Cooling apparatus for fuel cell vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle, characterized by comprising a fuel storage tank for storing fuel, a cover portion installed on one side of the fuel storage tank to cover the fuel storage tank, and a cooling efficiency enhancing portion provided on the cover portion to improve the cooling efficiency of the fuel storage tank.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle, and more specifically, to a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle with an improved structure of a lower cover of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, following hybrid vehicles such as EVs, HEVs, and PHEVs, the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) has recently been actively underway as next-generation automobiles.

[0004] In hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen gas is compressed and stored to accommodate as much hydrogen as possible in a limited space in order to increase the vehicle's driving range. At this time, it is common practice to use a method of compressing gaseous hydrogen and storing it in a high-pressure tank as a hydrogen storage method.

[0005] Due to the characteristic of hydrogen being particularly sensitive to temperature, the temperature and pressure of the hydrogen storage tank rise rapidly during rapid filling. This rapid change in temperature and pressure causes the hydrogen storage tank to rupture and leads to a decrease in hydrogen filling efficiency.

[0006] The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-1999-0002271 (published Jan. 15, 1999; Title of Invention: Undercover for Vehicle Engine Room). The problem to be solved

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle that improves charging efficiency and enables efficient thermal management by utilizing the lower cover of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. means of solving the problem

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problem, a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention comprises: a fuel storage tank for storing fuel; a cover portion installed on one side of the fuel storage tank to cover the fuel storage tank; and a cooling efficiency enhancing portion provided on the cover portion to improve the cooling efficiency of the fuel storage tank.

[0011] In addition, the cooling efficiency improvement unit allows air flowing under the vehicle to pass toward the fuel storage tank.

[0012] In addition, the cooling efficiency improvement unit induces the evaporation of moisture generated from the fuel storage tank.

[0013] In addition, the above cooling efficiency improvement part has a porous structure.

[0014] In addition, the cooling efficiency improvement member comprises: a first cooling efficiency improvement member positioned facing the fuel storage tank; and a second cooling efficiency improvement member connected to the first cooling efficiency improvement member and positioned facing the ground.

[0015] In addition, the porosity of the second cooling efficiency improving member is smaller than the porosity of the first cooling efficiency improving member.

[0016] Additionally, the second cooling efficiency enhancing member comprises: a second body portion disposed facing the first cooling efficiency enhancing member and blocking the passage of foreign substances; and a moisture storage portion formed penetrating the second body portion and storing moisture generated from the fuel storage tank. Effects of the invention

[0018] The cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention can cool the fuel storage tank more quickly and efficiently by inducing air flowing under the vehicle to come into direct contact with the fuel storage tank through a cooling efficiency enhancing part having a porous structure.

[0019] In addition, the cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention can improve the charging efficiency of a fuel storage tank by having a cooling efficiency enhancing part having a porous structure that stores a portion of the moisture generated from the fuel storage tank and induces the stored moisture to evaporate due to thermal energy from the fuel storage tank or the external environment.

[0020] In addition, the cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention can block the passage of foreign substances entering from the road surface and simultaneously induce the smooth discharge of moisture generated from the fuel storage tank, as the porosity of the second cooling efficiency improving member is formed to be smaller than the porosity of the first cooling efficiency improving member. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view schematically showing the configuration of a cooling efficiency improvement unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4 to 6 are operational diagrams schematically showing the operating state of a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] In this process, the thickness of lines or the size of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intent or convention of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0025] Furthermore, in this specification, when a part is described as being "connected (or joined)" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected (or joined)" but also cases where they are "indirectly connected (or joined)" with other members interposed between them. In this specification, when a part is described as "including (or having) a certain component," this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may additionally "include (or have)" other components.

[0026] Furthermore, throughout this specification, the same reference numerals may refer to the same components. Even if the same or similar reference numerals are not mentioned or described in a specific drawing, they may be described based on other drawings. Additionally, even if a part is not indicated by a reference numeral in a specific drawing, that part may be described based on other drawings. Furthermore, the number, shape, size, and relative differences in size of the detailed components included in the drawings of this application are set for ease of understanding and do not limit the embodiments, and may be implemented in various forms.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cooling device (1) for a fuel cell vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a fuel storage tank (100), a cover part (200), and a cooling efficiency improvement part (300).

[0029] A fuel storage tank (100) is installed and supported on a vehicle (2). The fuel storage tank (100) stores fuel supplied to a fuel cell unit (3) that provides driving force to the vehicle (2). Here, the vehicle (2) can be exemplified as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, and the fuel can be exemplified as hydrogen used as fuel for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. A fuel storage tank (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed to have the shape of a storage container capable of storing fuel inside at a low temperature and high pressure. The fuel storage tank (100) may be composed of an inner liner layer made of plastic material and an outer composite layer made of carbon composite material. The fuel storage tank (100) may be positioned on the lower rear side of the vehicle (2). A plurality of fuel storage tanks (100) may be provided and arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (2).

[0030] A cover portion (200) is installed on one side of a fuel storage tank (100) to cover the fuel storage tank (100). A cover portion (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed to have the shape of a plate and is fixed to the lower side of a fuel cell vehicle (2). The upper side of the cover portion (200) is positioned to face the lower side of the fuel storage tank (100). The cover portion (200) may be provided in multiple units and each may be fixed to the lower side of the vehicle (2) in a mutually divided state. The cover portion (200) may be fixed integrally to the lower side of the fuel cell vehicle (2) by welding, etc., or it may be fixed to the lower side of the fuel cell vehicle (2) so as to be detachably fixed by bolting, etc. The specific shape and number of the cover portion (200) can be varied in design depending on the number and size of the fuel storage tanks (100).

[0031] The cooling efficiency enhancement part (300) is provided in the cover part (200). As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling efficiency enhancement part (300) may be provided over the entire area of ​​the cover part (200) to form the exterior of the cover part (200), or it may be provided only in a part of the area of ​​the cover part (200) to form a part of the exterior of the cover part (200).

[0032] The cooling efficiency enhancement unit (300) improves the cooling efficiency of the fuel storage tank (100) through a porous structure in which a plurality of micro-holes are arranged in a grid or mesh form by etching processing, etc. More specifically, the cooling efficiency enhancement unit (300) allows air (A) flowing below the vehicle (2) to pass toward the fuel storage tank (100) through the porous structure, while blocking foreign substances (D), such as dirt and dust, flowing in from the road surface from passing toward the fuel storage tank (100). That is, the cooling efficiency enhancement unit (300) provides ventilation performance to the cover unit (200). Accordingly, the cooling efficiency enhancement unit (300) can cool the fuel storage tank (100) more quickly and efficiently by inducing the air (A) flowing below the vehicle (2) to come into direct contact with the fuel storage tank (100).

[0033] Additionally, the cooling efficiency enhancement unit (300) discharges moisture (W) generated from the fuel storage tank (100) to the outside through a porous structure, while simultaneously storing a portion of the discharged moisture (W). The cooling efficiency enhancement unit (300) induces the stored moisture (W) to evaporate due to thermal energy from the fuel storage tank (100) or the external environment. That is, the cooling efficiency enhancement unit (300) provides moisture discharge and storage performance to the cover unit (200). Accordingly, the cooling efficiency enhancement unit (300) can prevent excessive accumulation of moisture (W) generated from the fuel storage tank (100) in the cover unit (200), and can cool the fuel storage tank (100) more quickly and efficiently by the heat of evaporation of the moisture (W).

[0034] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view schematically showing the configuration of a cooling efficiency improvement unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, a cooling efficiency improvement unit (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first cooling efficiency improvement member (310) and a second cooling efficiency improvement member (320).

[0036] The first cooling efficiency improvement member (310) forms one side of the exterior of the cooling efficiency improvement member (300) and is positioned to face the fuel storage tank (100).

[0037] A first cooling efficiency improving member (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first body part (311) and a moisture discharge part (312).

[0038] The first body part (311) is formed to have a shape roughly like a plate and is positioned along the upper surface of the cover part (200). The upper surface of the first body part (311) is positioned to face the lower surface of the fuel storage tank (100) at a predetermined distance. The first body part (311) may be provided with a material having high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum, to enable efficient heat exchange with the fuel storage tank (100).

[0039] The moisture discharge section (312) is formed by penetrating the first body section (311) and discharges moisture (W) generated from the fuel storage tank (100) to the second cooling efficiency improvement member (320). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the moisture discharge section (312) may be formed to have a plurality of micro-holes penetrating the first body section (311) in a grid shape by etching processing, etc. The cross-sectional shape of the moisture discharge section (312) can be designed to have various shapes such as a circle, ellipse, or polygon, in addition to the rectangular shape shown in FIG. 3. The size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the moisture discharge section (312) can be designed to have various shapes within a range that allows the smooth passage of moisture and air.

[0040] The second cooling efficiency enhancing member (320) is connected to the first cooling efficiency enhancing member (310) and is positioned facing the ground. The porosity of the second cooling efficiency enhancing member (320) can be formed to be smaller than the porosity of the first cooling efficiency enhancing member (310). Accordingly, the first cooling efficiency enhancing member (310) and the second cooling efficiency enhancing member (320) can smoothly discharge moisture (W) flowing in from the upper side, i.e., from the fuel storage tank (100), to the road surface, while simultaneously blocking foreign matter (D) flowing in from the lower side, i.e. from the road surface, from passing toward the fuel storage tank (100).

[0041] A second cooling efficiency enhancing member (320) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a second body part (321) and a moisture storage part (322).

[0042] The second body part (321) is formed to have a shape roughly like a plate and is positioned along the lower surface of the cover part (200). The second body part (321) is positioned so that its upper surface contacts the lower surface of the first body part (311). The second body part (321) may be manufactured integrally with the first body part (311), or alternatively, it may be manufactured separately from the first body part (311) and then fixed to the lower surface of the first body part (311) by welding, bolting, adhesive, etc. The lower surface of the second body part (321) is positioned to face the ground and interferes with foreign matter (D) flowing in from the ground, thereby blocking the foreign matter (D) from passing toward the first body part (311). The second body part (321) may be provided with a material having high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum, to enable efficient heat exchange with the fuel storage tank (100).

[0043] The moisture storage section (322) is formed by penetrating the second body section (321) and stores a portion of the moisture (W) generated from the fuel storage tank (100). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the moisture discharge section (312) may be formed to have a plurality of micro-holes penetrating the second body section (321) in a grid shape by etching processing, etc. The cross-sectional shape of the moisture storage section (322) can be designed to have various shapes, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon, in addition to the rectangular shape shown in FIG. 3. The moisture storage section (322) is formed with a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the moisture discharge section (312). Accordingly, the moisture storage section (322) can be formed so that the porosity of the second cooling efficiency enhancing member (320) is smaller than the porosity of the first cooling efficiency enhancing member (310). The specific cross-sectional area of ​​the moisture storage unit (322) can be varied in design within a range where a portion of liquid moisture (W) can be adsorbed inside by surface tension. Additionally, the number of moisture storage units (322) can be varied in design within a range where the porosity of the second cooling efficiency enhancing member (320) does not become greater than the porosity of the first cooling efficiency enhancing member (310).

[0044] Hereinafter, the operation of a cooling device (1) for a fuel cell vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0045] FIGS. 4 to 6 are operational diagrams schematically showing the operating state of a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, when foreign substances (D), such as dirt and dust, are introduced into the cover portion (200) due to driving of the vehicle (2) or by a separate external force, the second body portion (321) blocks the passage of foreign substances (D) to prevent the foreign substances (D) from coming into direct contact with the fuel storage tank (100).

[0047] Meanwhile, air (A) flowing below the vehicle (2) passes through the moisture storage section (322) and the moisture discharge section (312) in sequence and then through the cover section (200).

[0048] The air (A) passing through the cover portion (200) comes into contact with the fuel storage tank (100) and cools the fuel storage tank (100) through heat exchange with the fuel storage tank (100).

[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, when the temperature of the fuel storage tank (100) is maintained at a relatively low level compared to the external environment, moisture (W) condenses on the surface of the fuel storage tank (100).

[0050] Moisture (W) that has condensed in an amount exceeding a certain limit falls toward the cover part (200) due to its own weight, flows into the moisture discharge part (312), and is then transferred to the moisture storage part (322).

[0051] Some of the moisture (W) transferred to the moisture storage unit (322) is discharged to the ground by gravity and capillary action.

[0052] The remaining portion of the moisture (W) transferred to the moisture storage unit (322) is not discharged to the ground due to the surface tension of the second body part (321) but is adsorbed and stored inside the moisture storage unit (322).

[0053] Referring to FIG. 6, as the temperature of the fuel storage tank (100) rises above a predetermined temperature, heat (H) generated from the fuel storage tank (100) is transferred to the water (W) stored inside the water storage unit (322).

[0054] The moisture (W) stored inside the moisture storage unit (322) absorbs heat generated from the fuel storage tank (100) and evaporates, and the fuel storage tank (100) is cooled by the heat absorbed by the moisture (W).

[0055] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom.

[0056] Therefore, the technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the following patent claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0058] 1 : Fuel cell vehicle cooling system 2 : Vehicle 3 : Fuel cell unit 100 : Fuel storage tank 200 : Cover section 300 : Cooling efficiency improvement section 310: First cooling efficiency improving member 311: First body part 312 : Moisture discharge section 320 : Second cooling efficiency improvement member 321 : Second body part 322 : Moisture storage part A: Air D: Foreign matter W: Moisture H: Heat

Claims

Claim 1 A cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle, comprising: a fuel storage tank for storing fuel; a cover portion installed on one side of the fuel storage tank to cover the fuel storage tank; and a cooling efficiency enhancing portion provided in the cover portion to improve the cooling efficiency of the fuel storage tank; wherein the cooling efficiency enhancing portion has a porous structure, and the cooling efficiency enhancing portion comprises: a first cooling efficiency enhancing member disposed facing the fuel storage tank; and a second cooling efficiency enhancing member communicating with the first cooling efficiency enhancing member and disposed facing the ground. Claim 2 A cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cooling efficiency improvement unit allows air flowing below the vehicle to pass toward the fuel storage tank. Claim 3 A cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cooling efficiency improvement unit induces the evaporation of moisture generated from the fuel storage tank. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the porosity of the second cooling efficiency improving member is smaller than the porosity of the first cooling efficiency improving member. Claim 7 A cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second cooling efficiency enhancing member comprises: a second body portion disposed facing the first cooling efficiency enhancing member and blocking the passage of foreign substances; and a moisture storage portion formed penetrating the second body portion and storing moisture generated from the fuel storage tank.

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