Magnetic check valve and fuel cell

Abstract

The check valve has a valve seat and a movable valve member, or piston. Movement of the piston allows or prevents fluid flow. A magnetic check valve (20) is provided that includes an annular piston (13) configured to allow fluid flow through a central aperture (19) within the piston. The fuel cell system has a cathode loop in contact with a proton exchange membrane (REM). The REM is susceptible to fouling from contaminants that may be present in the ambient air. The magnetic check valve device disclosed herein prevents backflow of air through the exhaust side of the cathode loop. A valve is also used on the inlet side of the cathode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 958,289, filed January 7, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a magnetic check valve. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to a magnetic check valve in which a valve piston is designed to have a central aperture configured for fluid flow. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0003] Check valves are widely used in various plumbing applications and systems. Check valves are used to restrict fluid flow, allowing it to flow only in one direction through the valve and preventing it from flowing in the opposite direction. This typically protects upstream processes that could be damaged if backflow occurs.

[0003]

[0004] The most common form of check valve is the spring and swing type check valve, although other variations of check valves have also been used. Check valves contribute to a pressure drop within a piping system. In normally closed valves, this is due, in part, to the return force exerted against the fluid flow by the movable valve member. This return force generally increases as the valve is more fully opened; thus, for example, in a spring check valve, the more compressed the spring is, the greater the force exerted on the system. Additionally, the flow path through the check valve is often restrictive, which is another source of pressure drop. Therefore, a fully open valve also contributes to a pressure drop within the system. A large pressure drop means that more work is required to operate the system, thereby reducing efficiency.

[0004]

[0005] Check valves are a critical component of fuel cell systems. They help prevent contamination of the fuel supply by preventing backflow into the storage tank. Check valves also minimize fouling of the proton exchange membrane by preventing ambient air from entering the fuel cell system when the fuel cell system is not operating. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005]

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to an improved design for a magnetic check valve. In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a magnetic check valve comprising: a housing with a valve seat and a piston chamber, the valve seat comprising: (1) at least one prong extending radially from the housing and connected to a center plate, the at least one prong comprising at least one magnet; and (2) at least one segment of annular space between the center plate and the housing, the piston chamber comprising a cylindrical space downstream of the valve seat configured to receive a piston that slides along an axis of the housing, the piston (1) being annular in shape with a central aperture configured to allow fluid flow therethrough and sized to form a seal with the center plate; and (2) comprising a material in the at least one prong that is attracted to the at least one magnet.

[0006]

[0007] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a normally closed magnetic check valve comprising: a piston having an annular shape and a central aperture, the piston comprising a magnetic material; and a valve seat having a central plate that creates a continuous seal against the central aperture of the piston, the central plate connected to the housing by at least one prong, the at least one prong comprising at least one magnet.

[0007]

[0008] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a magnetic check valve comprising a valve seat and a piston, the piston comprising a magnetic metal, the valve seat comprising a center plate connected to a housing by at least two prongs each independently comprising at least one magnet, the magnetic check valve configured to provide fluid flow having an annular path through the valve seat and through a single central aperture in the center of the piston.

[0008]

[0009] In an additional embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a fuel cell comprising a magnetic check valve comprising: a valve seat comprising an annular flow passage, a center plate, and at least two prongs each independently comprising at least one magnet, the at least two prongs connecting the center plate to a housing; and a piston chamber downstream of the valve seat, the piston chamber comprising a piston having an annular shape, an annular thickness at least corresponding to the thickness of the annular flow passage in the valve seat, and a flow passage through a central aperture in the piston, the piston comprising a magnetic material; and a contact surface between the center plate and the piston, wherein the check valve has a magnetic force sufficient to close the check valve when there is no flow through the check valve.

[0009]

[0010] The check valve of the present disclosure has an annular shaped sliding piston with a central aperture through which fluid flows when the valve is in an open state, and the piston contains a magnetic material.

[0010]

[0011] The check valve of the present disclosure further includes a valve seat. The valve seat forms a continuous seal with the piston when the valve is closed. The valve seat houses a center plate connected to the valve housing by at least one prong (e.g., at least two prongs to at least eight prongs). In certain embodiments, there are at least three prongs.

[0011]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, each prong independently includes at least one magnet that attracts magnetic material within the piston to close the valve. The valve seat includes multiple segments of annular space between the center plate and the housing that allow fluid to flow through the valve seat when the valve is open.

[0012]

[0013] The flow pattern according to the present disclosure allows for high flow rates through the valve while minimizing pressure drop. This design also minimizes the restoring force present in the system when the valve is open and fluid is flowing. The magnetic force should be just large enough to return the piston to its seat when closed. Thus, when the valve is in the open state, the valve exerts a minimal amount of force on the fluid flowing through the system, thereby reducing pressure drop and improving efficiency.

[0013]

[0014] A magnetic check valve according to the present disclosure is depicted in Figures 1-4. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1]

[0015] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the valve from a radial perspective. [Figure 2]

[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a valve with a valve seat and a piston in a piston chamber, viewed from a radial direction. [Figure 3]

[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve seat from an axial perspective. [Figure 4]

[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the housing from an axial perspective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015]

[0019] Figure 1 shows a check valve 20 in partial cross section. The bottom half of the figure shows the outer housing 10, while the top half shows the workings of the valve. The valve has a valve seat 11, a piston chamber 12, and a piston 13. Figure 1 shows the central aperture 19 and the magnetic material within the piston 18.

[0016]

[0020] FIG. 2 shows the functional components of the check valve 20 in more detail. The valve seat 11 has at least one magnet 14 and at least one open annular space 15. The valve seat 11 further has a center plate 16, which blocks flow when the valve is closed. Opposite the valve seat 11 is a piston chamber 12. Disposed within the piston chamber 12 is a piston 13, which slides along the axis of the valve. The piston 13 is annular in shape with a central aperture 19 through which fluid flows when the valve is open. The piston 13 is sized to form a seal with the center plate 16 when the valve is closed, thereby preventing reverse flow. The piston contains magnetic material 18, which is attracted to the magnet 14 within the prong 17 of the valve seat 11. This magnetic attraction is just strong enough to close the valve when no fluid is flowing through the valve. The small magnetic attraction and central aperture 19 of the piston 13 increases the flow rate through the valve while reducing the pressure drop.

[0017]

[0021] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the valve seat 11 in one embodiment of the present disclosure. There are three prongs 17 extending from the housing 10 for connection to the center plate 16. Each of these three prongs 17 includes a magnet 14, which provides the force to close the valve when there is no fluid flow. Figure 3 also shows the annular space 15 between the housing 10, the center plate 16, and the prongs 17, through which fluid flows when the valve is open.

[0018]

[0022] FIG. 4 shows the outer housing 10 of the valve.

[0023] In a first embodiment, a check valve 20 includes a housing 10 that holds the valve components. There are two main sections within the valve: a valve seat 11 and a piston chamber 12. The valve seat 11 is fixed and includes a center plate 16 connected to the housing 10 by one or more prongs 17. This allows for an annular space 15 between the center plate 16 and the housing 10 through which fluid can flow through the valve seat 11. Each of the prongs 17 further houses a magnet 14, which provides a driving force to keep the check valve 20 closed when there is no fluid flow. A piston chamber 12 is located downstream of the valve seat 11. The piston chamber 12 is a cylindrical space that holds a piston 13. The piston 13 can slide back and forth along the axis of the housing 11. The piston 13 has an annular shape with a central aperture 19. When the check valve 20 is open, fluid flows through the central aperture 19. Piston 13 contains magnetic material 18 housed within prongs 17 of valve seat 11. When there is no flow, magnetic attraction closes check valve 20. When check valve 20 is closed, a continuous seal is formed between piston 13 and center plate 16, preventing any backflow.

[0019]

[0024] In a second embodiment, a check valve 20 is normally closed. The check valve 20 comprises a piston 13 having an annular shape with a central aperture 19 and a magnetic material 18. The check valve 20 further comprises a valve seat 11 having a central plate 16 that forms a continuous seal with the central aperture 19. The central plate 16 is connected to the valve housing 10 by at least one prong 17. All of the prongs 17 connecting the central plate 16 to the housing 10 further include a magnet 14.

[0020]

[0025] In a third embodiment, a magnetic check valve 20 includes a valve seat 11 and a piston 13. The piston 13 has a magnetic material 18. The valve seat 11 includes a center plate 16 connected to a valve housing 10 by at least two prongs 17. A flow path through the valve is directed through an annular space 15 between the valve housing 10 and the center plate 16, and through a central aperture 19 in the piston 13.

[0021]

[0026] In a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, a check valve 20 is configured for a fuel cell system. A valve seat 11 has an annular flow passage defined by a center plate 16 and a set of prongs 17 connecting the center plate 16 to a valve housing 10. The prongs 17 each include a magnet 14. Additionally, there is a piston chamber 12 located downstream of the valve seat 11. The piston chamber 12 includes a piston 13 having an annular shape, where the annular width of the piston corresponds at least to the thickness of the annular flow passage through the valve seat. The flow passage passes through a central aperture in the piston 19. There is a contact surface 21 between the center plate 16 and the piston 13. The magnetic check valve further includes a second contact surface on the housing configured to receive the piston. Piston 13 has magnetic material 18 that is attracted to magnet 14 in prong 17. The magnetic attraction is just large enough to close check valve 20 when there is no flow.

[0022]

[0027] In a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, a check valve 20 comprises a valve seat 11, in which there are three prongs 17 connecting a housing 10 and a center plate 16. A magnet 14 resides within each of the three prongs 17. The valve seat further comprises three-section annular spaces 15 that allow fluid to flow through the valve seat 11. These annular spaces 15 are defined by the housing 10, the prongs 17, and the center plate 16. The check valve 20 further comprises a piston chamber 12 that houses a piston 13. The piston 13 slides axially within the piston chamber 12. The piston 13 houses an enclosed steel ring 18. The material within the piston 13 that is attracted to the at least one magnet 14 comprises a steel ring 18 enclosed within a polyvinyl chloride shell.The piston 13 is annular in shape with a central aperture 19. Fluid flows through this central aperture 19 when a check valve 20 is open. When no fluid is flowing, the attractive force between the steel ring 18 and the magnet 14 closes the check valve 20. The magnetic attractive force should be just strong enough to close the valve when there is no fluid flowing. A contact surface 21 exists between the center plate 16 and the piston 13 to prevent backflow when the check valve 20 is closed.

[0023]

[0028] Any of the above embodiments may further include the following elements: The valve may be located within a fuel cell that is part of a vehicle; The valve may be located in an exhaust line on the cathode side of the fuel cell; The valve may be located on a hydrogen supply line of the fuel cell; The valve may include a gasket material that forms a seal between a center plate and a central aperture of the piston; The valve is normally closed; The valve may be injection molded. The material in the piston that is attracted to the at least one magnet comprises a steel ring enclosed in a silicone shell. The magnetic material in the piston may be a steel ring encapsulated in silicone. When the valve is fully open, the magnetic attraction is weakest. (Item 1) Housing with valve seat and piston chamber Equipped with The valve seat (1) at least one prong extending radially from the housing and connected to a center plate; at least one prong comprising at least one magnet; and (2) at least one section of an annular space between the center plate and the housing; Equipped with the piston chamber comprises a cylindrical space downstream of the valve seat configured to receive a piston that slides along the axis of the housing; The piston is (1) an annular shape with a central aperture configured to allow fluid flow and sized to form a seal with the center plate; (2) comprising a material in the at least one prong that is attracted to the at least one magnet; Magnetic check valve. (Item 2) Item 2. The magnetic check valve according to item 1, wherein the magnetic check valve is disposed in an exhaust line on the cathode side of a fuel cell. (Item 3) Item 1. The magnetic check valve according to item 1, wherein the magnetic check valve is disposed in a supply line of a fuel cell downstream of a hydrogen source. (Item 4) Item 1. The magnetic check valve according to item 1, wherein the magnetic check valve is normally closed. (Item 5) Item 10. The magnetic check valve according to item 1, wherein the magnetic check valve is injection molded. (Item 6) Item 1. The magnetic check valve of item 1, wherein the material in the piston that is attracted to the at least one magnet comprises a steel ring enclosed in a polyvinyl chloride shell. (Item 7) Item 1. The magnetic check valve according to item 1, wherein the magnetic attractive force is weakest when the valve is fully open. (Item 8) Item 10. The magnetic check valve of item 1, wherein the valve seat comprises at least two prongs extending radially from the housing, each prong independently comprising at least one magnet. (Item 9) Item 1. The magnetic check valve of item 1, wherein the valve seat comprises at least three prongs extending radially from the housing. (Item 10) a piston having an annular shape and a central aperture, the piston including a magnetic material; a valve seat having a center plate that creates a continuous seal against the central aperture of the piston; and Equipped with the center plate is connected to the housing by at least one prong, the at least one prong including at least one magnet; Normally closed magnetic check valve. (Item 11) Item 11. The normally closed magnetic check valve according to item 10, wherein the magnetic check valve is injection molded. (Item 12) Item 11. The normally closed magnetic check valve of item 10, wherein the material in the piston that is attracted to the at least one magnet comprises a steel ring enclosed in a silicone shell. (Item 13) Item 11. The normally closed magnetic check valve of item 10, wherein the magnetic attractive force is weakest when the magnetic check valve is fully open. (Item 14) Item 11. The normally closed magnetic check valve of item 10, wherein the magnetic check valve is disposed in an exhaust line on the cathode side of a fuel cell. (Item 15) Item 11. The normally closed magnetic check valve of item 10, wherein the magnetic check valve is disposed in a supply line on the anode side of a fuel cell. (Item 16) Item 11. A normally closed magnetic check valve according to item 10, wherein the central plate is connected to the housing by at least two prongs, each prong independently comprising at least one magnet. (Item 17) Item 17. The normally closed magnetic check valve according to item 16, wherein the center plate is connected to the housing by at least three prongs. (Item 18) Valve seat and piston Equipped with the piston comprises a magnetic metal; the valve seat comprising a center plate connected to the housing by at least two prongs each independently containing at least one magnet; the magnetic check valve is configured to provide fluid flow having an annular path through the valve seat and through a single central aperture in the center of the piston; Magnetic check valve. (Item 19) Item 19. The magnetic check valve according to item 18, wherein the valve is disposed in an exhaust line on the cathode side of a fuel cell. (Item 20) Item 19. The magnetic check valve of item 18, wherein the valve is positioned in the supply line of a fuel cell downstream of a hydrogen source. (Item 21) Item 19. The magnetic check valve according to item 18, wherein the valve is normally closed. (Item 22) Item 19. The magnetic check valve according to item 18, wherein the valve is injection molded. (Item 23) Item 19. The magnetic check valve of item 18, wherein the magnetic metal in the piston comprises a steel ring encapsulated in a silicone shell. (Item 24) Item 19. The magnetic check valve according to item 18, wherein the magnetic attractive force is weakest when the valve is fully open. (Item 25) Item 19. The magnetic check valve according to item 18, wherein the valve seat comprises a central plate connected to the housing by at least three prongs each independently carrying at least one magnet. (Item 26) A fuel cell comprising a magnetic check valve, the magnetic check valve comprising: a valve seat comprising an annular flow passage, a center plate, and at least two prongs each independently comprising at least one magnet, the at least two prongs connecting the center plate to a housing; a piston chamber downstream of the valve seat, the piston chamber comprising a piston having an annular shape, an annular thickness at least corresponding to a thickness of the annular flow passage of the valve seat, and a flow passage through a central aperture of the piston, the piston including a magnetic material; a contact surface between the center plate and the piston; Equipped with The check valve has a magnetic force sufficient to close the check valve when there is no flow through the check valve. fuel cell. (Item 27) Item 27. The fuel cell of item 26, wherein the magnetic check valve comprises a second contact surface on the housing configured to receive the piston. (Item 28) 27. The fuel cell of claim 26, wherein the contact surface between the center plate and the piston comprises a gasket material. (Item 29) Item 27. The fuel cell of item 26, wherein the magnetic check valve comprises a valve seat comprising an annular flow path, a center plate, and at least three prongs, each independently comprising at least one magnet, the at least three prongs connecting the center plate to a housing.

Claims

1. Housing with valve seat and piston chamber Equipped with The valve seat (1) at least one prong extending radially from the housing and connected to a center plate, at least one prong comprising at least one magnet; and (2) at least one section of an annular space between the center plate and the housing; Equipped with the piston chamber comprises a cylindrical space downstream of the valve seat configured to receive a piston that slides along the axis of the housing; The piston is (1) an annular shape with a central aperture configured to allow fluid flow and sized to form a seal with the center plate; (2) a material in the at least one prong that is attracted to the at least one magnet, the material including an enclosed steel ring; Magnetic check valve.

2. The magnetic check valve of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic check valve is disposed in an exhaust line on the cathode side of a fuel cell.

3. The magnetic check valve of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic check valve is disposed in a supply line of a fuel cell downstream of a hydrogen source.

4. The magnetic check valve of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic check valve is normally closed.

5. The magnetic check valve of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic check valve is injection molded.

6. 10. The magnetic check valve of claim 1, wherein the material in the piston that is attracted to the at least one magnet comprises a steel ring enclosed in a polyvinyl chloride shell.

7. 10. The magnetic check valve of claim 1, wherein the magnetic attractive force is weakest when the valve is fully open.

8. 10. The magnetic check valve of claim 1, wherein the valve seat comprises at least two prongs extending radially from the housing, each prong independently comprising at least one magnet.

9. The magnetic check valve of claim 1 , wherein the valve seat comprises at least three prongs extending radially from the housing.

10. a piston having an annular shape and a central aperture, the piston including a magnetic material, the magnetic material including an enclosed steel ring; a valve seat having a center plate that creates a continuous seal against the central aperture of the piston; and Equipped with the center plate is connected to the housing by at least one prong, the at least one prong including at least one magnet; Normally closed magnetic check valve.

11. 11. The normally closed magnetic check valve of claim 10, wherein the magnetic check valve is injection molded.

12. 11. The normally closed magnetic check valve of claim 10, wherein the material in the piston that is attracted to the at least one magnet comprises a steel ring encapsulated in a silicone shell.

13. 11. The normally closed magnetic check valve of claim 10, wherein the magnetic attractive force is weakest when the magnetic check valve is fully open.

14. 11. The normally closed magnetic check valve of claim 10, wherein the magnetic check valve is disposed in an exhaust line on the cathode side of a fuel cell.

15. 11. The normally closed magnetic check valve of claim 10, wherein the magnetic check valve is disposed in a supply line on the anode side of a fuel cell.

16. 11. The normally closed magnetic check valve of claim 10, wherein the center plate is connected to the housing by at least two prongs, each prong independently carrying at least one magnet.

17. 17. The normally closed magnetic check valve of claim 16, wherein the center plate is connected to the housing by at least three prongs.

18. Valve seat and piston Equipped with the piston is a magnetic metal and includes an enclosed steel ring; the valve seat comprising a center plate connected to the housing by at least two prongs each independently containing at least one magnet; configured to provide fluid flow having an annular path through the valve seat and through a single central aperture in the center of the piston; Magnetic check valve.

19. 20. The magnetic check valve of claim 18, wherein the valve is disposed in an exhaust line on the cathode side of a fuel cell.

20. 20. The magnetic check valve of claim 18, wherein the valve is disposed in a supply line of a fuel cell downstream of a hydrogen source.

21. 20. The magnetic check valve of claim 18, wherein the valve is normally closed.

22. 20. The magnetic check valve of claim 18, wherein the valve is injection molded.

23. 20. The magnetic check valve of claim 18, wherein the magnetic metal in the piston comprises a steel ring encapsulated in a silicone shell.

24. 20. The magnetic check valve of claim 18, wherein the magnetic attractive force is weakest when the valve is fully open.

25. 20. The magnetic check valve of claim 18, wherein the valve seat comprises a center plate connected to the housing by at least three prongs each independently carrying at least one magnet.

26. A fuel cell comprising a magnetic check valve, the magnetic check valve comprising: a valve seat comprising an annular flow passage, a center plate, and at least two prongs each independently comprising at least one magnet, the at least two prongs connecting the center plate to a housing; a piston chamber downstream of the valve seat, the piston chamber comprising a piston having an annular shape, an annular thickness at least corresponding to a thickness of the annular flow passage in the valve seat, and a flow passage through a central aperture in the piston, the piston including a magnetic material, the magnetic material including an enclosed steel ring; a contact surface between the center plate and the piston; Equipped with The check valve has a magnetic force sufficient to close the check valve when there is no flow through the check valve. fuel cell.

27. 27. The fuel cell of claim 26, wherein the magnetic check valve comprises a second contact surface on the housing configured to receive the piston.

28. 27. The fuel cell of claim 26, wherein the contact surface between the center plate and the piston comprises a gasket material.

29. 27. The fuel cell of claim 26, wherein the magnetic check valve comprises a valve seat comprising an annular flow passage, a center plate, and at least three prongs each independently comprising at least one magnet, the at least three prongs connecting the center plate to a housing.

Images