Anti-condensation device for a fuel cell system piping

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel cell system (1) comprising an anti-condensation device (3) for a pipe (4). According to the invention, the fuel cell system is such that the anti-condensation device (3) comprises a heating device (5) consisting of a heat transfer fluid circulating within a tube (6) wound around the pipe (4), the inlet port (60) of the heat transfer fluid in the tube (6) being separate from the inlet port (40) or outlet port (41) of the pipe (4). Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Anti-condensation device for a fuel cell system piping

[0001] The invention relates to a fuel cell system comprising an anti-condensation device for a pipe, more particularly for a pipe of a fuel cell module. More specifically, the invention relates to an anti-condensation device that can prevent a decrease in the durability of a fuel cell system.

[0002] The invention can be used in particular in a fuel cell vehicle.

[0003] The condensation of water vapor within a fuel cell system pipe has always exposed the latter to mechanical risks related to the presence of water that may freeze at low temperatures within the pipe, but also to a decrease in the efficiency of the fuel cell system linked to poor supply of air, oxygen or hydrogen due to the presence of liquid water.

[0004] Document KR20130073041A describes a device for limiting the Condensation within a fuel cell system's piping. This system comprises concentric coaxial piping, with the inner pipe or tube, where water vapor condensation can occur, surrounded by an outer tube. A heat transfer fluid circulates within this outer tube, reducing the risk of water vapor condensation within the inner pipe or tube.

[0005] However, the proposed solution offers little flexibility in its connection to the fuel cell elements and also entails a risk of leakage of a fluid from one pipe to another.

[0006] The invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.

[0007] More specifically, an objective of the invention, in at least one of its embodiments, is to provide a fuel cell system comprising an anti-condensation device for a pipe, more particularly for a pipe of a fuel cell module of the fuel cell system.

[0008] The invention, in at least one of its embodiments, also aims to provide a fuel cell vehicle.

[0009] According to a particular embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel cell system comprising an anti-condensation device for a pipe.

[0010] According to the invention, such an anti-condensation device comprises a heating device consisting of a heat transfer fluid circulating within a tube wrapped around the pipe, the inlet orifice of the heat transfer fluid in the tube being separate from the inlet or outlet orifice of the pipe.

[0011] The general principle of the invention is based on the presence of a heating device consisting of a heat transfer fluid circulating within a tube wrapped around the pipe, the inlet orifice of the heat transfer fluid in the tube being separate from the inlet or outlet orifice of the pipe.

[0012] Thus, the invention is based on a completely new and inventive approach to an anti-condensation device comprising a heating system consisting of a heat transfer fluid circulating within a tube wrapped around the pipe. This arrangement allows for a heating system whose configuration and connection to the fuel cell system components are easy and whose integration is facilitated. Furthermore, since the inlet of the heat transfer fluid in the tube is separate from the inlet or outlet of the pipe, this minimizes the risk of fluid leakage from the pipe to the tube and vice versa.

[0013] The expression "the inlet orifice of the heat transfer fluid in the tubing being separate from the inlet orifice or outlet orifice of the pipe" means that the inlet orifice of the heat transfer fluid in the tubing and the inlet orifice or outlet orifice of the pipe are located on the same side of the pipe but separated and therefore distant from each other.

[0014] Advantageously, the fuel cell system according to the invention is such that the outlet orifice of the heat transfer fluid of the tubing is separated from the inlet orifice or the outlet orifice of the pipe.

[0015] Thus, a heating system in which the outlet of the heat transfer fluid of the pipe is separate from the inlet or outlet of the pipe offers greater flexibility for integration.

[0016] The expression "the outlet orifice of the heat transfer fluid of the pipe is separate from the inlet orifice or the outlet orifice of the pipe" means that the outlet orifice of the heat transfer fluid of the pipe and the inlet orifice or the outlet orifice of the pipe are located on the same side of the pipe but separated and therefore distant from each other.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the preceding embodiment, the fuel cell system according to the invention is such that the inlet port of the heat transfer fluid in the tubing is separated from the inlet port of the pipe and that the outlet port of the heat transfer fluid from the tubing is separated from the outlet port of the pipe.

[0018] Thus, a heating system in which the inlet of the heat transfer fluid in the tubing is separate from the inlet of the pipe and the outlet of the heat transfer fluid in the tubing is separate from the outlet of the pipe allows for easier integration, the heat transfer fluid and the fluids present in the pipe flowing in the same direction.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment of the preceding embodiment, the fuel cell system according to the invention is such that the inlet orifice of the heat transfer fluid in the tubing is separated from the outlet orifice of the pipe and such that the outlet orifice of the heat transfer fluid of the tubing is separated from the inlet orifice of the pipe.

[0020] Thus, a heating system in which the inlet of the heat transfer fluid in the pipe is separated from the outlet of the pipe and in which the outlet of the heat transfer fluid in the pipe is separated from the inlet of the pipe allows for better heating of the pipe.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the fuel cell system according to the invention is such that the pipe and tubing are coated with a polymer matrix.

[0022] Thus, a heating system whose pipe and tubing are coated with a polymer matrix allows for good thermal conduction between the pipe and the tubing, but also better homogenization of the heating, which helps to avoid any risk of cold spots.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the fuel cell system according to the invention is such that the tubing and the piping are based on a polymer selected from the group consisting of silicone and a fluorocarbon elastomer.

[0024] Thus, a tube and a pipe based on a polymer selected from the group consisting of silicone and a fluorocarbon elastomer makes it possible to benefit from a flexible pipe-tube structure allowing easy assembly within the fuel cell system.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the fuel cell system according to the invention is such that a means for heating the heat transfer fluid is a fuel cell module.

[0026] Thus, when the means of heating the heat transfer fluid is a fuel cell module, this makes it possible to use the heat generated by the cell to heat the heat transfer fluid and thus have a so-called passive heating system that does not require an additional heat source.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the preceding embodiment, the fuel cell system according to the invention is such that the piping is a piping of the fuel cell module, preferably a piping of a loop of fuel cell module recirculation, more preferably a channel of an anodic recirculation loop of the fuel cell module.

[0028] Thus, a heating system for a fuel cell module pipe, particularly a recirculation loop of the fuel cell module, prevents the formation of water droplets within the pipe, which would lead to a loss of fuel cell module efficiency. This applies more specifically to the anodic recirculation loop, which ensures hydrogen recirculation that is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of the fuel cell system. Indeed, the hydrogen that has not been completely consumed is reinjected into the cell, thereby improving its overall performance. The presence of water droplets ipso facto induces a drop in cell efficiency.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the fuel cell system according to the invention is such that the heat transfer fluid is based on ethylene glycol. Preferably, the conductivity of the heat transfer fluid is less than or equal to 2 pS / cm at 25 °C.

[0030] Thus, a heat transfer fluid based on ethylene glycol prevents the ethylene glycol or its mixture with demineralized water from freezing at typical operating temperatures. A heat transfer fluid with low conductivity prevents short circuits from occurring within the fuel cell system.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the fuel cell system according to the invention is such that the ratio between the length of the tubing (Lt) and the length of the pipe (Lc) is such that Lt / Lc >1.5, preferably Lt / Lc > 2, more preferably Lt / Lc > 3.

[0032] Thus, a heating system in which the ratio between the length of the tubing (U ) and the length of the pipe (Lc) is greater than or equal to 1.5, preferably greater than or equal to 2, more preferably greater than or equal to 3, makes it possible to have a pipe-tubing structure which is both flexible and ensures good heating.

[0033] According to an alternative or complementary embodiment of the previous embodiment, the fuel cell system according to the invention is such that the ratio between the pitch of the tube winding (P) and the internal diameter of the pipe (D) is within the range of values ​​between 1 / 3 and 2. In other words, we have that 1 / 3 < P / D < 2.

[0034] Thus, a fuel cell system such that the ratio between the pitch of the tube winding (P) and the inside diameter of the pipe (D) is within the range of values ​​between 1 / 3 and 2 allows for a flexible pipe-tubing structure.

[0035] The expression "the pitch of the tubing winding" means the relative distance traveled in translation by the tubing with respect to the pipe during a complete turn around the pipe.

[0036] An object of the invention is a fuel cell vehicle comprising a fuel cell system according to the invention.

[0037] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of a preferred embodiment, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0038] Figure 1 presents a synoptic diagram of a fuel cell system according to the invention

[0039] [Fig.2] illustrates the inputs and outputs within the fuel cell module of the fuel cell system shown in [Fig.1]

[0040] Figure 3 illustrates a duct of the heating device of the fuel cell system according to the invention

[0041] [Fig.4] shows a longitudinal section of the pipeline described in [Fig.3]

[0042] [Fig.5] illustrates the longitudinal section shown in [Fig.4] on which the winding pitch of the tubing (P) and the internal diameter of the pipeline have been shown

[0043] An embodiment of a fuel cell system according to the invention is shown in relation to [Fig. 1]. The fuel cell system 1 comprises an anti-condensation device 3 for a pipe 4 of a fuel cell module 2. The anti-condensation device 3 comprises a heating device 5 consisting of a heat transfer fluid circulating within a tube 6 wound around the pipe 4 of the fuel cell module 2, the outlet 61 of the heat transfer fluid in the tube 6 being separate from the inlet 41 of the pipe 4 of the fuel cell module 2. The pipe 4 of the fuel cell module is a pipe of an anodic recirculation loop of the fuel cell module. The fuel cell module 2 also comprises an outlet pipe 7 for the cathodic part of the module 2.The tubing 6 and the channel 4 are based on a polymer selected from the group consisting of silicone and a fluorocarbon elastomer. The fluid outlet point 85 of the anodic part is also shown.

[0044] Figure 2 shows the fuel cell system 1 of Figure 1 from another angle. Figure 2 describes the connection points of the tubing 6 and the pipe 4 of the fuel cell module 2. The inlet 84 and outlet 85 points of the fluids of the anodic part of module 2, the inlet 82 and outlet points of the fluids of The cathode ray tube of module 2 is also shown. The fluid outlet point 83 of the cathode ray tube is marked by the opening of the pipe 7.

[0045] Figure 3 shows a pipe 4 of the fuel cell module of the Figures 1 and 2. Pipe 4 is part of an anodic recirculation loop. The outlet 61 of the heat transfer fluid in the tube 6 is separated from the inlet 41 of the fluids in the anodic section. Similarly, the inlet 60 of the heat transfer fluid is separated from the outlet 60 of the fluids in the cathodic section. Pipe 4 and tube 6 are made of a polymer selected from the group consisting of silicone and a fluorocarbon elastomer; these materials allow for a sufficiently flexible pipe-tube assembly. The ratio between the length of the tubing (Lt) 6 and the length of the pipe (Lc) 4 is such that Lt / Lc > 1.5, preferably Lt / Lc > 2, more preferably Lt / Lc > 3, such a ratio allows good heating of the pipe 4 and thus avoids condensation of water vapor within the latter.

[0046] Fig. 4 illustrates a longitudinal section of the pipe 4 and the tubing 6. This figure allows us to observe the arrangement between the tubing 6 and the pipe 4. The winding of the tubing 6 around the pipe 4 is such that when we abstractly connect the center of two adjacent sections 62, 63 with the opposite section 64 included between these two adjacent sections 62, 63, the resulting shape is an isosceles triangle as indicated by the dashed shape in Fig. 4.

[0047] Figure 5 illustrates the longitudinal section shown in Figure 4. This figure allows observation of the arrangement between the tube 6 and the pipe 4. The winding of the tube 6 around the pipe 4 is such that the ratio between the pitch of the tube winding (P) and the internal diameter of the pipe (D) is within the range of values ​​between 1 / 3 and 2.

Claims

Demands

1. Fuel cell system (1) comprising an anti-condensation device (3) of a pipe (4), characterized in that the anti-condensation device (3) comprises a heating device (5) consisting of a heat transfer fluid circulating within a tube (6) wound around the pipe (4), the inlet port (60) of the heat transfer fluid in the tube (6) being disjoint from the inlet port (41) or outlet port (42) of the pipe (4).

2. Fuel cell system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outlet port of the heat transfer fluid of the tubing (6) is disjoint from the inlet port (41) or the outlet port of the pipe (4).

3. Fuel cell system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the inlet port of the heat transfer fluid in the tubing (6) is disjoint from the inlet port (41) of the pipe (4) and the outlet port of the heat transfer fluid (61) of the tubing is disjoint from the outlet port of the pipe.

4. Fuel cell system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the inlet port of the heat transfer fluid in the tubing (6) is disjoint from the outlet port of the piping and the outlet port of the heat transfer fluid in the tubing is disjoint from the inlet port (41) of the piping (4).

5. Fuel cell system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, such that the piping (4) of the fuel cell module (2) and the tubing (6) are coated with a polymer matrix.

6. Fuel cell system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, such that the tubing (6) and the piping (4) are based on a polymer selected from the group consisting of silicone and a fluorocarbon elastomer.

7. Fuel cell system according to any one of the preceding claims, such that a means for heating the heat transfer fluid is a fuel cell module (2).

8. Fuel cell system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the piping (4) is a piping of the fuel cell module, preferably of a recirculation loop of the fuel cell module (2), more preferably a channeling of an anodic recirculation loop of the fuel cell module (2).

9. Fuel cell system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat transfer fluid is based on ethylene glycol.

10. Fuel cell system according to any one of the preceding claims, such that the ratio between the length of the tubing (Lt) (6) and the length of the pipe (Lc) (4) is such that Lt / Lc > 1.5, preferably Lt / Lc > 2, more preferably Lt / Lc > 3.

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