Water separator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water separator (1) for a fuel cell system (17). The present invention also relates to a fuel cell system (17) equipped with a water separator (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water separator as described in the generic concept of claim 1, particularly for a fuel cell system. The present invention also relates to a fuel cell system provided with a water separator.

[0002] In a water separator, water contained in an air stream and present in the form of water droplets is separated from the air stream by centrifugal force. For this purpose, the air stream is rotated within a passage, and the water or water droplets are pressed against the outer wall of the passage by centrifugal force. At this time, a wall film is formed on the outer wall of the passage, which is finally guided into a collection container through a gap or an opening. Inside the collection container, the air stream containing the separated water has a lower velocity compared to the air stream in the passage, and the water can be made to drop from the air stream. However, unfortunately, a pressure cushion is formed by the air stream flowing into the collection container, which inhibits or obstructs the derivation of the separated water through the gap or opening leading into the collection container.

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an embodiment in which the above-mentioned disadvantages are overcome, improved or at least alternative for a water separator in the form mentioned at the beginning, particularly for a water separator for a fuel cell system. The object of the present invention is also to provide a corresponding fuel cell system provided with a water separator.

[0004] According to the present invention, the above object is solved by the subject matter of each independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are subject matter of each dependent claim.

[0005] The general idea underlying the present invention is to relieve the pressure cushion in the collection container at a predetermined position, thereby improving the operation of the water separator.

[0006] The water separator according to the present invention is configured or designed particularly for fuel cell systems. The water separator has an air-flowable casing, which has an inlet leading to its interior and an outlet leading from there. The casing further has a collection container formed inside the casing and a separation gap formed inside the casing. The casing further has an inlet passage, an outlet passage and a collection passage. The inlet passage is provided for air containing water droplets and runs from the inlet to the separation gap inside the casing. The outlet passage is provided for air that does not contain water droplets and runs from the inlet passage to the outlet inside the casing. In other words, the inlet passage and the outlet passage may fluidly move to each other inside the casing. The collection passage is provided for water separated from the air and runs from the inlet passage through the separation gap into the collection container inside the casing. In other words, the inlet passage and the collection passage are fluidly connected to each other inside the casing via the separation gap. The outlet passage and the collection passage are fluidly separated downstream from the separation gap. In other words, the separation gap is located at the transition point between the inlet passage and / or the collection passage and / or the outlet passage. According to the present invention, the collection container and the inlet passage are fluidly connected to each other through at least one opening formed upstream of the separation gap. In other words, the opening that fluidly connects the collection container and the inlet passage is a different opening from the separation gap.

[0007] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "first," "second," etc., used below—for example, "first guide" or "first rib"—are used to distinguish different elements from one another. Therefore, the presence of a first guide or first rib, or a second guide or second rib, does not necessarily mean that two or more guides or ribs must be provided.

[0008] Air containing water droplets may contain water droplets of a relatively high concentration or large size. Air containing water droplets may, in particular, be exhaust air from a fuel cell in a fuel cell system. Air without water droplets may be air from which water droplets or relatively large size droplets have been removed, or at least partially. Air without water droplets may contain water droplets at a relatively low concentration or may not contain any large size droplets at all. Air without water droplets can be supplied to humidifiers or turbocompressors or other components in a fuel cell system, thereby protecting the fuel cell system from damage or malfunction due to water droplets. Water separated from air may be aggregated water droplets separated from air containing water droplets.

[0009] The casing may have, in particular, strictly one opening or multiple (in particular, strictly two or strictly three or more) openings. If the casing has multiple openings, each opening may be spaced apart from each other and / or dispersed and / or radially offset from each other around the inlet passage. Each opening may be located in a plane oriented laterally to the airflow direction. Each opening may be located in a single plane when viewed in the airflow direction.

[0010] Each opening can connect the inlet passage and the collection container in an axial direction with respect to the outlet passage, or in a direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the outlet passage. In other words, each opening can have a central axis, in which case the central axis of each opening can be oriented parallel to the axial direction with respect to the outlet passage, or parallel to the airflow direction of the outlet passage, or parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the outlet passage. The passable cross-section of each opening arranged axially with respect to the outlet passage and / or the sum of the passable cross-sections of all openings arranged axially with respect to the outlet passage is preferably less than 25%, particularly less than 15%, and greater than 7% of the passable cross-section of the inlet passage.

[0011] Alternatively, each opening can be connected to the inlet passage and the collection container in a radial direction with respect to the outlet passage, or radially with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the outlet passage. In other words, each opening can have a central axis, in which case the central axis of each opening can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the airflow direction of the outlet passage, or approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the outlet passage. The passable cross-section of each opening arranged radially with respect to the outlet passage and / or the sum of the passable cross-sections of all openings arranged radially with respect to the outlet passage is preferably less than 5%, particularly less than 2%, and greater than 0.1% of the passable cross-section of the inlet passage.

[0012] Depending on the purpose, each opening may be positioned above the water-fillable area of ​​the collection container in a water separator oriented for proper operation. The water-fillable area of ​​the collection container may be positioned within a water separator oriented for proper operation so that water can be collected into the water-fillable area by gravity, depending on the purpose. In particular, the collection container or at least one water-fillable area of ​​the collection container may be positioned or can be positioned below the inlet passage and / or outlet passage and / or collection passage and / or separation gap and / or inlet and / or outlet, depending on the purpose, within a water separator oriented for proper operation.

[0013] Air carrying water droplets flows into the inlet as it passes through the water separator, and then through the inlet passage to the separation gap. In the inlet passage, the air can be rotated (as will be explained in detail later). This creates a water film on the outer wall of the inlet passage that flows towards the separation gap. Air that does not carry water droplets continues to flow through the inlet passage towards the separation gap. In the separation gap, the water separated from the air is separated from the air that does not carry water droplets. The air that does not carry water droplets flows to the outlet through the outlet passage and then flows out of the water separator. The water separated from the air flows through the separation gap into the collection passage and then into the collection container.

[0014] When water flows into the collection container, air also flows into the collection container. In this case, each opening formed upstream of the separation gap connects the collection container to the inlet passage, allowing the air that has flowed into the collection container to leak back into the inlet passage. This allows the pressure cushion inside the collection container to be released, and the pressure difference between the inlet passage and the collection passage can be reduced at the separation gap. Accordingly, the separated water flows into the collection container through the separation gap without obstruction, improving the overall operation of the water separator. In this case, each opening may have any contour, and may be formed as a circular hole or slit in particular. If the casing has multiple openings, all openings may preferably have the same geometric shape.

[0015] Each opening can be formed in particular in the static flow region of the collection container. In the static flow region, the velocity of the air flowing into the collection container decreases, and the water is already separated by gravity. In other words, the water in the static flow region is already separated from the air flowing into the collection container. As a result, when the air flowing into the collection container flows back into the inlet passage, it cannot carry the water with it. That is, the air flowing into the collection container can pass through each opening and be resupplied in accordance with the flow of water droplets. In this case, the separated water remains in the collection container and can be discharged through the outlet opening as needed. Preferably, at least one of the openings protrudes into the collection container and has at least a substantially cylindrical neck. Preferably, the neck completely encloses and / or surrounds each opening.

[0016] This makes it possible to avoid, in a particularly advantageous manner, the water already separated in the collection container being led through each opening (in the return direction) into the inlet passage or being drawn in.

[0017] In particular, the ratio of the passable cross-section of the separation gap to the passable cross-section of the outlet passage provided in the separation gap can be 20%:80% to 10%:90%. In other words, the separation gap can be formed such that the passable cross-section of the separation gap accounts for 10% to 20% of the total passable cross-section, and the passable cross-section of the outlet passage accounts for 90% to 80%. By definition, the total passable cross-section is 100%, and is composed of the passable cross-section of the separation gap and the passable cross-section of the outlet passage in the separation gap.

[0018] In one possible embodiment of the water separator, the inlet and outlet passages can be configured to be coaxially oriented and continuous with respect to the airflow direction. In this case, the term "coaxial" refers to the longitudinal central axis of each passage. In this case, the separation gap is formed to surround the outside of the periphery of the outlet passage at the transition point between the inlet and outlet passages. The casing of the water separator can have, for example, an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe that are continuous with respect to each other and coaxially oriented with respect to the airflow direction. The inlet pipe may have an expansion on the side facing the outlet pipe, where the outlet pipe can be partially located within the expansion. In particular, the outlet pipe can be accommodated in the expansion at a coaxial distance. In this case, a separation gap can be formed between the outlet pipe and the expansion of the inlet pipe, surrounding the outside of the periphery of the outlet passage. In this case, the separation gap can be defined radially outward by the inlet pipe and radially inward by the outlet pipe. Accordingly, the collection passage can be defined, at least partially, by an inlet pipe radially outward and by an outlet pipe radially inward. Furthermore, the collection container can be formed to be located outside the outlet pipe.

[0019] The water separator may further have a vortex generator. Each opening may lead to an inlet passage downstream of the vortex generator. In other words, the openings can be positioned or formed downstream of the vortex generator in the direction of airflow. The vortex generator can be positioned and / or formed between the inlet and the separation gap, particularly in the inlet passage. Thus, the vortex generator may be formed as a separate element and firmly connected to the inlet passage or the inlet pipe forming the inlet passage. Alternatively, the vortex generator may be formed together with the inlet passage or the inlet pipe forming the inlet passage, for example by injection molding.

[0020] A vortex generator may have at least two blades spaced apart from each other. In this way, a vortex generator may have exactly two, exactly three, exactly four, exactly five, or more blades. Each blade may be spaced apart from each other and may be distributed around the airflow direction or the longitudinal central axis of the inlet passage or the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe, and in particular may be evenly distributed. Each blade may be a continuation of a screw line section or helical section in the airflow direction. In other words, each blade may constitute a section of a screw line section or helical section. The screw line section or helical section may be located in contact with the outer wall forming the inlet passage, or may extend along the outer wall forming the inlet passage. Each opening may be located downstream of the vortex generator, between adjacent screw line sections or helical sections. In particular, each opening may be spaced apart from the adjacent screw line sections or helical sections.

[0021] Air carrying water droplets flows into the inlet as it passes through the water separator and is rotated by the vortex generator. The separated water is collected by the centrifugal force acting between each blade and the outer wall forming the inlet passage. Then, downstream of each blade, the water continues to flow as a defined water flow through the screw line or helical section positioned corresponding to each blade and along the outer wall of the inlet passage. Each opening is located between the screw line or helical sections adjacent to each opening, and therefore between the defined water flows corresponding to each adjacent blade. Thus, the inflow of water into each opening can be advantageously prevented. This can advantageously prevent disruptive interactions between the airflow and the water separated from the air within each opening.

[0022] Preferably, a first guide, particularly a rib, is positioned and / or formed inside the inlet pipe forming the inlet passage for guiding water to be separated, particularly water running along the walls. Alternatively or additionally, a second guide and / or a third guide, particularly a rib, is positionable and / or formable inside the collection container for guiding water (already) separated from the air. Preferably, the first guide is positioned inside the inlet pipe, at least partially between the vortex generator and / or their respective openings and the separation gap and / or collection passage. Alternatively or additionally, the second guide can be positioned inside the collection container, particularly on the side directly opposite the separation gap and / or collection passage. Alternatively or additionally, the third guide can be positioned inside the collection container, at least partially between the separation gap and / or collection passage and each opening. Preferably, the extended shape of the first guide follows at least partially a screw line and / or spiral section along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe when viewed in the flow direction. Alternatively or additionally, the extended shape of the second guide may at least partially follow a screw line portion and / or a helical portion along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe when viewed in the flow direction. Alternatively or additionally, the extended shape of the third guide may at least partially follow a linear longitudinal portion along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe when viewed in the flow direction.

[0023] The first guide, the second guide, or the third guide may each have ribs, or be formed as ribs, at least partially. In particular, the first rib, the second rib, or the third rib may be formed in a screw-line shape and / or spiral and / or linear shape, which is reflected in their respective extension shapes as described above.

[0024] The first guide or first rib in the inlet pipe may be formed to be variable in terms of geometric dimensions, such as rib height, rib operating angle with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe, and the spacing between each rib, or the extended shape of the screw-line and / or helical first guide or first rib may be selected to correspond to or geometrically match the water flow formed in the screw-line or helical section by the vortex generator. Particularly advantageously, this makes it possible to guide water that should be separated from the air, especially water running along the walls, through the first guide or first rib to the separation gap without re-carrying it together with the airflow in the inlet passage.

[0025] The water, already separated from the air, can continue to flow from the separation gap into the collection container via the collection passage. Subsequently, the separated water is collected into the collection container by a second guide or second rib, which is arranged and / or formed in a screw-line and / or helical manner and is located particularly on the side directly opposite the separation gap and / or collection passage, and may be further guided through the screw-line and / or helical portion to the outer wall of the collection container. The geometric dimensions of the second guide or second rib, and thus their extending shapes, can be directed in the first guide or first rib, or in other geometric arrangements of the water separator, particularly the geometric arrangement of the casing forming the collection container.

[0026] A third guide or third rib may be directly connected to the second guide or second rib, in particular, within the collection container, along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe as viewed in the flow direction. The third guide or third rib may extend at least partially in the linear longitudinal section within the collection container between the separation gap and / or collection passage and each opening. This is particularly advantageous as it allows the water separated from the air to be transported axially into the static flow region of the collection container, thereby allowing the water to be led out of the water separator as desired.

[0027] In possible alternative embodiments of the water separator, the inlet passage can be configured to be oriented tangentially to the outlet passage. In this case, the separation gap may be formed between the outer wall of the casing and the separation wall forming the inlet passage, such that it is radially spaced and located radially outward relative to the outlet passage. The casing of the water separator may have, for example, an outlet pipe, which may form the outlet passage. The inlet passage may be formed partly by the inlet pipe and partly by the outer wall and separation wall of the casing. In this case, the inlet passage may be oriented tangentially or laterally to the outlet passage or outlet pipe. The separation gap may be formed by the outer wall and separation wall of the casing, dividing the inlet passage into an outlet passage and a collection passage. The separation wall can be positioned within the inlet passage such that the collection passage is radially outward and located in the outlet passage. Furthermore, the collection container can be configured to be located outside the outlet passage or outlet pipe.

[0028] Air carrying water droplets flows into the inlet as it passes through the water separator, and then flows through the inlet passage. At the transition point between the inlet and outlet passages, the air carrying water droplets is deflected into the outlet passage by the tangential arrangement of the inlet passage. The separated water is collected by centrifugal force acting on the outer wall forming the inlet passage of the casing, and then flows into the collection passage through the separation gap located radially outward. Air without water droplets flows into the outlet passage and then flows outward from the outlet of the casing.

[0029] The casing may further have a partition wall located inside the casing. In this case, the partition wall can fluidically separate the collection passage and / or the collection container from the inlet passage. In other words, the partition wall can at least partially form the inlet passage, the collection passage and / or the collection container. The partition wall can be formed in a spiral shape and can be arranged, in particular, transversely to the outlet passage or to the air flow direction within the outlet passage. In this case, each opening can be formed within the partition wall and can fluidically connect the collection container and the inlet passage.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a fuel cell system for a motor vehicle. Here, the fuel cell system has a fuel cell. The fuel cell system further has a supply air passage and an exhaust air passage. The exhaust air passage communicates from the fuel cell, and (especially wet exhaust air containing water droplets) can flow through it. The supply air passage communicates to the fuel cell, and (dry supply air sucked in from the surrounding environment) can flow through it. The fuel cell system further has a humidifier for humidifying the supply air flowing in the supply air passage by the exhaust air flowing in the exhaust air passage. The humidifier may be, for example, a membrane humidifier provided with a diaphragm stack composed of a plurality of flexible diaphragms laminated at intervals. The fuel cell system further has the water separator described above. The water separator may be fluidically connected upstream of the humidifier in the supply air passage, or may be fluidically connected between the fuel cell and the humidifier in the exhaust air passage, or may be fluidically connected downstream of the humidifier in the exhaust air passage. To avoid repetition, reference is made here to the above description.

[0031] Another important feature and advantage of the present invention will become apparent from each of the dependent claims, the drawings and the description of the corresponding figures based on the drawings.

[0032] It is clear that the features described above and the features described hereinafter can be used not only in the combinations described, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the figures and described in detail below. The same reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components or functionally identical components. Each figure schematically shows the following: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the water separator according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the water separator according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the water separator according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the water separator according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a partial perspective view showing a second embodiment of the water separator according to the present invention, which has a simulated airflow. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the water separator according to the present invention, similar to that shown in Figure 4, along with guides provided inside the inlet pipe and collection container. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is an internal view showing a part of the casing member, particularly the collection container, of the water separator according to the present invention in a second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing a fuel cell system according to the present invention equipped with a water separator according to the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing a fuel cell system according to the present invention equipped with a water separator according to the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing a fuel cell system according to the present invention equipped with a water separator according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the water separator 1 according to the present invention. In this case, the water separator 1 has a casing 2 defined by an outer wall 3 extending outward. An inlet 4 and an outlet 5 are formed inside the casing 2, and water droplet-laden air can flow through the casing 2 from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5. An inlet passage 6, an outlet passage 7, and a collection passage 8 are further formed inside the casing 2. In Figure 1, the cross-section is located in the inlet passage 6 parallel to the airflow direction and in the outlet passage 7 perpendicular to the airflow direction.

[0036] Furthermore, the casing 2 has a partition wall 9 and a separation wall 10 located inside the casing 2. In this case, the partition wall 9 and the separation wall 10 define the inlet passage 6 from the collection passage 8. Between the partition wall 9 and the outer wall 3 of the casing 2, a collection container 11 is further formed inside the casing 2. The inlet passage 6 is formed partly by the inlet pipe 6a and partly by the outer wall 3 of the casing 2, the partition wall 9, and the separation wall 10. The outlet passage 7 is formed by the outlet pipe 7a which widens toward the outlet 5. Furthermore, a separation gap 12 is formed between the partition wall 9, the separation wall 10, and the outer wall 3 of the casing 2.

[0037] The inlet passage 6 is provided for air containing water droplets and runs from the inlet 4 to the separation gap 12 inside the casing 2. The outlet passage 7 is provided for air that does not contain water droplets and runs from the inlet passage 6 inside the casing 2, passing alongside the separation gap 12, to the outlet 5. The collection passage 8 is provided for water separated from the air and runs from the inlet passage 6 inside the casing 2, through the separation gap 12, into the collection container 11. The outlet passage 7 and the collection passage 8 are fluidically separated downstream of the separation gap 12.

[0038] The inlet passage 6 is oriented tangentially to the outlet passage 7 or outlet pipe 7a, so the water droplet-laden air is deflected and subjected to centrifugal force when it moves from the inlet passage 6 to the outlet passage 7. As a result, the water in the air is pushed radially outward, forming a wall film on the outer wall 3 of the casing 2. The separation gap 12 is formed with a radial gap and is located radially outward from the outlet passage 7 or outlet pipe 7a. As a result, the water subjected to centrifugal force flows through the separation gap 12 into the collection passage 8, and further into the collection container 11. Inside the collection container 11, the water descends downward due to gravity, and the air that flowed in with the water remains still. The airflow is roughly indicated by arrows in Figure 1.

[0039] To prevent the formation of a pressure cushion inside the collection container 11 due to air flowing in with the water, the casing 2 has an opening 13. The opening 13 is formed in the partition wall 9 and connects the collection container 11 to the inlet passage 6. Air that flows into the collection container 11 through the opening 13 can flow back into the inlet passage 6, thereby preventing the formation of a pressure cushion inside the collection container 11. Therefore, the pressure difference between the collection passage 8 and the inlet passage 6 at the separation gap 12 can be reduced, thereby simplifying the inflow of water into the collection passage 12.

[0040] In this case, the opening 13 connects the inlet passage 6 and the collection container 11 in an axial direction with respect to the outlet passage 7, or allows air to be conducted through them. Here, the opening 13 has a central axis oriented parallel to the airflow direction within the outlet passage 7. The axially positioned opening 13 preferably has a passable cross-section that is less than 25%, particularly less than 15%, and greater than 7% of the passable cross-section of the inlet passage 6.

[0041] Figure 2 shows another cross-sectional view of the water separator 1 according to the present invention. In Figure 2, the cross-section is positioned perpendicular to the airflow direction in the inlet passage 6 and parallel to the airflow direction in the outlet passage 7. In Figure 2, the area of ​​the inlet passage 6 formed by the partition wall 9 and the outer wall 3 of the casing 2 can be seen. Furthermore, the collection container 11 formed between the outer wall 3 and the partition wall 9 of the casing 2 can also be seen.

[0042] Figure 3 shows another cross-sectional view of the water separator 1 according to the present invention. The cross-section is oriented similarly to that in Figure 2 and passes through an opening 13 provided in the partition wall 9. As already described above, the opening 13 fluidly connects the collection container 11 and the inlet passage 6. In this case, the opening 13 is formed in the static flow region of the collection container 11. In the static flow region of the collection container 11, the water has already descended due to the action of gravity, which prevents water from being carried from the collection container 11 into the inlet passage 6.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the water separator 1 according to the present invention. The casing 2 of the water separator 1 is formed here from two members by injection molding. In the second embodiment, the inlet passage 6 is formed exclusively by an inlet pipe 6a, and the outlet passage 7 is formed exclusively by an outlet pipe 7a. In this case, the inlet pipe 6a and the outlet pipe 7a are arranged coaxially, adjacent to each other or continuous to each other in the direction of airflow. Here, the inlet passage 6 or inlet pipe 6a has an expansion portion 6b facing the outlet passage 7 or outlet pipe 7a, and the outlet pipe 7a is partially located within the expansion portion 6b. This forms a separation gap 12 surrounding the outside of the periphery of the outlet passage 7 or outlet pipe 7a.

[0044] A vortex generator 14 is further located or formed within the inlet passage 6 or inlet pipe 6a. In this case, the vortex generator 14 has a plurality of blades 15, the blades 15 of which continue in the direction of airflow or along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet passage 6 or inlet pipe 6a to a screw line section 16 or helical section. In this case, the blades 15 are spaced apart from each other so as to surround each other in the direction of airflow or with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the inlet passage 6 or inlet pipe 6a.

[0045] The vortex generator 14 rotates air containing water droplets, causing the water to be collected between the outer wall 3 of the casing 2 or the inlet pipe 6a and each blade 15. This creates multiple defined water flows, which then flow along each screw line section 16 or spiral section into the separation gap 12 and into the collection container 11 through the collection passage 8. In contrast, air without water droplets flows to the outlet passage 7 or outlet pipe 7a and then to the outlet 5. The airflow is shown by arrows in Figure 2.

[0046] The formation of a pressure cushion within the collection container 11 is avoided by the opening 13. In this case, the opening 13 is formed in the inlet pipe 6a and connects the collection container 11 to the inlet passage 6. In this case, the opening 13 is located downstream of the vortex generator 14. Air flowing into the collection container 11 through the opening 13 can flow back into the inlet passage 6. Here, the opening 13 connects the inlet passage 6 and the collection container 11 so as to be able to communicate or conduct air radially with respect to the outlet passage 7. In this case, the opening 13 has a central axis oriented substantially or approximately perpendicular to the airflow direction in the outlet passage 7. The radially positioned opening 13 preferably has a flow cross-section smaller than 5%, particularly smaller than 2%, and larger than 0.1% of the flow cross-section of the inlet passage 6. The precise location or arrangement of the opening 13 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 5.

[0047] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the water separator 1 according to the present invention having simulated airflow in a partially perspective view. As can be seen particularly well in Figure 5, multiple defined water flows are formed in the outer wall 3 of the casing 2 or the inlet pipe 6a, and these water flows further toward the separation gap 12 along each screw line section 16 or helical section. To avoid water inflow into the opening 13, the opening 13 is located downstream of the vortex generator 14 and between screw line sections 16 or helical sections adjacent to the opening 13. This ensures that the opening 13 is located outside the defined water flows and prevents water from flowing into the opening 13.

[0048] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the water separator 1 according to the present invention, similar to that shown in Figure 4. Additionally, according to Figure 6, the openings 13 that fluidly connect the collection container 11 to the inlet passage 6 in the static flow region have a neck portion 23 that protrudes into the collection container 11, in particular, which is at least substantially cylindrical. In this case, the neck portions 23 completely enclose or surround each opening 13 or extend around the opening 13. The neck portions 23 advantageously prevent water already separated in the collection container 11 from being carried or drawn into the inlet passage 6 (in the return direction) through each opening 13. Thus, the separated water remains in the collection container 11. In the first embodiment of the water separator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3, it is also possible that each opening 13 has a corresponding neck portion 23 (not shown in Figures 1 to 3).

[0049] Figure 6 further shows a first guide, formed on the inside of the inlet pipe 6a, here as a first rib 24, which functions to guide water, particularly water running along the wall, to be separated from the airflow downstream of the vortex generator 14. The first rib 24 is formed on the inside of the outer wall of the inlet pipe 6a in a screw-line and / or spiral shape, thereby protruding into the inlet passage 6. Furthermore, the first rib 24 is shaped so that the screw-line and / or spiral extensions of the first rib 24 are formed downstream of the vortex generator 14, here corresponding to or geometrically matching the water flow following the screw-line and / or spiral section 16, as described in Figure 5. This is particularly advantageous as it allows water traveling along the wall in the inlet pipe 6a based on the vortex generator 14 to be guided to the separation gap 12 via the first rib 24 formed on the inside and continuing to the screw line section and / or spiral section 16, without being carried again together with the airflow in the inlet passage 6.

[0050] In Figure 6, the screw line section and / or spiral section 16, which is followed by the first rib 24 in the inlet passage 6 and / or inlet pipe 6a, is shown by a dashed line.

[0051] Similarly, as can be clearly seen in Figure 6, the first rib 24 is located at least partially within the inlet pipe 6a and / or inlet passage 6, between the vortex generator 14 and / or their respective openings 13 and the separation gap 12 and / or collection passage 8.

[0052] The water, which has already been separated from the air, continues to flow into the collection container 11 through the collection passage 8 via the separation gap 12.

[0053] In Figure 6, as in Figure 4, the collection container 11 is formed in a pot shape or has a pot shape, in which case it is defined outward through the outer wall 3 of the casing 2 of the water separator 1, which consists of two members. Furthermore, Figure 6 shows a second guide formed as a second rib 25 on the bottom 29 of the pot of the collection container 11, located on the side opposite to the separation gap 12 and / or collection passage 8. In this case, the already separated water arriving from the collection passage 8 is first contained through the second rib 25 formed on the bottom 29 of the pot, and then guided radially outward to the outer wall 3 of the collection container 11, following the screw line section and / or spiral section 26 (see also Figure 7).

[0054] Furthermore, Figure 6 shows a third guide, which is formed here as a third rib 27. The third rib 27 is linearly formed on the inside of the collection container 11 and extends at least partially following a linear longitudinal section 28 (shown as a dashed line in Figure 6) between the separation gap 12 and / or the collection passage 8 and the opening 13. As can be clearly seen in Figure 6, the third rib 27 follows the second rib 25 along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe 6a when viewed in the flow direction. The third rib 27 particularly advantageously allows for axial transport of the water separated from the air, along the linear longitudinal section 28, even in the static flow region of the collection container 11 or the region of the opening 13, thereby allowing the water to be directed out of the water separator 1 as desired via an outlet (not shown here).

[0055] Figure 7 shows an internal view of a portion of the casing 2, which consists of the two components of the water separator 1 shown in Figure 6, along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe 6a, or along the longitudinal central axis of the outlet pipe 7a when viewed in the flow direction. Here, only the pot-shaped casing portion that determines the dimensions of the collection container 11 is visible. In Figure 7, the pot bottom 29 of the collection container 11 can be seen particularly well as part of the outer wall 3 of the casing 2 when viewed in the flow direction. In this case, the second rib 25 is formed in a screw-line shape and / or spiral shape within the collection container 11 and is correspondingly followed by the screw-line portion and / or spiral portion 26 (shown by a dashed line), and the straight third rib 27 is also clearly visible. Similarly, it can be clearly seen that the second rib 25 and the third rib 27 are alternately positioned along the circumference of the collection container 11 or the outer wall 3 of the casing 2. Alternatively, the second rib 25 and the third rib 27 can be connected to each other along the circumference of the collection container 11.

[0056] Figures 8 to 10 show block diagrams of a fuel cell system 17 for an automobile according to the present invention. In this case, the fuel cell system 17 includes a water separator 1 according to the present invention, an air filter 18, a turbocompressor 19 with a compressor 19a and a turbine 19b, an air cooler 20, a humidifier 21, and a fuel cell 22. In the fuel cell system 17, a supply air passage ZL for supply air and an exhaust air passage AL for exhaust air are defined through the fuel cell 22. In this case, the supply air passage ZL leads to the fuel cell 22 from the outside or from another component of the automobile, through the air filter 18, the compressor 19a of the turbocompressor 19, the air cooler 20, and the humidifier 21. The exhaust air passage AL leads outward from the fuel cell 22 through the humidifier 21 and the turbine 19b of the turbocompressor 19, or to another component of the automobile.

[0057] Figure 8 shows a possible first arrangement of the water separator 1 according to the present invention in a fuel cell system 17. Here, the water separator 1 is fluidly connected upstream of the air filter 18 in the supply air passage ZL.

[0058] Figure 9 shows a possible second arrangement of the water separator 1 according to the present invention in the fuel cell system 17. Here, the water separator 1 is fluidly connected between the fuel cell 22 and the humidifier 21 in the exhaust air passage AL, or fluidly connected upstream of the humidifier 21 in the exhaust air passage AL, or fluidly connected downstream of the fuel cell 22 in the exhaust air passage AL.

[0059] Figure 10 shows a possible third arrangement of the water separator 1 according to the present invention in a fuel cell system 17. In this case, the water separator 1 is fluidly connected in the exhaust air passage AL between the humidifier 21 and the turbine 19b of the turbocompressor 19, or fluidly connected upstream of the turbine 19b of the turbocompressor 19 in the exhaust air passage AL, or fluidly connected downstream of the humidifier 21 in the exhaust air passage AL.

Claims

1. In particular, a water separator (1) for a fuel cell system (17), The water separator (1) has a casing (2) through which air can pass, The casing (2) has an inlet (4) leading into the casing (2) and an outlet (5) leading out of the casing (2), The casing (2) has a collection container (11) formed inside the casing (2) and a separation gap (12) formed inside the casing (2), The casing (2) has an inlet passage (6) for water droplet-laden air, and the inlet passage (6) extends from the inlet (4) to the separation gap (12) inside the casing (2). The casing (2) has an outlet passage (7) for air that is not carrying water droplets, and the outlet passage (7) is located inside the casing (2) and extends from the inlet passage (6) to the outlet (5). The casing (2) has a collection passage (8) for water separated from air, and the collection passage (8) is located inside the casing (2) and extends from the inlet passage (6) through the separation gap (12) into the collection container (11). The outlet passage (7) and the collection passage (8) are fluidly separated downstream from the separation gap (12). In the water separator (1), The collection container (11) and the inlet passage (6) are fluidly connected to each other via at least one opening (13) formed upstream of the separation gap. A water separator (1) characterized by the following features.

2. Each opening (13) is formed in the static flow region of the collection container (11), as described in claim 1, for the water separator (1).

3. The water separator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the openings (13) protrudes into the collection container (11) and has in particular at least a substantially cylindrical neck portion (23).

4. The water separator (1) according to claim 3, wherein the neck portion (23) completely encloses and / or surrounds each opening (13).

5. The water separator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flowable cross-section of the separation gap (12) and the flowable cross-section of the outlet passage (7) have a ratio of 20%:80% to 10%:90%.

6. The inlet passage (6) and the outlet passage (7) are oriented coaxially with respect to each other and are continuous with respect to each other in the direction of airflow. The separation gap (12) is formed at the transition point between the inlet passage (6) and the outlet passage (7), and is shaped to surround the outside of the perimeter of the outlet passage (7). A water separator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The water separator (1) has a vortex generator (14), which is located and / or formed between the inlet (4) and the separation gap (12) in the inlet passage (6). The water separator (1) according to claim 6.

8. Each opening (13) is connected to the inlet passage (6) downstream of the vortex generator (14), the water separator (1) according to claim 7.

9. The vortex generator (14) has at least two blades (15) spaced apart from each other, and each blade (15) continues to the screw line section (16) in the direction of airflow. Each opening (13) is located downstream of the vortex generator (14) between two screw line sections (16) adjacent to each opening (13). A water separator (1) according to claim 7 or 8.

10. Inside the inlet pipe (6a) forming the inlet passage (6), there are first guides (24), particularly ribs, arranged and / or formed for guiding water to be separated, especially water running along the walls, and / or Inside the collection container (11), a second guide (25) and / or a third guide (27), particularly ribs, are arranged and / or molded for guiding water separated from the air. A water separator (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. The first guide (24) is located at least partially within the inlet pipe (6a) between the vortex generator (14) and / or each opening (13) and the separation gap (12) and / or the collection passage (8), and / or The second guide (25) is located within the collection container (11) particularly on the side opposite to the separation gap (12) and / or the collection passage (8), and / or The third guide (27) is located at least partially within the collection container (11) between the separation gap (12) and / or the collection passage (8) and each opening (13). The water separator (1) according to claim 10.

12. The extended shape of the first guide (24) follows at least partially a screw line portion and / or a helical portion (16) along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe (6a) when viewed in the flow direction, and / or The extended shape of the second guide (25) follows at least partially a screw line portion and / or a helical portion (26) along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe (6a) when viewed in the flow direction, and / or The extended shape of the third guide (27) follows, at least partially, a linear longitudinal section (28) along the longitudinal central axis of the inlet pipe (6a) when viewed in the flow direction. A water separator (1) according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The entrance passage (6) is oriented tangentially to the exit passage (7), The separation gap (12) is formed radially apart on the radially outward side of the outlet passage (7) and between the outer wall (3) of the casing (2) and the separation wall (10) that forms the inlet passage (6). A water separator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

14. The casing (2) has a partition wall (9) located inside the casing (2), The partition wall (9) fluidly separates the collection passage (8) and / or the collection container (11) from the inlet passage (6), and the collection container (11) is fluidly connected to the inlet passage (6) through each opening (13) formed within the partition wall (9). The water separator (1) according to claim 13.

15. A fuel cell system for automobiles (17), The fuel cell system (17) has a fuel cell (22), The fuel cell system (17) has a supply air passage (ZL) that is connected to the fuel cell (22) and through which supply air can flow, and an exhaust air passage (AL) that is connected to the fuel cell (22) and through which exhaust air can flow. The fuel cell system (17) includes a humidifier (21) that humidifies the supply air flowing through the supply air passage (ZL) with the exhaust air flowing through the exhaust air passage (AL). In a fuel cell system (17), The fuel cell system (17) has a water separator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The water separator (1) is fluidly connected to the humidifier (21) upstream in the supply air passage (ZL), and / or The water separator (1) is fluidly connected between the fuel cell (22) and the humidifier (21) in the exhaust air passage (AL), and / or The water separator (1) is fluidly connected downstream of the humidifier (21) in the exhaust air passage (AL). A fuel cell system (17) characterized by the following.

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