A device for filtering ambient air
The self-regenerating air filtration system in fuel cell systems uses internally produced water to filter contaminants, addressing filter replacement issues and reducing costs, ensuring sustained operation and additional liquid uses.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CELLCENTRIC GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing fuel cell systems face contamination from ambient air impurities that can adversely affect electrochemical reactions and require periodic replacement of air filters, incurring labor and material costs.
A self-regenerating air filtration system that uses water produced by the fuel cell's electrochemical reaction to filter contaminants, eliminating the need for external air filters and reducing maintenance costs.
The system effectively filters ambient air using internally generated liquid, ensuring sustained operation with reduced expenses and maintenance efforts, while also allowing for additional uses of the generated liquid within the vehicle.
Smart Images
Figure 2026515049000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for filtering ambient air, an electric drive system, and a method for filtering ambient air.
Background Art
[0002] Energy conversion systems capable of generating electrical energy by means of an electrochemical reaction using an oxidizing agent and a fuel are known. These systems include fuel cell systems.
[0003] A fuel cell system can be used, for example, to generate electrical energy for operating an electric motor of an electric vehicle. The fuel cell system can include a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells arranged in parallel. In a fuel cell, an electrolyte layer, particularly a proton-conductive polymer electrolyte membrane, is disposed between two electrodes, a cathode and an anode. In a fuel cell, electrical energy can be generated by the reaction of a fuel and an oxidizing agent, particularly oxygen.
[0004] To provide an oxidizing agent, ambient air can be first supplied to the fuel cell. In addition to the desired oxidizing agent, ambient air contains contaminants or impurities. These contaminants can include ammonia, nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, etc. Furthermore, ambient air can also contain salts such as fine powder and sodium chloride.
[0005] These contaminants can have an adverse effect on the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell and thus on the operation of the fuel cell, and can also cause damage to the fuel cell.
[0006] Therefore, it is important that the fuel cell system has a filtration system designed to filter out and remove harmful contaminants from the ambient air before being used for the purpose of an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell.
[0007] Air filters, particularly paper or activated carbon filters, can be used to remove contaminated ambient air from it, such as particulate matter and other impurities. These air filters need to be cleaned or replaced periodically, which incurs additional labor and costs. Furthermore, additional materials may be required when replacing air filters. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a device for filtering ambient air that enables improved and sustained operation. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] This objective is achieved by teaching the independent claims. Various embodiments and improvements of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.
[0010] A first aspect of the solution relates to an apparatus for filtering ambient air, the apparatus comprising (i) a reactor, particularly a fuel cell, configured to electrochemically react an extract, particularly a fuel, with an oxidizing agent, particularly oxygen, to which at least one liquid, particularly water, may be produced as a product of the electrochemical reaction; and (ii) a filtration system having a first liquid reservoir, (iii) a first connection line formed between the reactor and the first liquid reservoir, through which the produced liquid can flow from the reactor to the first liquid reservoir; (iv) the filtration system configured to bring ambient air into contact with the produced liquid in the liquid reservoir, thereby filtering and removing contaminants, particularly solid or liquid particles, particularly salts, from the ambient air; and (v) a second connection line formed between the filtration system and the reactor, through which the filtered ambient air from the filtration system can be supplied to the reactor as an oxidizing agent for the electrochemical reaction.
[0011] The terms “comprises,” “contains,” “includes,” “encompasses,” “has,” “with,” or any other variations thereof, as used herein, are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or has a list of elements may include other elements not explicitly enumerated, or elements specific to such a method or apparatus, but is not necessarily limited to those elements.
[0012] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or". For example, condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).
[0013] As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" are defined to mean "one or more." The terms "another" and "further," and any other variations thereof, should be understood to mean "at least one other."
[0014] As used herein, the term “plural” should be understood to mean “two or more.”
[0015] The terms “configured” or “designed” (and their respective modifications) to perform a particular function should be understood, as used herein, to mean that the corresponding device is capable of performing that function, or at least configurable (i.e., configurable), and is therefore already provided in an embodiment or configuration that allows it to perform that function after the corresponding configuration. This configuration can be achieved, for example, through the corresponding setting of process course parameters, or through the corresponding setting of a switch for activating or deactivating a function or configuration. Specifically, since the device may have a number of predetermined configurations or operating modes, the configuration can be achieved by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.
[0016] As used herein, the term "fuel cell" should be understood as a device in which chemical energy is directly converted into electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel with an oxidizer. For this purpose, an electrolyte layer can be provided in the fuel cell between two layers designed as electrodes. The electrolyte layer is designed, for example, as a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and needs to be moistened during operation to allow proton conduction. The fuel, such as hydrogen, is dissociated at the electrode set up as the anode. The resulting protons diffuse through the membrane to the electrode used as the cathode, where they can react with oxygen atoms of the oxidizer reduced by the cathode to form water (formally, 2H₂). + +O 2- →H2O).
[0017] In the apparatus according to the first embodiment, ambient air can be filtered with a liquid produced by the reactor, particularly water, before supplying ambient air to the reactor for the electrochemical reaction. The water is either produced by the electrochemical reaction or is a product of the electrochemical reaction. Therefore, a separate air filter that must be replaced periodically is not required for filtering the ambient air. In this respect, potential maintenance effort and material costs can be reduced. Similarly, the apparatus does not require the provision of liquid for filtration from an external liquid supply source. Rather, a liquid produced by the apparatus itself can be used. This further reduces the expenses required to operate the filter. As a result, the apparatus can be operated sustainably with relatively little expense. In this respect, the apparatus can be described as a self-regenerating apparatus with respect to the use of liquid produced by the apparatus for filtering ambient air.
[0018] Preferred embodiments of the apparatus are described below. These can be combined with each other and with other embodiments described further, as needed, unless expressly excluded or technically impossible.
[0019] In some embodiments, the filtration system includes a gas separator, particularly a centrifuge, which is configured to separate liquid or solid particles contained in the ambient air from the ambient air according to the physical properties of the particles, especially their mass, before liquid filtration is performed, and to bring the separated particles into contact with the liquid. This allows for more effective filtration of the ambient air, as particles are supplied to the liquid according to their physical properties, while gas molecules lighter than the particles are not supplied to the liquid.
[0020] In some embodiments, the filtration system includes a humidifier, particularly a sprayer, configured to humidify the ambient air flowing into the filtration system. In particular, water-soluble substances such as salts that may be present in the ambient air can be filtered and removed from the ambient air by being bound in this manner and supplied to the liquid more effectively.
[0021] In some embodiments, the filtration system includes a heating device for heating a first liquid reservoir. This allows the liquid in the reservoir to be heated, in particular preventing the liquid from freezing at sub-zero ambient temperatures. If the liquid freezes, the ambient air can no longer be filtered, or at least only significantly, resulting in poorly filtered ambient air being supplied to the reactor. Furthermore, the heating device can achieve a liquid temperature favorable to the operation of the device. Similarly, after the reactor has been shut down for an extended period to allow the liquid to freeze, the heating device may allow the liquid to be thawed, particularly before the reactor is operated.
[0022] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an electrically controlled pump for transferring a predetermined amount of the generated liquid from the reactor to a liquid reservoir. This ensures that a predetermined amount of liquid is maintained in the liquid reservoir. This may be advantageous when the liquid reservoir is operating in a continuous flow, i.e., when the liquid is continuously supplied to and continuously discharged from the liquid reservoir by the pump.
[0023] In some embodiments, the first liquid reservoir has a closable opening through which liquid can be discharged from the first liquid reservoir. This allows liquid containing bound or dissolved impurities from the ambient air to be discharged from the liquid reservoir, and the liquid reservoir can be replenished with liquid from the reactor. This makes it possible to filter and remove impurities from the environment more effectively.
[0024] In some embodiments, the closable opening is kept continuously open. This allows for continuous discharge of liquid and continuous replenishment of the liquid reservoir from the reactor. As a result, more effective filtration of the ambient air can be achieved.
[0025] In some embodiments, the device includes a second liquid reservoir for the generated liquid. This enables storing a portion of the volume of liquid that can be generated by the reactor in the second liquid reservoir for uses different from the filtration of ambient air. In particular, when the device is used in a motor vehicle, the generated liquid can be used for lubrication, the windshield wiper system, or a fire extinguishing or cooling member. In this way, the generated liquid can be supplied for additional uses, achieving savings of the liquid intended within the vehicle for one or more of the above uses.
[0026] In some embodiments, the device includes (i) a housing in which the reactor is disposed and which is connected to the filtration system by a third connection line, and (ii) a gas pump, particularly a gas jet pump, configured to suck gas from the housing of the reactor and supply it to the filtration system via the third connection line. In particular, during operation of the reactor, the gas within the housing may come into contact with dirty particles from the reactor. On the one hand, this gas is sucked out of the housing by the gas pump. On the other hand, this gas is filtered by the filtration system and as a result, is supplied back to the reactor by the filtration system. This removes the gas present within the housing and enables its use in an electrochemical reaction.
[0027] In some embodiments, the reactor includes a fuel cell. The fuel cell generates water, particularly during operation. In particular, a truck can generate a volume of water of about 70 liters over a driving distance of about 100 km. This capacity may be sufficient for filtering ambient air and for other uses. In the case of a fuel cell disposed within the housing, a small amount of gas, particularly hydrogen, can pass from the fuel cell into the housing, so the airtightness of the fuel cell may decrease after a longer period. By sucking this hydrogen by the gas pump, it is possible to prevent this hydrogen from leaking into the environment.
[0028] A second aspect of this solution relates to an electric drive system including the device according to the first aspect.
[0029] In some embodiments, the electric drive system comprises an emergency generator for an automobile or an energy supply system.
[0030] A third aspect of the solution relates to a method of filtering ambient air, the method comprising: (i) performing an electrochemical reaction via a reactor between an extract, particularly a fuel, and an oxidant, particularly oxygen, such that at least one liquid is produced as a product by the electrochemical reaction; (ii) supplying the produced liquid to a liquid reservoir of a filtration system, wherein the ambient air is brought into contact with the liquid produced by the filtration system, whereby contaminants are filtered out and removed from the ambient air; and (iii) supplying the filtered ambient air to the reactor for the electrochemical reaction.
[0031] The features and advantages described with respect to the first aspect of the solution are further correspondingly applicable to the aspects described.
[0032] Further advantages, features, and possible uses can be obtained from the more detailed description of the preferred embodiments below in conjunction with the figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] [Figure 1] The figure schematically shows a fuel cell system 100 having a fuel cell 110 and a filtration system 200 according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The fuel cell 110 is housed within a housing 120. The fuel cell 110 includes an anode chamber 130 and a cathode chamber 140. The anode (not shown) is located in the anode chamber 130, and the cathode (not shown) is located in the cathode chamber 140. A proton-conducting membrane, particularly a polymer electrolyte membrane (not shown), is located between the anode and the cathode. An oxidant is supplied to the cathode chamber by an oxidant line 150. Fuel is supplied to the anode chamber 130 by a fuel line 160. In the fuel cell 110, an electrochemical reaction occurs between the oxidant and the fuel, generating electrical energy along with water as a reaction product. This water is supplied to the liquid reservoir 220 by a feedwater line 170 via a controlled pump (not shown) of a filtration system 200. The feedwater line is made of a corrosion-resistant material, particularly stainless steel.
[0035] The filtration system 200 further comprises a filtration housing 210 in which a liquid reservoir 220 is located. Ambient air is supplied through an opening in the filtration housing 210 by an ambient air line 250. For this purpose, a suitable air transport device (not shown here) may be used. The supplied ambient air is pre-filtered by a centrifuge 240, thereby supplying contaminants in the ambient air, particularly liquid or solid particles such as salt particles that are heavier than the gas molecules of the ambient air, to the liquid reservoir 220 which contains water. There, these contaminants bind to the water or dissolve in the water. The corresponding gas stream can be directed not only towards the water surface but also through the water 230, thereby allowing for particularly effective separation of the ambient air from the remaining contaminants. These contaminants may include ammonia or salts in particular.
[0036] The contaminants, especially gas molecules lighter than oxygen, rise again and are supplied as oxidizers to the cathode chamber 140 by the oxidizer line 150.
[0037] The liquid storage section 220 further includes a closable opening 260 from which water 230 can be discharged. This may be advantageous if contaminants from the ambient air have already been filtered and removed by the water 230 over a longer period of time and are consequently bound to the water 230, causing the water to become saturated. The saturated or filtered water can be discharged from the liquid storage section 220 through the closable opening 260 as much as possible and replaced with unsaturated water 230.
[0038] The water 230 can be continuously replaced, that is, it can flow continuously through the liquid storage section 220.
[0039] Furthermore, the filtration system 200 may include a spraying device 270 that can spray water droplets into the ambient air supplied to the filtration system 200. Thus, the filtration system 200 can function without the spraying device 270. The water 230 required for this purpose is supplied to the spraying device 280 via the water supply line 170. Water-soluble substances are bound by water droplets and consequently supplied to the liquid reservoir 220.
[0040] Furthermore, the filtration system 200 includes a heating device 280 positioned below the liquid reservoir 220 in the plane of the drawing to supply heat to the liquid reservoir 220 as needed. This is particularly advantageous at external temperatures below the freezing point of the water 230 to prevent the water 230 from freezing. Similarly, the heating device 280 may allow the water 230 to thaw if, for example, a vehicle with a fuel cell system is parked for a longer period at sub-zero temperatures, resulting in the water 230 freezing. As a result, the water 230 can be kept in a liquid state by the heating device 280, or brought into a liquid state, thereby ensuring that the filtration of ambient air by the filtration system is successful.
[0041] In the filtration system 200, also called a liquid tank filter, supplied ambient air is filtered by water 230 and supplied to the fuel cell 110 to generate electrical energy using an electrochemical reaction. Water 230 is also a product of this electrochemical reaction, and as a result, the fuel cell system 100 self-regenerates.
[0042] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that numerous variations exist. It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments described are merely non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the apparatus and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description provides guidance to those skilled in the art for carrying out at least one exemplary embodiment, and it is clear that various modifications can be made to the operation and arrangement of the elements described in the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the subject matter defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0043] 100 Fuel Cell Systems 110 Fuel Cell 120 Fuel Cell Housing 130 Anode Chambers 140 Cathode Chamber 150 Oxidizing agent line 160 Fuel Line 170 Water supply line 200 Filtration System 210 Filtration Housing 220 Liquid storage section 230 water 240 Centrifugal Separators 250 Ambient air line 260 Closable openings 270 Spraying equipment 280 Heating device
Claims
1. A device (100) for filtering ambient air, A reactor (110) configured to electrochemically react reactants with an oxidizing agent, wherein at least one liquid (230) can be produced as a product of the electrochemical reaction, A filtration system (200) having a first liquid storage section (220), It includes, A first line connection (170) is formed between the reactor (110) and the first liquid storage unit (220), and the generated liquid (230) can flow from the reactor (110) to the first liquid storage unit (220) through the first line connection (170). The filtration system (200) is configured to filter and remove contaminants from the ambient air by bringing the ambient air into contact with the generated liquid (230) in the liquid storage section (220), The apparatus (100) is configured such that a second connection line (150) is formed between the filtration system (200) and the reactor (110), and filtered ambient air from the filtration system (200) can be supplied to the reactor (110) as an oxidizer through the second connection line (150) for the electrochemical reaction.
2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the filtration system (200) includes a gas separation device (240) configured to separate liquid or solid particles contained in the ambient air from the ambient air according to the physical properties of the particles, and to bring the particles into contact with the liquid (230), prior to filtration by the liquid (230).
3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a humidifier (270) configured to humidify the ambient air flowing into the filtration system (200).
4. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the prior claims, comprising a heating device (280) for heating the first liquid storage section (220).
5. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the prior claims, further comprising an electrically controlled pump for transferring a predetermined amount of the generated liquid (230) from the reactor (110) to the liquid storage unit (220).
6. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the prior claims, wherein the first liquid storage section (220) has a closable opening (260) through which liquid (230) can be discharged from the first liquid storage section.
7. The apparatus (100) according to claim 6, wherein the closable opening (260) has a continuously open state.
8. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the prior claims, further comprising a second liquid reservoir for the generated liquid (230).
9. The housing (120) in which the reactor (110) is located is connected to the filtration system (200) by a third connection line, A gas pump configured to draw gas from the housing (120) of the reactor (110) and supply the gas to the filtration system (200) via the third connection line, The apparatus (100) according to any one of the prior claims, comprising:
10. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the prior claims, wherein the reactor (110) comprises at least one fuel cell.
11. An electric drive system comprising the apparatus (100) described in any one of the prior claims.
12. The electric drive system according to claim 11, comprising an emergency generator for an automobile or an energy supply system.
13. A method for filtering ambient air, The reactants and the oxidizing agent are subjected to an electrochemical reaction via a reactor (110), wherein at least one liquid (230) is produced as a product by the electrochemical reaction. The generated liquid (230) is supplied to the liquid storage section (220) of the filtration system (200), and the filtration system (200) brings the ambient air into contact with the generated liquid (230) to filter and remove contaminants from the ambient air. For the electrochemical reaction, the filtered ambient air is supplied to the reactor (110). The method, including the method described above.