a transition portion (64) extending between a transition portion proximal end coupled to the second portion distal end and a transition portion distal end, and wherein the transition portion has a decreasing diameter that decreases from a first diameter to a second diameter, such that the transition portion proximal end has the first diameter and the transition portion distal end has the second diameter; and a third portion (66) extending between a third portion proximal end coupled to the transition portion distal and a third portion distal end comprising the conduit opening, a majority of the third portion being positioned vertically in a direction of gravity.

18. The fuel cell vehicle of claim 17, wherein the drain port in the lowermost point is configured to fluidly couple to an exhaust fluid processing device configured and positioned to receive at least a portion of the exhaust fluid through the drain port, and wherein the exhaust fluid processing device is configured to receive the at least a portion of the exhaust fluid such that a remaining portion of the exhaust fluid that remains in the exhaust conduit is carried towards the exhaust conduit opening in a vapor phase.

19. The fuel cell vehicle of claim 18, wherein the exhaust fluid processing device comprises a steam lock device (150).

20. The fuel cell vehicle of claim 18, wherein the exhaust fluid processing device comprises an exhaust filter device (250, 350, 450, 550).

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