Ion filter for fuel cell stack

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ion filter for a fuel cell stack, and more specifically, to an ion filter having a simplified structure that overcomes the head constraint of the ion filter in a fuel cell system. The ion filter according to the present invention comprises: a manifold portion configured to branch cooling water introduced from the outside; and an ion filter portion connected to the manifold portion, into which cooling water is introduced from the manifold portion, and comprising a cartridge assembly containing an ion filter resin inside.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ion filter, and more specifically, to an ion filter for a fuel cell stack having a simplified structure that overcomes the head constraint of the ion filter in a fuel cell system. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell system generates electrical energy through the electrochemical reaction of reaction gases in a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack is connected to an air supply unit configured to supply air containing oxygen required for the electrochemical reaction, and a hydrogen supply unit that supplies hydrogen as fuel. The fuel cell system also includes a heat and water management system that discharges heat and water, which are byproducts of the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell stack, to the outside.

[0003] As such, the fuel cell stack generates electrical energy from the electrochemical reaction of the reaction gases, hydrogen and oxygen, and releases heat and water as byproducts of the reaction. Therefore, fuel cell systems are equipped with a cooling device to prevent the temperature of the stack from rising, and a water-cooling system is utilized to cool the stack by circulating cooling water through cooling channels within the stack.

[0004] A fuel cell ion filter is provided in the circulation line of the coolant that circulates through the stack and exits the stack. The fuel cell ion filter increases the electrical conductivity, which is increased by cations and anions present in the coolant, by maintaining it below a certain standard, thereby enhancing the electrical insulation stability of the vehicle.

[0005] An ion filter cartridge filled with ion exchange resin is installed inside the ion filter housing, and the cartridge requires replacement at regular intervals due to the resin's filtering lifespan. To minimize coolant leakage during cartridge replacement, the upper part of the ion filter housing must be positioned at the top of the Thermal Management System (TMS) to facilitate this periodic maintenance.

[0006] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper part of the ion filter housing (610) is positioned to align with the top line of the thermal management system (TMS), indicated approximately as A1. The length of the mounting bracket (630) is greatly increased so that the ion filter housing (610) is positioned at the same location as A1.

[0007] If the upper part of the ion filter housing (610) is positioned on line A2, that is, at a lower position than A1, the upper part of the ion filter housing (610) is lower than the top of the cooling water line. In this case, there is a problem of excessive cooling water loss after replacing the ion filter cartridge.

[0008] When the upper part of the ion filter housing (610) is positioned so as to roughly coincide with line A3, the upper part of the ion filter housing (610) is higher than the top of the cooling water line. In this case, bubbles are trapped within the ion filter and reduce the flow of the cooling water.

[0009] As such, the ion filter is subject to placement constraints that it must be positioned at the top of the thermal management system (TMS), and also increases the overall weight and cost of the vehicle due to the increased length of the mounting bracket (630). Prior art literature

[0010] Published Patent Application No. 10-2020-0070718 (Date of Publication: June 18, 2020) The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the aforementioned problems, and

[0012] The purpose is to provide an ion filter that can overcome the existing limitations regarding the head constraint of ion filters within fuel cell systems.

[0013] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an ion filter capable of providing an optimized placement design for the ion filter within a fuel cell system.

[0014] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an ion filter that facilitates the replacement of an ion filter cartridge.

[0015] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned objectives will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains (hereinafter referred to as "person skilled in the art") from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0016] The features of the present invention for achieving the objectives of the present invention as described above and for performing the characteristic functions of the present invention described below are as follows.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ion filter of a fuel cell stack comprises: a manifold portion configured to branch cooling water introduced from the outside; and an ion filter portion connected to the manifold portion, into which cooling water is introduced from the manifold portion, and comprising a cartridge assembly containing an ion filter resin inside. Effects of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention, an ion filter is provided that can overcome the existing limitations regarding the head constraint of an ion filter in a fuel cell system.

[0019] In addition, according to the present invention, an ion filter is provided that can provide an optimized arrangement design of the ion filter within a fuel cell system.

[0020] In addition, according to the present invention, an ion filter is proposed that can facilitate the replacement of an ion filter cartridge.

[0021] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly recognized by a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] Figure 1 shows the mounting location of an ion filter in the thermal management system of a fuel cell system, and FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a stack including an ion filter according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ion filter according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an ion filter according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an ion filter according to the present invention, and FIGS. 6a and 6b show a combined structure of a lead and an ion filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 6b shows a cross-sectional view along line B-B' of FIG. 6a, and FIG. 7 illustrates the cooling water flow path of an ion filter according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 illustrates an ion filter according to some embodiments of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] The specific structural or functional descriptions presented in the embodiments of the invention are merely illustrative for the purpose of explaining embodiments according to the concept of the invention, and embodiments according to the concept of the invention may be implemented in various forms. Furthermore, it should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described herein, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0024] Meanwhile, in the present invention, terms such as "first" and / or "second" may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited to said terms. For the sole purpose of distinguishing one component from other components, for example, without departing from the scope of rights according to the concept of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0025] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly in contact" with another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. Other expressions used to describe the relationship between components, such as "between" and "exactly between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to," should be interpreted in the same way.

[0026] Throughout the specification, identical reference numbers denote identical components. Meanwhile, the terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used in this specification, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions, and / or elements to the mentioned components, steps, actions, and / or elements.

[0028] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the ion filter according to the present invention includes an ion filter section (100) and a manifold section (200). The ion filter section (100) and the manifold section (200) may be provided in a single main body (10). The ion filter according to the present invention is mounted as a module in a fuel cell stack (S).

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a receiving space (12) including an empty space on the inner side is formed in the main body (10). A cartridge assembly (20) is received in the receiving space (12). The cartridge assembly (20) includes an ion filter resin to filter ions from the cooling water and is disposed in the receiving space (12) so as to be detachably removed from the main body (10).

[0031] A lid (30) is installed on the upper part of the receiving space (12) of the main body (10) to seal the receiving space (12). The lid (30) maintains a hermetic seal over the cooling water within the receiving space (12). The lid (30) can be connected to the main body (10) by a fastening member such as a bolt. According to the present invention, when maintaining the ion filter, access to the receiving space (12) can be easily facilitated by attaching and detaching the lid (30), while maintaining a hermetic seal between the main body (10) and the lid (30).

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a coupling structure is provided between the lead (30) and the cartridge assembly (20). An insertion part (22) is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge assembly (20), and a fitting part (32) is provided on the lower surface of the lead (30). As a non-limiting example, the insertion part (22) is formed in a hook shape, and the fitting part (32) is provided in a loop or ring shape. Accordingly, when the lead (30) is separated from the main body (10) and the lead (30) is pulled upward relative to the main body (10), the cartridge assembly (20) also detaches from the receiving space (12), thereby increasing the convenience of replacement.

[0033] A discharge hole (34) is provided in the lid (30). The discharge hole (34) connects the receiving space (12) inside the main body (10) with the outside.

[0034] A port unit (40) is mounted on the lid (30). The port unit (40) is mounted on the discharge hole (34) and is connected to the receiving space (12) through the discharge hole (34) so ​​as not to allow cooling water to flow outside between the discharge hole (34) and the port unit (40). The port unit (40) is provided with a port (42), and cooling water that reaches the port unit (40) through the discharge hole (34) is discharged to the outside through the port (42).

[0035] The port unit (40) is connected to the outside through the pipe (2), and an outlet shut-off valve is provided so that flow to the outside can be blocked. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outlet shut-off valve is a cooling water flow path control valve (4). By utilizing a cooling water flow path control valve that is basically installed, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0036] The main body (10) is provided with an ion filter section (100) and a manifold section (200) adjacent thereto. The manifold section (200) includes an inlet (14), a branch passage (16), and a filter passage (18). Cooling water to be filtered flows into the inlet (14), and a portion of the cooling water flowing into the inlet (14) is used to cool the outside or the stack through the branch passage (16). A nipple (6) is installed at the outlet of the branch passage (16). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet (14) is formed at an upward angle, and the branch passage (16) is provided above the inlet (14), and the filter passage (18) is provided below it.

[0037] The filter channel (18) extends from the manifold section (200) to the ion filter section (100) and is formed in the main body (10) itself. That is, the filter channel (18) is provided to penetrate a part of the main body (10). The filter channel (18) is formed in the lower part of the main body (10) and extends approximately along the lateral direction of the main body (10), and at least a portion may include an incline.

[0038] The filter channel (18) directs the cooling water introduced through the inlet (14) toward the ion filter section (100) or the cartridge assembly (20) within the receiving space (12). That is, the filter channel (18) extends to the cartridge assembly (20) of the ion filter section (100).

[0039] A valve (50) is positioned at the bottom of the cartridge assembly (20). In particular, it is provided between the filter passage (18) and the inlet of the cartridge assembly (20). The valve (50) serves to prevent the coolant flowing into the cartridge assembly (20) through the filter passage (18) from flowing back in the reverse direction. In particular, it can prevent leakage of coolant when the cartridge assembly (20) is removed.

[0040] A sealing member (60) is installed around the perimeter of the filter channel (18). The sealing member (60) functions to keep the cooling water passing through the filter channel (18) airtight so that it does not flow out.

[0041] In particular, the sealing member (60) prevents leakage of coolant between itself and the cover (70) mounted on the filter channel (18). The cover (70) is mounted on the main body (10) and is mounted to cover the filter channel (18). In particular, the cover (70) is required for the injection moldability of the filter channel (18) and can prevent undercuts.

[0042] A temperature sensor (8) may be installed on the cover (70). The temperature sensor (8) can measure the temperature of the coolant passing through the filter passage (18) inside the cover (70).

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a portion of the cooling water introduced into the manifold section (200) within the main body (10) through the inlet (14) is supplied to the stack, etc., via the branching passage (16) and nipple (6) (D1). Additionally, another portion of the cooling water introduced into the manifold (200) is directed toward the filter passage (18) and moves to the ion filter section (100) along the filter passage (18) (D2). The cooling water flows into the cartridge assembly (20) by passing through the valve (50) provided between the cartridge assembly (20) and the filter passage (18), and is filtered within the cartridge assembly (20). The filtered cooling water that has passed through the cartridge assembly (20) flows outside the main body (10) through the discharge hole (34) of the lid (30) and is discharged through the port (42) along the port unit (40). According to the present invention, since the cooling water inlet line of the ion filter is formed within the main body (10) itself, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and simplify the structure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments of the present invention, the ion filter may be formed such that the ion filter section (100') and the manifold section (200') are separable from each other.

[0045] In this embodiment, other components are configured identically, but the filter passage (18) between the ion filter section (100') and the manifold section (200') is not formed in the main body (10) itself. Instead, the manifold section (200') and the ion filter section (100') are configured to communicate through a piping element (86).

[0046] A connecting pipe (82) communicating with a cartridge assembly (20) within a receiving space (12) is provided at the bottom of the ion filter section (100'), and a connecting pipe (84) communicating with the inside of the manifold section (200') is provided at the bottom of the manifold section (200'). The connecting pipe (82) and the connecting pipe (84) are each configured to be connectable to the end of a pipe element (86). Accordingly, the cooling water to be filtered, which is discharged through the connecting pipe (84) after passing through the manifold section (200'), flows through the pipe element (86) and can reach the receiving space (12) or the cartridge assembly (20) through the connecting pipe (82) (D1). The filtered cooling water is discharged outside the ion filter after passing through the cartridge assembly (20) (D2).

[0047] According to the present invention, the overall system configuration can be simplified by modularizing the ion filter into the stack. Conventionally, the stack and the ion filter were configured as separate units, requiring two hoses—an inlet hose and an outlet hose—for the ion filter. Furthermore, due to head constraints, the ion filter had to be placed at the top of the system. In contrast, the present invention overcomes the head constraints of the ion filter by modularizing the ion filter into the stack, integrating the manifold, and installing a valve that prevents backflow. Additionally, since a flow path is formed within the ion filter, the inlet hose can be omitted.

[0048] The present invention described above is not limited by the aforementioned embodiments and attached drawings, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0049] 2: Piping 4: Cooling water flow path control valve 6: Nipple 8: Temperature sensor 10: Main body 12: Storage space 14: Inlet 16: Branching channel 18: Filter Euro 20: Cartridge Assembly 22: Insert 30: Lead 32: Insertion part 34: Discharge hole 40: Port Unit 42: Port 50: Valve 60: Sealing member 70: Cover 82: Connecting pipe 84: Connecting piping 86: Piping elements 100: Ion filter section 200: Manifold section

Claims

Claim 1 An ion filter for a fuel cell stack comprising: a manifold section configured to branch cooling water introduced from the outside; and an ion filter section connected to the manifold section, into which cooling water is introduced from the manifold section, and comprising a cartridge assembly containing an ion filter resin inside; wherein the manifold section and the ion filter section are formed to be separable. Claim 2 An ion filter of a fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the manifold section and the ion filter section are connected to each other in a branchable manner by a piping element, a connecting pipe is provided at the lower part of the manifold section to be connected in communication with one side of the piping element, and a connecting pipe is provided at the lower part of the ion filter section to be connected in communication with the other side of the piping element. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 An ion filter of a fuel cell stack according to claim 2, wherein a valve configured to prevent backflow of cooling water is disposed in the coupling pipe. Claim 5 An ion filter of a fuel cell stack according to claim 4, wherein the coupling pipe is connected to the cartridge assembly and the valve is provided between the outlet of the coupling pipe and the inlet of the cartridge assembly. Claim 6 An ion filter of a fuel cell stack according to claim 2, wherein the manifold portion comprises an inlet through which cooling water flows in from the outside; and a branch passage communicating with the inlet and directing the cooling water in a first direction, and the connecting pipe is configured to direct the cooling water to flow through the manifold portion in a second direction which is different from the first direction. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 An ion filter of a fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the ion filter portion comprises a receiving space which is an empty space into which the cartridge assembly is inserted. Claim 9 An ion filter of a fuel cell stack according to claim 8, wherein the receiving space is configured to be sealable by a lead detachable from the ion filter portion. Claim 10 An ion filter for a fuel cell stack according to claim 9, wherein a loop-shaped fitting portion is formed protruding from the lower part of the lead, and the cartridge assembly includes a hook-shaped insert portion that can be inserted into the fitting portion. Claim 11 An ion filter of a fuel cell stack according to claim 9, wherein the lead comprises a discharge hole that penetrates the lead and communicates the receiving space and the outside of the ion filter section. Claim 12 An ion filter of a fuel cell stack according to claim 11, wherein the ion filter unit comprises a port unit for discharging filtered cooling water through the cartridge assembly, and the port unit is hermetically mounted in the discharge hole and comprises a port communicating with the discharge hole. Claim 13 An ion filter of a fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the ion filter portion comprises a port unit for discharging coolant filtered through the cartridge assembly. Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete Claim 18 An ion filter of a fuel cell stack according to claim 13, wherein the port unit is connected to a control valve for the cooling water path of the fuel cell stack.

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