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

Abstract

At least one system for a fuel cell vehicle, an exhaust fluid processing device, the vehicle, and methods therein are provided. The system comprises a fuel cell system producing a fuel cell exhaust fluid, and an exhaust assembly comprising an exhaust conduit and the exhaust fluid processing device configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The exhaust fluid processing device comprises a housing comprising an inlet port configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a third outlet port configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device. The housing comprises a holder configured to seat a filter component and a cover configured to be attached to the holder.

Description

TITLESYSTEM FOR A FUEL CELL VEHICLE, AN EXHAUST FLUID PROCESSING DEVICE, 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, the fuel cell vehicle, an exhaust assembly, an exhaust fluid processing device 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 used to power the vehicle. The electrochemical reaction creates, as a byproduct, a fuel cell exhaust fluid comprising water, in liquid and steam forms, and heat. The fuel cell exhaust fluid may also 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 methods for handling a 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 a fuel cell system comprising at least one fuel cell stack comprising an anode and a cathode, and an exhaust assembly. The fuel cell stack is configured to generate electricity by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen supplied to the anode and oxygen supplied to the cathode, the electrochemical reaction producing a fuel cell exhaust fluid. The exhaust assembly comprises an exhaust conduit configured to fluidly couple to the fuel cell system, the exhaust assembly comprising an exhaust fluid processing device configured to fluidly couple to the exhaust conduit, the exhaust fluid processing device being configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid and comprising an elongate housing. The elongate housing comprises an inlet port configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a third outlet port configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, the housing being configured to hold a filter component in an inner cavity of the housing, wherein the housing is divided into a lower compartment in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports, and an upper compartment in fluid communication with the third outlet port, that are separated by a filter component when the filter component is positioned in the housing.

[0009] A technical benefit may include simultaneously separating a flow of the fuel cell exhaust fluid into three separate flows of hydrogen, liquid water, and dry vapor that may include no or only a small amount of hydrogen. Another advantage is that the system for the fuel cell vehicle and the exhaust fluid processing device allow processing the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a straightforward and efficient manner, such that a relatively simple system and device allow carrying the processed fuel cell exhaust away from the fuel cell system and then away from the vehicle via three separate flows.

[0010] In some examples, the housing comprises a holder configured to hold the filter component, and a cover configured to be coupled to the holder such that the holder with the cover form the inner cavity, wherein the cover comprises the third outlet port.

[0011] In some examples, the third outlet port is configured to fluidly couple to a third conduit extending from the third outlet port and towards a top of a cabin of the vehicle, the third conduit being configured to release the hydrogen gas at the top of the cabin of the vehicle.

[0012] In some examples, the first outlet port is configured to fluidly couple to a first conduit that allows the liquid water to exit the exhaust conduit at a bottom of the vehicle, and the second outlet port is configured to fluidly couple to a second conduit that allows the dry vapor to exit the exhaust conduit at the bottom of the vehicle. In some examples, the first outlet port and / or first conduit may be configured to fluidly couple to a fluid storage container such as e.g. a water tank configured to collect and store the liquid water. The exhaust conduit of the exhaust assembly of the system for the fuel cell vehicle comprises the first, second, and third conduits.

[0013] Technical benefits may include, among others, routing the dry vapor or steam to under the vehicle such that the dry vapor or steam is released to the outside at the bottom of the vehicle i.e. from under thevehicle, like in conventional diesel and gasoline vehicles. Accordingly, fewer modifications to existing vehicle designs will need to be made to accommodate for release of the dry vapor, as part of the processing of the fuel cell exhaust flow which is a byproduct of operation of the fuel cell system of the fuel cell system vehicle.

[0014] The release of the vapor or steam from under the vehicle is advantageous as compared to releasing the vapor or steam from the top of the vehicle. The vapor, as released by a fuel cell vehicle, may look like a white fog or cloud, and may therefore obscure visibility of the driver of the vehicle and visibility of drivers of other vehicles on the road. Thus, releasing the vapor from under the vehicle eliminates this issue. The release of hydrogen gas from the top of the vehicle, separately from the vapor, is advantageous because the risk of the hydrogen rising up through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner and / or the risk of hydrogen being accumulated in one or more confined spaces is reduced. The hydrogen is evacuated upwards via e.g. a thin long conduit and is released from the top of the vehicle, which is beneficial since there is no uncontrolled hydrogen flow in the cabin and other compartments of the vehicle. In this way, the fuel cell vehicle may be operated in a safer manner.

[0015] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises the filter component. The filter component may comprise active carbon, an ion exchange resin, one or more other materials, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the filter component may be enclosed, partially or entirely, within a membrane. In some examples, the filter 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, whereby the liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid.

[0016] In some examples, the first outlet port may comprise a first outlet port valve configured and / or controlled to selectively allow the liquid water to pass through first outlet port and away from the exhaust fluid processing device.

[0017] In some examples, the third outlet port may comprise a third outlet port valve configured and / or controlled to allow the hydrogen gas to pass therethrough and away from the exhaust fluid processing device, and wherein the third outlet port valve is configured to release overpressure in the exhaust fluid processing device. In some examples, the third outlet port valve may be configured to continuously allow the hydrogen gas to pass therethrough, e.g. regardless of a configuration of the third outlet port valve, such as regardless of whether the third outlet port valve is releasing the overpressure in the exhaust fluid processing device.

[0018] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device is configured such that a pressure in the upper compartment of the inner cavity is higher than a pressure in the lower compartment of the inner cavity.

[0019] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device may comprise a membrane layer positioned below the third outlet port along a top surface of the filter component.

[0020] In some examples, the system for the fuel cell vehicle comprises two systems for the fuel cell vehicle.

[0021] In an aspect, an exhaust fluid processing device is provided that is configured to process a fuel cell exhaust fluid produced by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle as a result of an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen supplied to an anode and oxygen supplied to a cathode of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cellsystem. The exhaust fluid processing device comprises an elongate housing comprising an inlet port configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a third outlet port configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, the housing being configured to hold a filter component in an inner cavity of the housing, wherein the housing is divided into a lower compartment in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports, and an upper compartment in fluid communication with the third outlet port, that are separated by a filter component when the filter component is positioned in the housing.

[0022] In some examples, the housing comprises a holder configured to hold the filter component, and a cover configured to be coupled to the holder such that the holder with the cover form the inner cavity, wherein the cover comprises the third outlet port.

[0023] In some examples, the third outlet port is configured to fluidly couple to a third conduit extending from the third outlet port and towards a top of a cabin of the vehicle, the third conduit being configured to release the hydrogen gas at the top of the cabin of the vehicle.

[0024] In some examples, the first outlet port is configured to fluidly couple to a first conduit that allows the liquid water to exit the exhaust conduit at a bottom of the vehicle, and the second outlet port is configured to fluidly couple to a second conduit that allows the dry vapor to exit the exhaust conduit at the bottom of the vehicle. In some examples, the first outlet port and / or first conduit are configured to fluidly couple to a fluid storage container such as e.g. a water tank configured to collect and store the liquid water. The exhaust conduit of the exhaust assembly of the system for the fuel cell vehicle comprises the first, second, and third conduits.

[0025] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises the filter component. The filter component may comprise active carbon, an ion exchange resin, one or more other materials, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the filter component may be enclosed, partially or entirely, within a membrane.

[0026] In some examples, the first outlet port may comprise a first outlet port valve configured and / or controlled to selectively allow the liquid water to pass through first outlet port and away from the exhaust fluid processing device.

[0027] In some examples, the third outlet port may comprise a third outlet port valve configured and / or controlled to allow the hydrogen gas to pass therethrough and away from the exhaust fluid processing device, and wherein the third outlet port valve is configured to release overpressure in the exhaust fluid processing device. In some examples, the third outlet port valve may be configured to continuously allow the hydrogen gas to pass therethrough.

[0028] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device is configured such that a pressure in the upper compartment of the inner cavity is higher than a pressure in the lower compartment of the inner cavity.

[0029] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device may comprise a membrane layer positioned below the third outlet port along a top surface of the filter component.

[0030] In an aspect, a fuel cell vehicle is provided that comprises the at least one system in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0031] In an aspect, a fuel cell vehicle is provided that comprises an exhaust fluid processing device in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0032] In an aspect, a fuel cell vehicle is provided that comprises at least one system. The at least one system comprises a fuel cell system comprising at least one fuel cell stack comprising an anode and a cathode, and an exhaust assembly. The fuel cell stack is configured to generate electricity by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen supplied to the anode and oxygen supplied to the cathode, the electrochemical reaction producing a fuel cell exhaust fluid. The exhaust assembly comprises an exhaust conduit configured to fluidly couple to the fuel cell system, the exhaust assembly comprising an exhaust fluid processing device configured to fluidly couple to the exhaust conduit, the exhaust fluid processing device being configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid and comprising an elongate housing. The elongate housing comprises an inlet port configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a third outlet port configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, the housing being configured to hold a filter component in an inner cavity of the housing, wherein the housing is divided into a lower compartment in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports, and an upper compartment in fluid communication with the third outlet port, that are separated by a filter component when the filter component is positioned in the housing.

[0033] In an aspect, a method for processing a fuel cell exhaust flow produced by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method comprises routing the fuel cell exhaust flow from the fuel cell system to an exhaust assembly comprising an exhaust conduit configured to fluidly couple to the fuel cell system, the exhaust assembly comprising an exhaust fluid processing device configured to fluidly couple to the exhaust conduit. The exhaust fluid processing device is configured to process the exhaust fluid and comprises an elongate housing comprising an inlet port configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a third outlet port configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device. The housing is configured to hold a filter component in an inner cavity of the housing, wherein the housing is divided into a lower compartment in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports and an upper compartment in fluid communication with the third outlet port that are separated by a filter component when the filter component is positioned in the housing.

[0034] The exhaust assembly and the exhaust fluid processing device may be configured in accordance with the with examples of the present disclosure.

[0035] In an aspect, a method for processing a fuel cell exhaust fluid produced by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method comprises routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to and through an exhaust fluid processing device configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid, The exhaust fluid processing device comprises an elongate housing comprising an inlet port configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a thirdoutlet port configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, the housing being configured to hold a filter component in an inner cavity of the housing, wherein the housing is divided into a lower compartment in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports and an upper compartment in fluid communication with the third outlet port that are separated by the filter component when the filter component is positioned in the housing.

[0036] In some examples, the housing comprises a holder configured to hold the filter component, and a cover configured to be coupled to the holder such that the holder with the cover form the inner cavity, wherein the cover comprises the third outlet port.

[0037] In some examples, the third outlet port is configured to fluidly couple to a third conduit extending from the third outlet port and towards a top of a cabin of the vehicle, the third conduit being configured to release the hydrogen gas at the top of the cabin of the vehicle.

[0038] In some examples, the first outlet port is configured to fluidly couple to a first conduit that allows the liquid water to exit the exhaust conduit at a bottom of the vehicle, and the second outlet port is configured to fluidly couple to a second conduit that allows the dry vapor to exit the exhaust conduit at the bottom of the vehicle. In some examples, the first outlet port and / or first conduit are configured to fluidly couple to a fluid storage container such as e.g. a water tank configured to collect and store the liquid water. The exhaust conduit of the exhaust assembly of the system for the fuel cell vehicle comprises the first, second, and third conduits.

[0039] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device comprises the filter component. The filter component may comprise active carbon, an ion exchange resin, one or more other materials, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the filter component may be enclosed, partially or entirely, within a membrane.

[0040] In some examples, the first outlet port may comprise a first outlet port valve configured and / or controlled to selectively allow the liquid water to pass through first outlet port and away from the exhaust fluid processing device.

[0041] In some examples, the third outlet port may comprise a third outlet port valve configured and / or controlled to allow the hydrogen gas to pass therethrough and away from the exhaust fluid processing device, and wherein the third outlet port valve is configured to release overpressure in the exhaust fluid processing device. In some examples, the third outlet port valve may be configured to continuously allow the hydrogen gas to pass therethrough.

[0042] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device is configured such that a pressure in the upper compartment of the inner cavity is higher than a pressure in the lower compartment of the inner cavity.

[0043] In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device may comprise a membrane layer positioned below the third outlet port along a top surface of the filter component.

[0044] In some examples, the system for the fuel cell vehicle comprises two systems for the fuel cell vehicle.

[0045] 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

[0046] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of aspects of the disclosure cited as examples.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example of a fuel cell vehicle comprising an exhaust fluid processing device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system of the fuel cell vehicle of FIG. 1 comprising the comprising an exhaust fluid processing device, in accordance with an example.

[0049] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the exhaust fluid processing device, in accordance with an example.

[0050] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective side cross-sectional view of the exhaust fluid processing device, in accordance with an example.

[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the exhaust fluid processing device, in accordance with an example.

[0052] FIG. 5A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the exhaust fluid processing device, in accordance with an example.

[0053] FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective side cross-sectional view of the exhaust fluid processing device, in accordance with an example.

[0054] FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective side cross-sectional view of a portion of the exhaust fluid processing device of FIGs. 5A and 5B, in accordance with an example.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective exploded view of the exhaust fluid processing device, in accordance with an example.

[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of the exhaust fluid processing device of FIG. 6, in accordance with an example.

[0057] FIG. 8A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an exhaust fluid processing device, in accordance with an example.

[0058] FIG. 8B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the exhaust fluid processing device of FIG. 8A, in accordance with an example.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] 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 an exhaust fluid or a fuel cell exhaust fluid, such as a mixture of liquid water, water vapor or steam, and certain amounts of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen mixed with the liquid and vapor phases. Certain contaminants may also be present in the exhaust fluid.

[0060] There are issues that may arise in conjunction with handling and discharging the fuel cell exhaust fluid. For example, when vapor phase of the fuel cell exhaust fluid is released from a top of the vehicle, the vapor may create a fog-like cloud behind the vehicle, thereby obscuring visibility on the roads. In existing approaches, the vapor may be released together with hydrogen.

[0061] Accordingly, as a number of fuel cell vehicles on the roads increases, handling exhaust fluid discharged by the vehicles presents a challenge that needs to be addressed. A system for a fuel cell vehicle, an exhaust assembly of the system, the fuel cell vehicle, an exhaust fluid processing device, and methods therein in accordance with examples of the present disclosure address this need. More specifically, the exhaust fluid processing device configured to be included in the system for the fuel cell vehicle is configured to process the exhaust fluid, which is routed to pass through the device such that the processed exhaust fluid is separated into three separate exhaust flows of liquid water, hydrogen gas, and vapor which are directed to be released from the device via respective separate outlet ports. The fuel cell exhaust flow is caused to pass through a filter component of the exhaust fluid processing device, whereby the exhaust flow is filtered and cleaned. Liquid water is extracted from the vapor or steam such that an amount of vapor or steam in the processed fuel cell exhaust fluid, as compared to an amount of vapor or steam in the unprocessed exhaust flow that is expelled by the fuel cell system, is reduced. The vapor or steam, which may include only small amounts of liquid water and hydrogen, is routed to be released from under the fuel cell vehicle. This is advantageous because the vapor is removed from the vehicle close to the road and, unlike in vehicles where the vapor is released from the top of the vehicle, does not create visibility issues on the roads. The liquid water can similarly be released under the vehicle, which may occur upon a trigger. The water may also be collected and stored for use or reuse. The hydrogen is evacuated upwards via e.g. a thin long conduit and is released from the top of the vehicle, which is beneficial since there is no uncontrolled hydrogen flow in the cabin and other compartments of the vehicle.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 exhaust fluid discharged by the fuel cell system 20, to process the exhaust fluid, and to convey the processed exhaust fluid away from the fuel cell system 20 and away from the vehicle e.g. to the outside and / or to a fluid storage container. The exhaust assembly 52 comprises an exhaust conduit 54 and an exhaust processing device 50 in fluid communication with the exhaust conduit 54. The exhaust processing device 50 is configured to fluidly couple with the exhaust conduit 54 via e.g. a portion 53, e.g. a passage orconduit, of the exhaust conduit 54 shown in FIG. 1 . In examples in accordance with the present disclosure, the exhaust assembly 52 is configured to separate the fuel cell exhaust fluid into a first exhaust flow comprising liquid water, a second exhaust flow comprising dry vapor, and a third exhaust flow comprising hydrogen gas.

[0064] As used herein, the term "dry vapor”, also referred to as dry steam, refers to vapor extracted or separated from the fuel cell exhaust fluid that is in a less wet state, or in other words in a drier state, than a state in which the vapor was in the fuel cell exhaust fluid as expelled from the fuel cell system. The dry vapor may include a certain amount of moisture, but it is primarily dry or drier as compared to the vapor phase of the fuel cell exhaust fluid before the fuel cell exhaust fluid has passed through the exhaust fluid processing device.

[0065] The liquid water, separated from the dry vapor, may include a certain amount of vapor, but this would be a lesser amount than in the fuel cell exhaust fluid as expelled from the fuel cell system.

[0066] The first, second, and third exhaust flows are released via respective separate first, second, and third lines, passages, or conduits. As shown in FIG. 1, the exhaust processing device 50 is positioned so that it is coupled to and in fluid communication with the exhaust conduit 54 so as to separate the exhaust fluid into three exhaust flows and release the exhaust flows such that the first exhaust flow is released via a first passage or conduit 56, the second exhaust flow is released via a second passage or conduit 58, and the third exhaust flow is released via a third passage or conduit 60. The exhaust conduit 54 may be considered to encompass the first passage or conduit 56, the second passage or conduit 58, and the third passage or conduit 60, though it should be noted that the first, second, and third passages or conduits may be separate lines, passages, or conduits, e.g. pipes, that are assembled together into the exhaust conduit 54. The exhaust conduit 54 may also comprise the passage or conduit 53 configured to fluidly couple the fuel cell system to the exhaust fluid processing device 50.

[0067] In some examples, the at least one system 25 comprises two systems, each of the two systems comprising a corresponding fuel cell system and an exhaust assembly coupled to and in fluid communication with the fuel cell system. In such examples, the vehicle 10 includes two exhaust fluid processing devices 50, each being coupled to and in fluid communication with the corresponding exhaust conduit 54 of the exhaust assembly 52. Flows of exhaust fluids produced by each of the two fuel cell systems may be processed separately. Some or all of the resulting exhaust flows may be merged, or the vehicle 10 may be configured such that all of the flows, produced by the two fuel cell systems, are carried away from the exhaust assembly 52 separately. For example, dry vapor may be output separately by each of the exhaust fluid processing devices, i.e. the vehicle 10 will have two separate conduits for releasing dry vapor from under the vehicle such as at a bottom of the vehicle. Similarly, the vehicle 10 may have two separate conduits for releasing liquid water from under the vehicle or in other words underneath the vehicle 10, and the vehicle 10 may have two separate conduits for carrying hydrogen upwards, to be released at the top of the cabin of the vehicle 10. In some examples, the conduits, configured to lead the hydrogen towards the top of the vehicle and then away from the vehicle, may be merged into a single conduit. In some examples, two or more conduits may be configured to lead the hydrogen towards the top of the vehicle and to release the hydrogen to the environment from the top of the vehicle.

[0068] The first conduit 56, configured to carry the first exhaust flow comprising liquid water, may be positioned so as to release the water from under the vehicle 10 such as at a bottom of the vehicle 10. If released directly into the environment, the liquid water is released from under the vehicle 10, i.e. an opening of the first conduit 56 and / or other component or conduit configured to release the liquid water, is positioned under the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 1 . In some examples, the first conduit 56 is configured to fluidly couple to a fluid storage container such as e.g. a water tank configured to collect and store the liquid water. The first conduit 56 may be in fluid communication with the fluid storage container where the liquid water, discharged by the exhaust fluid processing device 50, may optionally be stored. The liquid water may be stored for later release e.g. upon a trigger event. In some examples, in addition or alternatively, the liquid water may be stored for reuse in the vehicle or outside the vehicle.

[0069] The second conduit 58 is configured to release dry vapor from underneath the vehicle 10 such as at the bottom of the vehicle 10. An opening of the second conduit 58 may be positioned underneath the vehicle 10, as also shown in FIG. 1. The third conduit 60, e.g., a pipe, is configured to release hydrogen from a top of the vehicle, such as from a top of a gantry or tower 12 of the vehicle 10. 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 a trailertractor vehicle or in a semi-trailer-tractor vehicle, the cabin may be referred to as a truck tractor or a tractor, to which a trailer may be attached. The tower 12 includes various electrical and other components and can include the third conduit 60 which may be in the form of a thin pipe which may be vertical or it may have one or more bends. It should be noted that the position of the third conduit 60 is shown schematically in FIG. 1, as the third conduit 60 may be routed through the tower 12. The third conduit 60 may extend through at least a portion of the tower 12 of the vehicle, and a specific position of the third conduit 60 may depend on position of other components in the tower 12. The third conduit 60 may be positioned in the tower 12 such that a top of the third conduit 60, with an opening configured to release hydrogen to the ambient environment, protrudes from the top, such as a roof, of the tower 12.

[0070] 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 20 may additionally be used for powering other electric power consumers (not shown) of the vehicle 10, such as 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 20 may thus additionally or alternatively be used for powering one or more power take-off (PTO) devices, 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.

[0071] 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 or oxygen, 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 someexamples, 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.

[0072] The vehicle 10 also comprises an electrical storage system (ESS) 40 such as, for example, 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 being charged by a charger, such as, e.g., from an external power grid or another source. The ESS 40 is configured to assist the fuel cell system in supplying energy to the electric 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 the 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.

[0073] The vehicle 10 may 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 an on-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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] FIG. 2 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.

[0076] 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 shownin 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 exhaust fluid that is produced by the fuel cell stack 22 and is directed to the turbine 37, as shown schematically 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.

[0077] The exhaust assembly 52 comprises an exhaust fluid processing device 50 that is configured to be positioned so as to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid that has been pressurized by the turbocharger 38 and that is routed through the device 50. The turbine 37 may be 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 fuel cell 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 fuel cell exhaust fluid is carried through the exhaust assembly 52 and ultimately away from the vehicle 10.

[0078] The exhaust fluid processing device 50 is configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid as shown by an arrow 39. The exhaust fluid processing device 50 is configured to separate the fuel cell exhaust fluid, as the fuel cell exhaust fluid passes through the device 50, into three separate flows, and discharge the flows via corresponding separate outlets each configured to fluidly couple to a respective passage or conduit. FIG. 2 illustrates that the exhaust fluid processing device 50 is configured to separate the fuel cell exhaust fluid into three exhaust flows and release the exhaust flows via the first conduit 56 configured to carry liquid water away from device 50, the second conduit 58 configured to carry the dry vapor away from the device 50, and the third conduit 60 configured to carry hydrogen gas away from the device 50. The hydrogen carried away from the device 50 via the third conduit 60 may comprise hydrogen that was not used in the fuel cell stack and is released during normal operation of the fuel cell system. For example, hydrogen may be not completely removed from the fuel cell system as the fuel cell system is shut down, and the hydrogen remaining in the system may be released via the third conduit 60. In some cases, additionally or alternatively, the hydrogen carried in the third conduit 60 may be released during a malfunction in the fuel cell system, or by accident.

[0079] The liquid water can be released under the vehicle 10 and / or it may be collected and stored in a fluid storage container 42 shown in FIG. 2. The dry vapor can also be released from under the vehicle 10. The hydrogen gas can be released, via the third conduit 60, from a top of the vehicle 10 such as a top of the gantry or tower as shown in FIG. 1.

[0080] In the example of FIG. 2, the fuel cell system 20 is shown to output the exhaust fluid, 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 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 arecombined 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 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.

[0081] In some examples, the liquid phase of the fuel cell exhaust fluid, such that liquid water 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 to the junction unit 46 e.g. through a converter. 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.

[0084] Operation of the system 25 may be controlled at least in part by a control device such as controller 30 also shown in FIG. 1. The controller 30 comprises processing circuitry 32 and memory (not shown) storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry 32, perform a method for processing or handling a fuel cell exhaust fluid in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The method comprises routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid produced by the fuel cell system of the fuel cell vehicle 10 to and through the exhaust fluid processing device 50, such that three separate flows are output from the exhaust fluid processing device 50 and carried away from the device 50 via respective passages or conduits together forming the exhaust conduit 54 of the exhaust assembly 52.

[0085] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of the exhaust fluid processing device 50 configured to couple for fluid communication with the exhaust conduit 54. The exhaust fluid processing device 50 is configured to couple, via a portion of the exhaust conduit 54 e.g. passage or conduit 52 shown in FIG. 2, with the fuel cell stack for receiving the fuel cell exhaust fluid, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The exhaust processing device 50 is configured to couple for fluid communication with the exhaust conduit 54.

[0086] As shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B, the exhaust fluid processing device 50 comprises a filter component that is inserted into the device 50 so as to create a pressure differential inside the device 50, which pressuredifferential facilitates driving the fuel cell exhaust fluid through the device 50 while filtering and / or cleaning the fuel cell exhaust fluid in the filter component and separating the fuel cell exhaust fluid into three separate flows.

[0087] The exhaust fluid processing device 50 comprises an elongate housing 51 comprising an enclosure or holder 62 and a lid or cover 64, which may be removable. The housing 51 may comprise an inlet port 74 configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port 76 configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port 78 configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a third outlet port 80 configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, the housing 51 being configured to hold a filter component 86 in an inner cavity 85 of the housing 51, wherein the housing 51 is divided into a lower compartment 85I in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports 76, 78 and an upper compartment 85u in fluid communication with the third outlet port 80 that are separated by a filter component 86 when the filter component 86 is positioned in the housing 51 .

[0088] The holder 62 is configured to hold the filter component 86, wherein the housing 51 is divided into the lower compartment and the upper compartment that are separated by the filter component 86 when the filter component 86 is positioned in the holder 62.

[0089] The lid or cover 64, which may be removable, may be configured such that the holder 62 with the cover 64 may form the inner cavity 85, wherein the cover 64 comprises the third outlet port 80. The cover 64 may be configured to be attached to the holder 62, e.g., fixedly attached to the holder 62. The cover 64 may be positioned over the holder 62. In some examples, the cover 64 may be reversibly attached to the holder 62 in a suitable manner, so that an inner chamber or compartment or cavity 85 enclosed by the housing 51 when the cover 64 is coupled to the holder 62 retains the pressure inside the housing 51 . The exhaust fluid processing device 50 is configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid expelled by the fuel cell system, such as e.g., fuel cell system 20 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2.

[0090] The housing 51 of the exhaust fluid processing device 50 may have an elongate shape and the filter component 86 may be positioned inside the housing along a long side of the housing 51 . In some examples, a length of the housing 51 may be at least 3 times or at least 5 times larger than the width of the housing 51 . In some examples, the length of the housing 51 may be about 5 times larger than the width of the housing 51 . In some examples, the length of the housing 51 may be 5 times larger than the width of the housing 51 . In some examples, the length of the housing 51 may be at least 10 times larger than the width of the housing 51. In some examples, the length of the housing 51 may be about 10 times larger than the width of the housing 51. In some examples, the length of the housing 51 may be 10 times larger than the width of the housing 51 . The housing 51 of the exhaust fluid processing device 50 may have various shapes. For example, the housing 51 may have a box-like structure, or it may be generally cylindrical, or it may have other shapes.

[0091] The housing 51 comprises an inlet port 74 configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system. The inlet port 74 is configured to fluidly couple to an exhaust passage or conduit, e.g. passage or conduit 53 shown in FIG. 2, configured to convey the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to the exhaust fluid processing device 50.

[0092] The exhaust fluid processing device 50 is configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid such that the fuel cell exhaust fluid is separated into a first exhaust flow comprising liquid water, a second exhaust flow comprising dry vapor or steam, and a third exhaust flow comprising hydrogen gas. The liquid water is released from under the vehicle, and / or collected and stored for reuse. The dry exhaust vapor or steam is routed under the vehicle and released to the outside from under the vehicle, like in conventional diesel and gasoline vehicles. Accordingly, fewer modifications to existing vehicle designs will need to be made to accommodate for release of the vapor as a byproduct of operation of the fuel cell system of the fuel cell vehicle. Furthermore, the release of the vapor or steam from under the vehicle is advantageous as compared to releasing the vapor or steam from the top of the vehicle. The vapor typically looks like a white fog, and may obscure visibility of the driver of the vehicle and visibility of drivers of other vehicles on the road. The releasing of the vapor from under the vehicle eliminates or alleviates this issue, thereby improving visibility on the roads and increasing safety.

[0093] The hydrogen gas extracted from the fuel cell exhaust fluid is released from the top of the vehicle, e.g., via a conduit, such as e.g. third conduit 60 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, positioned in the gantry or tower of the fuel cell vehicle. The release of the hydrogen gas from the top of the vehicle, separately from the vapor, is advantageous because the risk of the hydrogen rising up through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner is reduced. Also, the risk of the hydrogen being accumulated in a confined space, which may occur if hydrogen is released from under the vehicle, may advantageously be eliminated.

[0094] The exhaust fluid processing device 50 is configured so as to release the first, second, and third exhaust flows from the housing 51 via corresponding separate outlet ports each comprising a respective through opening in the wall of the housing 51 . Accordingly, the housing 51 comprises the first outlet port 76 configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device 50, the second outlet port 78 configured to allow dry exhaust vapor or steam to exit the exhaust fluid processing device 50, and the third outlet port 80 configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device 50. The first, second, and third outlet ports 76, 78, 80 may be configured to mate or couple with corresponding first, second, and third passages or conduits 56, 58, 60 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, such that each of the conduits conveys a fuel cell exhaust fluid from a corresponding outlet port away from the exhaust fluid processing device 50. Thus, the first outlet port 76 is configured to couple with the first conduit 56, the second outlet port 78 is configured to couple with the second conduit 58, and the third outlet port 80 is configured to couple with the third conduit 60. In some examples, the first outlet port 76 and / or first conduit 56 may be configured to fluidly couple to a fluid storage container e.g. fluid storage container 42 (FIG. 2) which may be a water tank configured to collect and store the liquid water.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 3A, the holder 62 configured to hold the filter component 86 comprises a longitudinal axis A1 extending between first and second ends 62a, 62b of the holder 62, the holder comprising the inlet port 74, the first outlet port 76, and the second outlet port 78. The longitudinal axis A1 of the holder 62 may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the housing 51 . In some examples, the longitudinal axis A1 of the holder 62 coincide with the longitudinal axis of the housing 51 The inlet port 74 may be positioned in proximity to the first end 62a of the holder 62, and the first and second outlet ports 76, 78 may be positioned in proximity to the second end 62b of the holder 62. In the illustrated example, the inlet port 74 ispositioned on a top wall of the holder 62, the first outlet port 76 is positioned at an opposite, bottom wall of the holder 62, and the second outlet port 78 is positioned at a side wall of the holder 62. Other positions of the inlet port 74, as well as of first and second outlet ports 76, 78 are possible. For example, in some implementations, the first outlet port 76, configured to convey the liquid water out of the housing 51 of the exhaust fluid processing device 50, may be positioned on the side wall of the holder 62 of the housing 51 .

[0096] As shown in FIG. 3B illustrating a perspective, cross-sectional view of the device 50, the holder 62 may comprise at least one seat element 82 that is configured to seat the filter component 86, wherein the holder 62, such as an inner cavity 63 of the holder 62, is divided into a lower compartment 85I and an upper compartment 85u separated by the filter component 86 when the filter component 86 is positioned in the holder 62. The filter component 86 is positioned in the inner cavity 63 of the holder 62 with a filter component's upper or top surface 86u facing up and a filter component's lower or bottom surface 86I facing down i.e. facing a bottom of the inner cavity 63. In some examples, the filter component 86 may be reversible, such that either of the surfaces of the filter component may face up or down.

[0097] The filter component 86 may be removable and replaceable. Thus, the filter component 86 may be replaced after a certain time period, e.g., once a year or at another frequency such as e.g. more frequently or less frequently than yearly. The removable cover 64 may be lifted off or otherwise, completely or partially, separated from the holder 62 to gain access to the filter component 86 in the inner cavity 63 of the holder 62.

[0098] In some examples, the entire exhaust fluid processing device 50 may be removable and replaceable. Thus, in some examples, for repair or for other reasons, the exhaust fluid processing device 50 may be disconnected from the exhaust conduit 54 and replaced with a new and / or replacement exhaust fluid processing device which may be coupled to the exhaust conduit 54. In some examples e.g. in which the entire exhaust fluid processing device 50 may be removable and replaceable, the cover may not be a removable cover. For example, in some cases, the cover may be permanently coupled to the holder 62.

[0099] The filter component 86 is configured to allow the fuel cell exhaust fluid to pass therethrough such that contaminants and impurities included in the fuel cell exhaust fluid are retained by the filter component 86, whereby the fuel cell exhaust fluid is filtered and / or cleaned. Also, the filter component 86 functions as a demister such that larger water drops are formed from smaller water drops as the fuel cell exhaust fluid is passing through the filter component 86 from the top surface 86u of the filter component 86 towards the bottom surface 86I of the filter component 86. Thus, liquid water may be formed from a portion of a vapor phase of the fuel cell exhaust fluid.

[0100] The filter component 86 may be sized and shaped to fit into the inner cavity 63 of the holder 62. In some examples, the filter component 86 may have a rectangular cross-section. It should be noted however that the filter component 86 may have any other shape, e.g., a shape which may depend on a shape of the holder 62. Examples herein are not limited to any specific shape of the filter component.

[0101] In some examples, the filter component 86 may be not a reversible filter. For example, the filter component 86 may be marked or may have other features that allow distinguishing between its top or upper and bottom or lower surfaces 86u, 86I. In some examples, the filter component 86 may be configured such that itstop and bottom surfaces 86u, 861 are different. In some implementations, the filter component 86 may be shaped such that it can only be inserted into the holder 62 with the bottom surface 861 facing down.

[0102] Also, even if the filter component 86 is such that eighter of its top and bottom surfaces may face up when the filter component 86 is positioned in the holder 82, the filter component 86 may nevertheless be configured such that its top and bottom surfaces 86u, 86I are distinguishable. Thus, in use, e.g. during replacement of the filter component, a risk of accidentally turning the used filter component upside down, instead of changing it to a new, replacement filter component, is reduced.

[0103] The filter component 86 may comprise active carbon. In some examples, the filter component 86 may be a pleated active carbon filter. The active carbon may be in the form of granules, spheres or particles of any other shapes, and the shapes may vary in the filter component 86. In some examples, the active carbon may be enclosed within a membrane, partially or in the entirety. The membrane may be configured as an enclosure for the active carbon and / or other material(s) of which the filter component 86 may be formed. Also, the membrane may be configured to facilitate distribution of the fuel cell exhaust fluid over the filter component 86, such that the exhaust fluid comes in contact with a larger surface area of the filter component 86. In some examples, the filter component 86 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 86 additionally or alternatively.

[0104] In some examples, the filter component 86 comprises at least one filter component membrane. In some examples, the at least one filter component membrane comprises a nano filter membrane. The nano filter membrane may in some examples be pleated with a prefilter material. The filter component membrane may be enclosing at least a portion of the filter component 86.

[0105] The filter component 86 may be configured to demist and filter and / or clean the fuel cell exhaust fluid by one or more out of absorption, ion exchange, and a mechanical cleaning e.g. via a filter component membrane such as e.g. a nano filter membrane. The filter component membrane may be configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid by reverse osmosis which uses energy to push the fluid through pores of the membrane. The filter component membrane retains contaminants while allowing the liquid fluid i.e. water to pass through.

[0106] In some examples, the removable cover 64 may be configured to be attached, e.g. fixedly attached, to the holder 62 such that the holder 62 with the cover 64 positioned over it form the inner chamber or compartment or cavity 85 of the housing 51 of the exhaust fluid processing device 50 comprising the lower compartment 85I in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports 76, 78, and the upper compartment 85u in fluid communication with the third outlet port 80. The removable cover 64 may be positioned over the holder 62 and coupled thereto. The inner cavity 85 of the housing 51 comprises the inner cavity 63 of the holder 62, such that, once the cover 64 is placed over the holder 62 with the open-top inner cavity 63, the housing 51 has the inner cavity 85 enclosed therein. The inner cavity 85 is configured to retain pressure in the exhaust fluid processing device.

[0107] The cover 64 comprises the third outlet port 80 configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device 50. The inner cavity is configured to retain pressure in the exhaust fluid processing device.

[0108] The lid or cover 64 may be removably coupled with the holder 62 in various ways. In some examples, a sealing gasket, e.g. a rubber or silicone gasket, is positioned around at least a portion of the inner wall of the cover 64 and is configured to mate with a corresponding surface of the holder 62. The cover 64 may thus be pressed over the holder 62 to create a seal. One or more of other types of sealing, fixing, attaching, locking, or other coupling elements may be used in addition or alternatively to couple the cover 64 to the holder 62.

[0109] The upper compartment 85u becomes enclosed when the cover 64 is attached to the holder 62, and the upper compartment 85u is formed between an inner wall of the cover 64 and the top surface 86u of the filter component 86. The lower compartment 85I is formed between the wall of the inner cavity 63 of the holder 62 and the bottom surface 86I of the filter component 86.

[0110] In use, the pressure from a compressor, e.g., a turbocharger compressor of turbocharger 38 (FIG. 2), drives the pressurized flow of the fuel cell exhaust fluid to and through the exhaust fluid processing device 50 at a velocity that ensures that the device 50 is able to perform its function of processing and / or handling the fuel cell exhaust fluid to separate the fluid into three flows. As the fuel cell exhaust fluid is driven through the exhaust fluid processing device 50, a pressure differential is created between the upper compartment 85u and lower compartment 85I of the device 50. Thus, in use, the pressure in the upper compartment 85u of the inner cavity 85 of the device 50 is higher than pressure in the lower compartment 85I of the inner cavity 85 of the device 50. In some cases, the pressure in the upper compartment 85u may be at least 5 times higher than the pressure in the lower compartment 85I. For example, the pressure in the upper compartment 85u may be about 6 times higher, or about 7 times higher, or about 8 times higher, or about 9 times higher, or about 10 times, or more than 10 times higher than the pressure in the lower compartment 85I. In some examples, the pressure in the upper compartment 85u may be about 8 times higher than the pressure in the lower compartment 85I. In some examples, the pressure in the upper compartment 85u may be about 10 times higher than the pressure in the lower compartment 85I. In some examples, the pressure in the upper compartment 85u may be about 15 times higher than the pressure in the lower compartment 85I. In some examples, the pressure in the upper compartment 85u may be about 20 times higher than the pressure in the lower compartment 85I. The differences between the pressure in the upper compartment 85u and the pressure in the lower compartment 85I may vary, though the pressure in the upper compartment 85u remains to be higher than the pressure in the lower compartment 85I. As used herein, unless indicated otherwise, the term "about” is defined as being close to, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, to the stated value, and, in some examples, this term is defined to be within 10%, or within 5%, or within 1%, or within 0.5% of the specified value.

[0111] In the example shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B, the at least one seat element 82 is attached to a first inner side wall 84a of the holder 62 at the first end 62a of the holder and a second inner side wall 84a (obscured but marked in FIG. 3B) of the holder 62 at the second end 62b of the holder 62. The at least one seat element 82is in the form of a first seat element 82a attached to the first inner side wall 84a of the holder 62 and a second seat element 82b attached to the second inner side wall 84b of the holder 62, wherein the first and second seat elements are shaped as brackets. The at least one seat element 82, in the form of first and second seat elements 82a, 82b, forms an elongate a gap 81 between the first and second seat elements (82a, 82b), and the at least one seat element 82 is configured to seat the filter component 86 such that the bottom surface 86I of the filter component 86 is facing a bottom inner wall of the holder 62 through the gap 81 . The lower compartment 85I may be in fluid communication with the upper compartment 85u only through the filter component 86.

[0112] The at least one seat element 82 may have other configurations, as examples of the present disclosure are not limited to a specific configuration of a seat element or another element configured to retain the filter component inside the holder 62. In some implementations, the at least one seat element may be in the form of one element configured to position the filter component inside the holder 62. Regardless of the configuration of the at least one seat element 82, it is configured to retain the filter component in the holder 62 so as separate the spaces above and below the filter component into the upper compartment 85u and the lower compartment 85I.

[0113] FIG. 4 illustrates separately the holder 62, the filter component 86 configured to be positioned in the inner cavity 63 of the holder 62, and the removable lid or cover 64 of the exhaust fluid processing device 50. The inlet port 74 is shown on the left in FIG. 4.

[0114] It should be noted that, in some implementations, the cover 64 may not be removable and it may be permanently attached to the holder 62. In some examples, the entire exhaust fluid processing device 50 may be removable and replaceable, such that the device 50 is replaceable as a single unit, and there may be no need to separately replace the filter component. In some examples, the filter component may be removable and replaceable and the entire exhaust fluid processing device 50 may be removable and replaceable.

[0115] Furthermore, in some implementations, the cover 64 may be configured to be removable to replace the filter component 86, and the exhaust fluid processing device 50 may be removable and replaceable.

[0116] FIGs. 5A, 5B, and 5C additionally illustrate a longitudinal cross-sectional and perspective longitudinal cross-sectional views of the exhaust fluid processing device 50. The device 50 is depicted with the filter component 86, shown with a striped pattern for illustration purposes only, positioned therein such that the upper and lower compartments 85u, 85I are defined within the housing 51 of the device 50. The filter component 86 is positioned in the holder 62 such as an acute angle is formed between the bottom surface 86I of the filter component 86 and a bottom inner wall of holder 62. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5A, as well in other Figures, the lower compartment 85I has a slanted shape such that the first outlet port 76 may be positioned in a lowermost point in relation to gravity, which facilitates draining the liquid water out of the device 50. In some examples, the acute angle or an angle of the slant or incline may be from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees, e.g., about 4 degrees or about 5 degrees or more than 5 degrees up to about 10 degrees. In some examples, the angle of the slant is up to 10 degrees. In some examples, the angle of the slant is about 10 degrees. In some examples, the acute angle or an angle of the slant or incline may be from 1 degree to 10 degrees, e.g., 4 degrees or 5 degrees or more than 5 degrees up to 10 degrees. In some examples, the angle of the slant is 10 degrees.

[0117] The cover 64 may be shaped such that it is inclined upwards from an end of the cover 64 closer to the first end 62a of the holder 62 towards an end of the cover 64 that is closer to the second end 62b of the holder 62, when the cover 64 is coupled to the holder 62. As shown e.g. in FIGs. 5A-5C, the third outlet port 80 may be positioned at a highest, relative to the gravity, point or part of the device 50. The upper compartment 85u may thus be shaped such that it expands towards the third outlet port 80, which facilitates evacuation of the hydrogen from the device 50.

[0118] In some examples, as shown for illustration purposes in FIG. 5A only, the first outlet port 76 may comprise a first outlet port valve 76v controlled to selectively allow the liquid water to pass through the first outlet port 76 and away from the exhaust fluid processing device 50, and wherein the valve 76v is configured to retain the pressure in the lower compartment 85I of the inner cavity 85 of the exhaust fluid processing device 50. The first outlet port valve 76v may be controlled to selectively release the liquid water accumulated in the lower compartment 85I, e.g., upon a suitable trigger. For example, when the vehicle is keyed-off, or upon another trigger, the first outlet port valve 76v may be controlled to operate to release the water through the first outlet port 76. As another example, in addition or alternatively, prior to or at shutting down the fuel cell system, the controller 30 may control the first outlet port valve 76v to open to thereby arrow the liquid water draining from the lower compartment 85I via the first outlet port 76. The first outlet port valve 76v may be e.g. a proportional valve, an on- off valve, or valve of another type.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 5A, as well as in other Figures herein, the lower compartment 85I of the inner chamber 85 of the device 50 may extend along the entire length of the device 50. The lower compartment 85I may in some examples comprise first and second end portions 87a, 87b located at the first and second ends 62, 62b of the holder 62, respectively. The first and second end portions 87a, 87b may be formed due to the configuration of the first and second seat elements 82a, 82b of the at least one seat element 82. The configuration of the first and second end portions 87a, 87b may assist in separating the raw exhaust flow into separate flows. Thus, the second end portion 87b, shown on the right in FIG. 5A, may facilitate expelling of the dry vapor, which may accumulate in the second end portion 87b of the lower compartment 85I, via the second outlet port 76. The at least one seat element 82 may have other configurations, which may be different from those shown herein, and the lower compartment 85I of the inner chamber or cavity 85 of the device 50 may also have various other configurations.

[0120] FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of a portion E1 of the device 50, and the portion E1 is marked in FIG. 5B. FIG. 5C illustrates the second end portion 87b of the lower compartment 85I. As shown in FIGs. 5B and 5C, the second first element 82a of the at least one seat element 82 includes a first edge panel 83a configured to seat the filter component 86, and the second seat element 82b of the at least one seat element 82 similarly includes a second edge panel 83b configured to seat the filter component 86. The first and second seat elements 82a, 82b are facing each other and the filter component 86, when positioned in the holder 62, sits on the first and second edge panels 83a, 83b. The at least one seat element 82, in the form of first and second seat elements 82a, 82b, forms the gap 81, and the at least one seat element 82 is configured to seat the filter component 86 such that the bottom surface of the filter component 86 is facing a bottom inner wall of the holder 62 through thegap 81. The lower compartment 85I may be in fluid communication with the upper compartment 85u only through the filter component 86.

[0121] It should be appreciated however that, as mentioned above, other configurations of the at least one seat element 82 are possible.

[0122] In some aspects, a method for processing a fuel cell exhaust flow produced by the fuel cell system 20 of the fuel cell vehicle 10 is provided. The method comprises routing the exhaust flow from the fuel cell system to the exhaust assembly 52 comprising the exhaust conduit 54 configured to fluidly couple to the fuel cell system 20, the exhaust assembly 52 comprising the exhaust fluid processing device 50 configured to fluidly coupled to the exhaust conduit 54. The exhaust fluid processing device 50 is configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid and comprises the elongate housing 51 comprising an inlet port 74 configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, the first outlet port 76 configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, the second outlet port 78 configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and the third outlet port 80 configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device 50. The housing 51 comprises the holder 62 and the cover 64 which may be removable. The holder 62 has a longitudinal axis extending between first and second ends 62a, 62b of the holder 62, wherein the housing 51 is divided into the lower compartment 85I and the upper compartment 85u that are separated by the filter component 86 when the filter component 86 is positioned in the holder 62. The cover 64 is configured to be attached to the holder 62 such that the holder 62 with the cover 64 form the inner cavity 85 comprising the lower compartment 85I in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports 76, 78 and the upper compartment 85u in fluid communication with the third outlet port 80, wherein the cover comprises the third outlet port 80.

[0123] In some aspects, a method for processing a fuel cell exhaust fluid produced by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method comprises routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to and through an exhaust fluid processing device configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid. The exhaust fluid processing device comprises an elongate housing comprising an inlet port configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a third outlet port configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device. The housing is configured to hold a filter component in an inner chamber, compartment, or cavity of the housing, wherein the housing is divided into a lower compartment in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports and an upper compartment in fluid communication with the third outlet port that are separated by the filter component when the filter component is positioned in the housing. The lower compartment and the upper compartment, separated by the filter component, may have respective different pressures therein.

[0124] The pressure difference between the upper and lower compartments 85u, 85I facilitates separation of the fuel cell exhaust fluid into the liquid water, dry vapor or steam, and hydrogen exhaust flows. In use, the raw or unprocessed fuel cell exhaust flow enters the inlet port 74 and is driven through the inner cavity 85 due to the pressure generated by the compressor. The hydrogen gas, mixed with the liquid water, vapor and contaminants in the unprocessed fuel cell exhaust flow, separates from the mixture and travels upwards, into the uppercompartment 85u of the inner cavity 85. The filter component 86 is positioned in the inner cavity 85 such that there is only fluid communication between these compartments. The hydrogen does not pass through the filter component 86 towards the lower compartment 851 and remains in the upper compartment 85u from which the hydrogen, driven by the pressure in the exhaust conduit 54, is released out of the housing 51 via the third outlet port 80. In some examples, as discussed below, a membrane is positioned above the filter component 86 and under the third outlet port 80, wherein the membrane facilitates retaining the hydrogen in the upper compartment 85u of the inner chamber 85.

[0125] The pressurized flow of the fuel cell exhaust fluid enters the upper compartment 85u of the inner cavity 85 of the device 50 and comes in contact with the filter component 86, which functions as both a demister and a filter. The filter component 86 facilitates the fuel cell exhaust fluid to become a more laminar flow, which makes it easier for hydrogen gas to escape or leave the main fuel cell exhaust flow. Hydrogen has a highest average velocity among known gases, and it may rise upwards as fast as 20 m / s (meters per second). Thus, as soon as hydrogen is separated from the fuel cell exhaust fluid, it quickly rises upwards and then is evacuated from the device 50 via the third outlet port 80. In some examples, the third outlet port 80 comprises a valve, as discussed below.

[0126] As the fuel cell exhaust flow passes through the filter component 86, liquid water is extracted from the fuel cell exhaust flow and possible contaminants are retained by the filter component 86. The device 50 is configured and dimensioned such that as much liquid water as possible is removed from the fuel cell exhaust flow, whereby the liquid water flows into the lower compartment 85I due to gravity, whereas what remains of the fuel cell exhaust flow, in other words of the main exhaust flow, is the dry exhaust vapor without hydrogen. The liquid water is released via the first outlet port 76, and the dry vapor is released via the second outlet port 78.

[0127] Accordingly, the exhaust fluid processing device 50 advantageously allows simultaneously separating the stream of the fuel cell exhaust fluid into three separate flows of hydrogen, liquid water, and dry vapor without hydrogen. The dry vapor or steam is routed to under the vehicle and released to the outside from under the vehicle, like in conventional diesel and gasoline vehicles. Accordingly, fewer modifications to existing vehicle designs will need to be made to accommodate for release of the dry vapor, as part of the processed fuel cell exhaust flow, as a byproduct of operation of the fuel cell system of the fuel cell system vehicle.

[0128] The release of the vapor or steam from under the vehicle is advantageous as compared to releasing the vapor or steam from the top of the vehicle. The vapor typically looks like a white fog, and may obscure visibility of the driver of the vehicle and visibility of drivers of other vehicles on the road. Thus, releasing the vapor from under the vehicle eliminates this issue. The release of hydrogen gas from the top of the vehicle, separately from the vapor, is advantageous because the risk of the hydrogen rising up through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner and / or the risk of hydrogen being accumulated in one or more confined spaces is reduced.

[0129] Furthermore, overall, the exhaust fluid processing device 50 allows processing the fuel cell exhaust fluid in a straightforward and efficient manner, such that a relatively simple device allows carrying the processed fuel cell exhaust away from the fuel cell system and then away from the vehicle via three separate flows.

[0130] In some examples, the third outlet port 80 comprises a first valve configured to selectively allow the hydrogen gas and overpressure to permeate therethrough and away from the exhaust fluid processing device, and wherein the first valve is configured to retain the pressure in the upper chamber of the inner cavity of the exhaust fluid processing device.

[0131] In some examples, as mentioned above, the exhaust fluid processing device in accordance with examples of the present disclosure comprises a membrane layer positioned above the filter component and under the third outlet port configured to allow the hydrogen gas to be leave the inner cavity of the device. FIGs. 6 and 7 illustrate an example of an exhaust fluid processing device 50' that comprises such a membrane layer 90. The exhaust fluid processing device 50' is similar to the exhaust fluid processing device 50 of FIGs. 3A, 3B, 4, 5A-5C and, for the sake of simplicity, components of the exhaust fluid processing device 50' of FIGs. 6 and 7 have the same numerical references as corresponding components of the exhaust fluid processing device 50 of FIGs. 3A, 3B, 4, 5A-5C. Also, components included in the exhaust fluid processing device 50' may be included in the exhaust fluid processing device 50 of FIGs. 3A, 3B, 4, 5A-5C, and the description of the components applies to the exhaust fluid processing device 50 of FIGs. 3A, 3B, 4, 5A-5C.

[0132] The exhaust fluid processing device 50', configured to releasably retain therein the membrane layer 90, may have the same configuration as the exhaust fluid processing device 50 of FIGs. 3A, 3B, 4, 5A-5C, and the membrane layer 90 may be an optional component. In some examples, the exhaust fluid processing device 50' of FIGs. 6 and 7 may have some differences in the configuration, e.g., to allow the membrane layer 90 be positioned in the device 50'. In some examples, the membrane layer 90 may be removably attached to the cover of the device 50', though other configurations are possible.

[0133] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the exhaust fluid processing device 50', the device 50' comprising the holder 62, the filter component 86 configured to be positioned in the inner cavity 63 of the holder 62, the membrane layer 90, and the removable lid or cover 64 of the exhaust fluid processing device 50. The membrane layer 90 may be removable and replaceable, and it is configured to be positioned along a top surface of the filter component 86.

[0134] FIG. 7 illustrates a partially exploded view of the exhaust fluid processing device 50', wherein the filter component 86 is positioned in the holder 62 and the membrane layer 90 is disposed above the filter component 62. The cover 64 is shown separately. The exhaust fluid processing device 50', e.g. the holder 62, may have features that allow retaining the membrane layer 90 within the device 50'.

[0135] FIGs. 8A and 8B further illustrate an example of the exhaust fluid processing device 50' of FIGs. 6 and 7. FIGs. 8A and 8B also show that the third outlet port 80 may include a third outlet port valve which allows a hydrogen to pass therethrough and to selectively releasing a pressure in the device 50'. FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a portion E2 of the device 50', and the portion E2 is marked in FIG. 8A.

[0136] In some examples, the third outlet port valve may be configured such that the hydrogen gas is allowed to continuously pass freely therethrough, such that e.g. there are one or more openings and / or membranes in the valve for hydrogen to pass. At the same time, the valve may be configured such that, evenwhen it allows the hydrogen gas to pass therethrough, the valve needs to be opened to a larger degree for it to release the overpressure that may accumulate in the exhaust fluid processing device 50'.

[0137] The membrane layer 90 may be configured to pass the hydrogen gas therethrough and towards the third outlet port 80. As shown in FIGs. 8A and 8B, the membrane layer 90, shown with a striped pattern, may be positioned in the inner chamber 85 such that an additional compartment, referred to as a second upper compartment 91, is defined in the upper compartment 85u. The second upper compartment 91 is defined in the part of the housing of the device 50' that comprises the cover 64. Because the membrane layer 90 is permeable to hydrogen, the hydrogen can pass through the membrane layer 90 and the hydrogen exits the second upper compartment 91 via the third outlet port 80. Additionally, the membrane layer 90 facilitates separation of the hydrogen phase from the fuel cell exhaust flow.

[0138] FIGs. 8A and 8B also illustrate that the exhaust fluid processing device in accordance with examples of the present disclosure, such as e.g. the exhaust fluid processing device 50', may comprise a third outlet port valve 92 positioned in the third outlet port 80 and configured to allow hydrogen to pass therethrough and also configured to release overpressure in the device 50'.

[0139] The upper chamber 85u receives the raw or unprocessed fuel cell exhaust flow, which is pressurized, and the pressure in the upper chamber 85u may become excessively high in some circumstances, thereby creating a so-called overpressure in the upper chamber 85u. For example, when the filter component 86 becomes clogged, due to prolonged use, the pressure in the upper chamber 85u may become high. As another example, additionally or alternatively, when the fuel cell system is operated at a high load, the pressure applied to the fuel cell exhaust fluid may be high such that overpressure occurs in the upper chamber 85u.

[0140] In some examples, the third outlet port valve 92 may be configured to be in a configuration in which it retains the pressure in the upper chamber 85u of the inner cavity 85 of the exhaust fluid processing device 50', and the third outlet port valve 92 may be configured to move to a configuration in which it releases the pressure in the upper chamber 85u such that the pressure is reduced. The third outlet port valve 92 may be configured such that, even in the configuration in which it does not release overpressure that may accumulate in the upper chamber 85u, the third outlet port valve 92 may nevertheless allow hydrogen gas to pass therethrough. Thus, hydrogen gas may be allowed to continuously rise upwards and exit the housing 51 via the third outlet port 80 as the fuel cell exhaust fluid is being routed through the device 50', even if the third outlet port valve 92 is present and in the position or configuration in which it does not release overpressure.

[0141] The third outlet port valve 92, positioned in the third outlet port 80, may be a spring valve, comprising e.g., a valve body 94 and a spring 96, as shown in FIGs. 8A and 8B. As shown in FIG. 8B, the valve body 94 of the third outlet port valve 92 may comprise one or more openings 93, 95 that are configured to allow hydrogen gas to pass to the second upper compartment 91 from the upper compartment 85u. From the second upper compartment 91, the hydrogen gas may further pass through the third outlet port valve 92 and through the third outlet port 80, and may travel upwards e.g. via the third conduit 60, to ultimately exit the vehicle from the top of the vehicle. In some examples, the one or more openings 93, 95 may be in the form of one or more membranes.

[0142] The third outlet port valve 92 may be configured to release overpressure in the upper chamber 85u of the inner cavity 85 of the exhaust fluid processing device 50'. For example, responsive to detecting, e.g., by the controller 30, that the pressure in the upper compartment 85u is above a certain pressure threshold, the third outlet port valve 92 may move to the configuration in which it can release the pressure, e.g., the valve 92 may open, fully or partially, to thereby allow the pressure in the upper compartment 85u be reduced. The valve 92 may move to the configuration in which it does not release the pressure, e.g., it may close or otherwise change its configuration, after being open or otherwise being in the configuration in which it releases the pressure, which may be controllable or automatic.

[0143] In some examples, the third outlet port valve 92 is purely mechanical and not controlled by a controller such as the controller 30, but the third outlet port valve 92 will nevertheless be configured to open responsive to the pressure in the upper compartment 85u being above the certain pressure threshold.

[0144] Thus, regardless of its specific configuration, third outlet port valve 92 may be configured to control the pressure inside the upper compartment 85u and thus inside the device 50'.

[0145] It should be noted that the exhaust fluid processing device 50' is shown in FIGs. 6, 7, 8A, and 8B as an example of the exhaust fluid processing device 50 shown in FIGs. 3A, 3B, 4, 5A-5C, and also in FIGs. 1 and 2. Thus, any one or more features of the device 50' is shown of FIGs. 6, 7, 8A, and 8B are applicable to the exhaust fluid processing device 50 of FIGs. 3A, 3B, 4, and 5A-5C. For example, the exhaust fluid processing device 50 of FIGs. 3A, 3B, 4, and 5A-5C may comprise one or more out of the first outlet port valve 76v, the third outlet port valve 92, and the membrane layer 90.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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, there have 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 (25) comprising: a fuel cell system (20) comprising at least one fuel cell stack (22) comprising an anode (24) and a cathode (26), the fuel cell stack being configured to generate electricity by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen supplied to the anode and oxygen supplied to the cathode, the electrochemical reaction producing a fuel cell exhaust fluid; and an exhaust assembly (52) comprising an exhaust conduit (54) configured to fluidly couple to the fuel cell system, the exhaust assembly (52) comprising an exhaust fluid processing device (50, 50') configured to fluidly couple to the exhaust conduit (54), the exhaust fluid processing device (50, 50') being configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid and comprising: an elongate housing (51) comprising an inlet port (74) configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port (76) configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port (78) configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a third outlet port (80) configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, the housing (51) being configured to hold a filter component (86) in an inner cavity (85) of the housing (51), wherein the housing (51) is divided into a lower compartment (85I) in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports (76, 78) and an upper compartment (85u) in fluid communication with the third outlet port (80) that are separated by a filter component (86) when the filter component (86) is positioned in the housing (51).

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing (51) comprises: a holder (62) configured to hold the filter component (86); and a cover (64) configured to be coupled to the holder such that the holder (62) with the cover (64) form the inner cavity (85), wherein the cover comprises the third outlet port (80).

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the third outlet port (80) is configured to fluidly couple to a third conduit (60) extending from the third outlet port (80) towards a top of a cabin (15) of the vehicle, the third conduit (60) being configured to release the hydrogen gas at the top of the cabin of the vehicle.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first outlet port (76) is configured to fluidly couple to a first conduit (56) that allows the liquid water to exit the exhaust conduit (54) at a bottom of the vehicle, and the second outlet port (78) is configured to fluidly couple to a second conduit (58) that allows the dry vapor to exit the exhaust conduit (54) at the bottom of the vehicle.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the exhaust fluid processing device comprises the filter component (86).

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first outlet port (76) comprises a first outlet port valve (76v) configured and / or controlled to selectively allow the liquid water to pass through first outlet port (76) and away from the exhaust fluid processing device (50, 50').

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the third outlet port (80) comprises a third outlet port valve (92) configured and / or controlled to allow the hydrogen gas to pass therethrough and away from the exhaust fluid processing device (50, 50'), and wherein the third outlet port valve (92) is configured to release overpressure in the exhaust fluid processing device (50, 50').

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the exhaust fluid processing device is configured such that a pressure in the upper compartment (85u) of the inner cavity (85) is higher than a pressure in the lower compartment (85I) of the inner cavity (85).

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the exhaust fluid processing device (50) comprises a membrane layer (90) positioned below the third outlet port (80) along a top surface of the filter component (86).

10. An exhaust fluid processing device (50, 50') configured to process a fuel cell exhaust fluid produced by a fuel cell system (20) of a fuel cell vehicle (10) as a result of an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen supplied to an anode and oxygen supplied to a cathode of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system, the exhaust fluid processing device (50, 50') comprising: an elongate housing (51) comprising an inlet port (74) configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port (76) configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port (78) configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a third outlet port (80) configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, the housing (51) being configured to hold a filter component (86) in an inner cavity (85) of the housing (51), wherein the housing (51) is divided into a lower compartment (85I) in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports (76, 78) and an upper compartment (85u) in fluid communication with the third outlet port (80) that are separated by a filter component (86) when the filter component (86) is positioned in the housing (51).

11. The exhaust fluid processing device of claim 10, wherein the housing (51) comprises: a holder (62) configured to hold the filter component (86); and a cover (64) configured to be coupled to the holder such that the holder (62) with the cover (64) form the inner cavity (85), wherein the cover comprises the third outlet port (80).

12. The exhaust fluid processing device of claim 10 or 11, wherein the third outlet port (80) is configured to fluidly couple to a third conduit (60) extending from the third outlet port (80) towards a top of a cabin (15) of the vehicle, the third conduit (60) being configured to release the hydrogen gas at the top of the cabin of the vehicle.

13. The exhaust fluid processing device of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first outlet port (76) is configured to fluidly couple to a first conduit (56) that allows the liquid water to exit the exhaust conduit (54) at a bottom of the vehicle, and the second outlet port (78) is configured to fluidly couple to a second conduit (58) that allows the dry vapor to exit the exhaust conduit (54) at the bottom of the vehicle.

14. The exhaust fluid processing device of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the exhaust fluid processing device comprises the filter component (86).

15. The exhaust fluid processing device of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the first outlet port (76) comprises a first outlet port valve (76v) configured and / or controlled to selectively allow the liquid water to pass through first outlet port (76) and away from the exhaust fluid processing device (50).

16. The exhaust fluid processing device of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the third outlet port (80) comprises a third outlet port valve (92) configured and / or controlled to allow the hydrogen gas to pass therethrough and away from the exhaust fluid processing device (50), and wherein the third outlet port valve (92) is configured to release overpressure in the exhaust fluid processing device (50).

17. The exhaust fluid processing device of any one of claims 10 to 16, comprising a membrane layer (90) configured to be positioned below the third outlet port (80) along a top surface of the filter component (86.

18. A fuel cell vehicle (10) comprising the at least one system (25) of any one of claims 1 to 9 and / or the exhaust fluid processing device (50) of any one of claims 10 to 17.

19. A fuel cell vehicle (10) comprising at least one system (25), the at least one system (25) comprising: a fuel cell system (20) comprising at least one fuel cell stack (22) comprising an anode (24) and a cathode (26), the fuel cell stack being configured to generate electricity by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen supplied to the anode and oxygen supplied to the cathode, the electrochemical reaction producing a fuel cell exhaust fluid; and an exhaust assembly (52) comprising an exhaust conduit (54) configured to fluidly couple to the fuel cell system, the exhaust assembly comprising an exhaust fluid processing device (50) configured to fluidly couple to the exhaust conduit (54), the exhaust fluid processing device being configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid and comprising:an elongate housing (51) comprising an inlet port (74) configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port (76) configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port (78) configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a third outlet port (80) configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, the housing (51) being configured to hold a filter component (86) in an inner cavity (85) of the housing (51), wherein the housing (51) is divided into a lower compartment (85I) in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports (76, 78) and an upper compartment (85u) in fluid communication with the third outlet port (80) that are separated by a filter component (86) when the filter component (86) is positioned in the housing (51).

20. A method for processing a fuel cell exhaust flow produced by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle, the method comprising: routing the fuel cell exhaust flow from the fuel cell system to an exhaust assembly comprising an exhaust conduit configured to fluidly couple to the fuel cell system, the exhaust assembly comprising an exhaust fluid processing device configured to fluidly couple to the exhaust conduit, the exhaust fluid processing device being configured to process the exhaust fluid and comprising: an elongate housing comprising an inlet port configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a third outlet port configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, the housing being configured to hold a filter component in an inner cavity of the housing, wherein the housing is divided into a lower compartment in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports and an upper compartment in fluid communication with the third outlet port that are separated by a filter component when the filter component is positioned in the housing.21 . A method for processing a fuel cell exhaust fluid produced by a fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle, the method comprising: routing the fuel cell exhaust fluid from the fuel cell system to and through an exhaust fluid processing device configured to process the fuel cell exhaust fluid, the exhaust fluid processing device comprising: an elongate housing comprising an inlet port configured to receive the fuel cell exhaust fluid, a first outlet port configured to allow liquid water to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, a second outlet port configured to allow dry exhaust vapor to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, and a third outlet port configured to allow hydrogen gas to exit the exhaust fluid processing device, the housing being configured to hold a filter component in an inner cavity of the housing, wherein the housing is divided into a lower compartment in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports and an upper compartment in fluid communication with the third outlet port that are separated by the filter component when the filter component is positioned in the housing.

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