Functional component for a blower of a fuel cell assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a functional component (30) for a blower (1) of a fuel cell assembly (205) for a vehicle (200a), in particular a utility vehicle (200b); wherein the functional component (30) has an inlet side (41) and an outlet side (42) and forms an annular channel (10) for conducting a gas mixture (40) from the inlet side (41) to the outlet side (42); the functional component (30) has a bearing seat (18) for receiving an inlet-side bearing (11) for rotatably mounting a motor shaft (7) of the blower (1); the functional component (30) has a water separation channel (32), wherein the water separation channel (32) is designed to discharge a liquid (48) from the gas mixture (40) out of the annular channel (10) when the motor shaft (7) rotates; and the functional component (30) is designed to be arranged in an interior space (2a) formed by a main housing (2) of the blower (1) and receiving a stator (8) of the blower (1) outside the annular channel (10) in the assembled state.

Description

[0001] Functional component for a fan of a fuel cell arrangement for a vehicle

[0002] The disclosure relates to a functional component for a blower of a fuel cell assembly for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. The disclosure equally relates to a blower for a fuel cell assembly for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, a fuel cell assembly for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising a fuel cell stack that can be supplied with a gas mixture on the anode side, and a blower, and a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising a fuel cell assembly.

[0003] Such blowers for fuel cell assemblies are known from the prior art. Such a fuel cell assemblies comprise a fuel cell system with galvanic cells that can be used to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy is obtained from a so-called fuel cell reaction, a chemical reaction between a supplied fuel, for example hydrogen, and an oxidizing agent, usually oxygen. To increase energy generation, several cells or fuel cells can be combined to form a fuel cell stack. In addition to the fuel cell stack, the fuel cell assembly typically comprises other components, such as a compressor or compressor for supplying the oxidizing agent, for example air, to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack.

[0004] For fuel cell assemblies, it is particularly useful for mobile applications with different operating points, such as vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, to provide recirculation of a gas mixture containing the fuel in the anode path. The aim is to return unused fuel to the system, remove harmful gases, such as nitrogen (also known as "purging"), and / or allow the fuel cell stack to be purged to prevent and / or remove liquid and / or water accumulation.

[0005] Recirculation can be passive and / or active. Active recirculation means that the fan is designed to convey the fuel or gas mixture within the anode path according to the operating points and other requirements.

[0006] The design of a recirculation blower, i.e., a blower for recirculation in the anode path, is challenging because hydrogen, nitrogen, and moisture are challenging characteristics of the gas mixture, requiring special measures regarding tightness, robustness, and service life. Therefore, known recirculation blowers sometimes exhibit features of compressors, particularly Roots compressors, scroll compressors, claw compressors, and / or turbomachinery.

[0007] WO 2021 / 094491 A1 discloses a media gap motor, in particular for a turbocharger. The proposed media gap motor includes a rotor and a stator, wherein the stator has fins that extend radially toward the rotor with an inner portion in a flow space formed between the stator and the rotor. The fins do not extend to the rotor with their inner portions, so that a gap is formed between an inner end of the fins and the rotor.

[0008] EP 1 995 426 A1 discloses an electric motor for conveying media, comprising a stator, a rotor with a rotor magnet, and a media passage opening between the stator and rotor. The smallest inner diameter of the stator is 1.5 to 8 times the largest outer diameter of the rotor magnet.

[0009] German patent application 102023210206.4, which had not yet been published on the filing date of the present disclosure, describes a blower for a fuel cell assembly for recirculating a gas mixture used to operate the fuel cell assembly, comprising a drive motor having a rotor coupled to a motor shaft and a stator arranged radially outside the rotor. Radially between the rotor and the stator, an annular channel is provided for conveying the gas mixture from an inlet side to an outlet side of the annular channel. A blower impeller coupled to the motor shaft is provided in the region of the outlet side of the annular channel to convey the gas mixture from the inlet side to the outlet side of the annular channel upon rotation. Furthermore, a flow guide device is provided for imparting a swirl in the circumferential direction of the annular channel to the gas mixture entering the annular channel.In the area of ​​the outlet side of the annular channel, a water drainage arrangement can open, which is designed to drain water moving along the wall of the widened portion to a water outlet arrangement. The water drainage arrangement can be provided as an annular gap located in the outlet area of ​​the annular channel. The water moving along the inside of the outer tube can thus enter directly into the water drainage arrangement in the form of the annular gap. The annular gap of the water drainage arrangement is connected to a water outlet arrangement, through which the separated water can be drained accordingly.

[0010] In other words, a water separation function is integrated into the recirculation fan. For this purpose, a guide vane is located at the fan inlet, which exerts a swirl on the flow. Additionally, the centripetal force pushes water droplets against the pipe and conveys them along it until the water can finally be discharged through a drain.

[0011] At the same time, the fan design should be designed to minimize the tolerance chain between the motor shaft bearings. State-of-the-art solutions include solutions in which the tolerance chain extends across three components, so that coaxiality deviations between the bearings can significantly reduce bearing service life, especially at high speeds.

[0012] Against the background of this prior art, one object of the present disclosure is to provide a blower for a fuel cell assembly of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, which is suitable for enriching the prior art and improving at least the above-mentioned aspects of the prior art. In particular, the object of the disclosure is to achieve greater functional integration in at least one component of the blower, thus simplifying the manufacture of the blower and opening up a wider range of design options, while simultaneously enabling an advantageous tolerance chain for the motor shaft bearing.

[0013] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The subclaims contain further developments of the disclosure.

[0014] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the object is achieved by a functional component for a blower of a fuel cell arrangement for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle; wherein the functional component has an inlet side and an outlet side and forms an annular channel for conducting a gas mixture from the inlet side to the outlet side; the functional component has a bearing seat for receiving an inlet-side bearing for rotatably supporting a motor shaft of the blower; the functional component has a

[0015] A water separation channel is provided, wherein the water separation channel is configured to discharge a liquid from the gas mixture from the annular channel upon rotation of the motor shaft; and the functional component is configured to be arranged in an interior space formed by a main housing of the blower and accommodating a stator of the blower in the assembled state outside the annular channel.

[0016] The functional component enables improved functional diversity and a more targeted design of the blower's components. At the same time, the functional component at least partially forms the annular channel of the blower. This allows for separation of the stator and gas mixture, and optionally of the rotor and gas mixture, when assembled.

[0017] In addition, the functional component has a bearing seat to accommodate the inlet-side bearing. The functional component and another part of the fan, such as a housing cover, can be mounted together, with the additional part having a second bearing seat to accommodate an outlet-side bearing. This means that only two fan components are required to provide the bearings for supporting the motor shaft, thus achieving a reduced tolerance chain.

[0018] The functional component further comprises a water separation channel. The fluid can be discharged from the annular channel through the functional component. The optional separation and discharge function therefore no longer needs to be integrated, for example, into the main housing. This allows the functional component to be designed with regard to the optional separation and discharge of the fluid, and an optional provision for separation and discharge in the main housing is unnecessary. This can also avoid potentially problematic seals and / or sealing points. The water separation channel can be configured to conduct fluid from the annular channel or an interior space of a main housing of the fan between the stator and the rotor into an environment of the main housing and / or the fan.

[0019] It is further proposed that the functional component be configured to be arranged in an interior space formed by the main housing of the blower and accommodating a stator of the blower outside the annular channel in the assembled state. In other words, such a blower typically comprises a housing part referred to as the main housing. The main housing forms an interior space in which the stator and the annular channel, or at least partially the functional component, are arranged. In the assembled state, the stator is then arranged radially outside the annular channel so that the functional component can provide the separation between the gas mixture and the stator.

[0020] The disclosure allows the design of the main housing and the entire blower to be significantly simplified. For this purpose, several functions are integrated into the functional component: the provision of the annular channel for separating the stator and the gas mixture, the provision of a bearing seat for reducing the tolerance chain, and the provision of a water separation channel for discharging the liquid from the annular channel. Optionally, the functional component has a first mounting interface; and the first mounting interface is configured to attach a housing cover of the blower to the functional component on the outlet side. The mounting interface can, for example, comprise a round collar for attaching a partially cylindrical housing cover and / or threaded bushings for screwing the functional component to the housing cover.With the first mounting interface, the housing cover can be attached reliably and precisely to the functional component.

[0021] Optionally, the functional component has a second mounting interface; and the second mounting interface is configured to attach a main housing of the fan to the functional component. The second mounting interface can, for example, comprise a round collar for attaching a partially cylindrical main housing and / or threaded bushings for screwing the functional component to the main housing. The second mounting interface allows the main housing to be attached to the functional component reliably and precisely.

[0022] Optionally, the functional component is made at least partially of aluminum and / or plastic. This allows for efficient manufacturing. Furthermore, aluminum is comparatively lightweight and offers suitable corrosion protection against the components of the gas mixture. Furthermore, plastic can allow for greater freedom of form, for example, to optimize fluid separation. For example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) can be used as a plastic to make the functional component resistant to temperatures and / or the chemical components of the gas mixture and the liquid.The functional component can also be made of aluminum and plastic, for example, to form the functional component from plastic in a section forming the annular channel and from aluminum in areas where mechanical rigidity is required, for example in the area of ​​the bearing seat, in the area of ​​the first mounting interface, and / or in the area of ​​the second mounting interface. This allows advantageous mechanical properties and, at the same time, sufficient magnetic properties to enable a suitable magnetic and / or electromagnetic field between the stator and the rotor through the annular channel. Aluminum can provide sufficient rigidity to accommodate the bearings for supporting the motor shaft.

[0023] Optionally, the functional component comprises an outer wall of the annular channel, and the outer wall has a thickness of 2 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 4 mm, more preferably 3 mm to 3.5 mm. The outer wall can thus separate the gas mixture from the stator in the assembled state. The thickness of the outer wall can be the thickness or extent of the outer wall in the radial direction. A thickness of 2 mm to 5 mm enables reliable provision of the annular channel. A thickness of 2.5 mm to 4 mm enables reliable provision of the annular channel and achieves a balanced balance between weight and cost as well as the manufacturability of the annular channel, whereby a thickness of 3 mm to 3.5 mm can be particularly advantageous in this regard.

[0024] Optionally, the functional component comprises an outer wall of the annular channel, and the functional component has axially extending and radially projecting ribs on an outer side of the outer wall. The radially projecting ribs can thus extend from the outer wall toward the stator and / or between lamination stacks and / or coils of the stator. The ribs enable stiffening of the annular channel to enable a thinner outer wall between the ribs, thus saving weight and costs. Furthermore, the ribs can stiffen the annular channel during manufacturing and / or assembly of the functional component.

[0025] Optionally, the functional component has a collar on the outlet side extending towards the inlet side, wherein the collar is designed to guide liquid conveyed radially from the inlet side to the outlet side into the water separation channel and to feed the gas mixture to a fan impeller coupled to the motor shaft. The collar thus separates liquid from the gas mixture or separates the gas of the gas mixture from the liquid. Optionally, the water separation channel has a cross-sectional area that increases radially outwards. This makes it easier to manufacture the water separation channel. Alternatively, the cross-sectional area has a different radial dependency and / or is constant. Alternatively or additionally, the water separation channel is designed to discharge the liquid with the aid of gravity when installed.In other words, the fluid is drained downwards when installed. This improves fluid drainage.

[0026] Optionally, the functional component has a volute, wherein the volute is configured to be operatively connected to a fan impeller of the fan during operation. In other words, the volute is no longer integrated into the main housing or stator housing, but rather into the functional component. This can make it easier, for example, to separate and / or discharge liquid from the gas mixture upstream of the fan impeller by projecting axially outward, while the volute can be effectively and reliably sealed, for example, from the functional component, by the geometry of the fan impeller. Alternatively, the volute can be arranged in the housing cover.

[0027] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a blower for a fuel cell arrangement for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, is provided; wherein the blower, for recirculating a gas mixture used for operating the fuel cell arrangement, comprises a drive motor with a motor shaft, a rotor coupled to the motor shaft, and a stator arranged radially outside the rotor; the blower comprises an annular channel arranged radially between the rotor and the stator and having an inlet side and an outlet side for conveying the gas mixture; the blower comprises a blower impeller coupled to the motor shaft, wherein the blower impeller is configured to convey the gas mixture from the inlet side to the outlet side upon rotation of the motor shaft; and the blower comprises a functional component as described above.Optionally, the functional component has one or more of the features described above as optional and / or advantageous in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0028] The blower can be used to recirculate a gas mixture associated with an anode region of the fuel cell assembly. The gas mixture can contain hydrogen as fuel. The gas mixture can also contain other components that can result, in particular, from the reaction of the hydrogen in the anode region of the fuel cell assembly. The gas mixture can contain water, which results from the reaction of the hydrogen. The gas mixture can be passed through the anode region of the fuel cell assembly.

[0029] The fan can be operated by the drive motor, which can be configured as an electric motor. The electric motor can be a brushless motor. The drive motor can be a media gap motor. In this case, the medium conveyed by the fan, in particular the gas mixture used in the fuel cell arrangement, can be conveyed through the annular channel.

[0030] The fan impeller coupled to the motor shaft can be arranged on the outlet side of the annular channel such that the gas mixture can be conveyed through the annular channel upon rotation of the fan impeller. The fan impeller can have an arrangement of blades distributed around the circumference of the fan impeller. By rotating the fan impeller, the gas mixture can be conveyed based on a corresponding pumping function. Due to its rotation, the fan impeller can convey the gas mixture in a radial direction relative to the annular channel.

[0031] Optionally, the fan has a housing cover arranged on the outlet side of the functional component and fastened to the functional component. This allows for effective assembly of the housing cover. The housing cover can be mounted on the first mounting interface of the functional component. Optionally, the housing cover has a second bearing seat for accommodating an outlet-side bearing for rotatably supporting the motor shaft. In the embodiment, only one mechanical interface is provided between the bearing seats of the bearings, i.e., between the inlet-side bearing and the outlet-side bearing, namely between the housing cover and the functional component. This allows for a reduction in the tolerance in the arrangement of the bearings.

[0032] Optionally, the blower has a main housing attached to the functional component and / or an inlet flange attached to the inlet side of the functional component. This allows for effective mounting of the main housing and / or the inlet flange. The main housing can be mounted to the second mounting interface of the functional component. The inlet flange can be mounted to a third mounting interface of the functional component. Alternatively, the inlet flange can be mounted to the main housing.

[0033] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fuel cell assembly for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, is provided, comprising a fuel cell stack that can be supplied with a gas mixture on the anode side and a blower as described above. Optionally, the blower has one or more features described as optional and / or advantageous in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0034] The blower can be connected to one or more fuel cell modules or fuel cell stacks via appropriate piping within the fuel cell assembly such that the blower can direct the gas mixture through the anode region of the fuel cell assembly. The blower can also be connected to a fuel source or fuel storage device, via which the fuel content of the recirculated gas mixture can be adjusted.

[0035] The blower can be connected to a fuel cell module via a line arrangement in the fuel cell arrangement. The blower can be provided for recirculating hydrogen-containing gas for the fuel cell arrangement. In particular, the recirculation of the hydrogen-containing gas can be designed for the anode side of the fuel cell arrangement. The blower can be controlled via a control device as needed, whereby an operating state of the fuel cell arrangement can be taken into account. The fuel cell arrangement can also have several blowers of the type described above, which are integrated into the fuel cell arrangement via lines.

[0036] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, is provided, comprising a fuel cell assembly as described above. Optionally, the fan and / or the fuel cell assembly has one or more features described as optional and / or advantageous in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0037] The blower and / or the fuel cell assembly can be used in a mobile application. In particular, the blower and / or the fuel cell assembly can be used in an electrically powered vehicle, wherein the electrical power can be generated by the fuel cell assembly and optionally supplied to a buffer battery or traction battery. Alternatively, the fuel cell assembly with the blower can be used in a stationary application. Alternatively, the blower can be used to provide a gas flow in other areas. In particular, the blower can be used to achieve a flow through the cathode side of the fuel cell assembly.

[0038] Further features of the disclosure as well as its technical effects emerge from the figures and the description of the preferred embodiments shown in the figures.

[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of a fan according to one aspect of the disclosure; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a functional component according to one aspect of the disclosure;

[0041] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a functional component according to one aspect of the disclosure;

[0042] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a blower according to one aspect of the disclosure;

[0043] Fig. 6 shows a detail of a section through a fan according to one aspect of the disclosure; and

[0044] Fig. 6 is a detail of a section through a fan according to one aspect of the disclosure.

[0045] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 200a, in particular commercial vehicle 200b, according to one aspect of the disclosure.

[0046] The vehicle 200a, in particular the commercial vehicle 200b, is referred to below as the vehicle 200a, 200b. The vehicle 200a, 200b is, for example, a land vehicle or a watercraft.

[0047] The vehicle 200a, 200b has a fuel cell assembly 205, an energy storage device 260, and an electric main drive 250. The fuel cell assembly 205 is configured to provide electrical energy 65 to the energy storage device 260. The energy storage device 260 is, for example, a rechargeable energy storage device 260 and serves as a buffer battery for buffering electrical energy 65. The energy storage device 260 is also referred to as a traction battery. The energy storage device 260 is connected to the electric main drive 250 to supply the electric main drive 250 with electrical energy 65 so that the electric main drive 250 can drive the vehicle 200a, 200b.

[0048] The fuel cell assembly 205 comprises a blower 1, a compressor 210, a fuel cell system 204 or a fuel cell stack 206, and optionally an expander 270. The fuel cell stack 206 has a cathode 207 and an anode 208. The blower 1 of the present embodiments is used in a fuel cell assembly 205 in which hydrogen as a fuel-containing gas is circulated as a gas mixture 40 and reacts electrochemically to generate electrical energy 65. In particular, the blower 1 described here is used to purge an anode region of the fuel cell stack 206 and / or to ensure a predetermined composition of the gas mixture 40 located in the anode region. The blower 1 is configured to supply the anode 208 with the gas mixture 40 and thus with the fuel.

[0049] Several of the above-described blowers 1 can be used in the fuel cell arrangement 205. Furthermore, the fuel cell arrangement 205 generally has a control device (not shown) which, among other things, controls the operation of the blower 1. This includes controlling a rotational speed of the blower 1, with which the blower power can be adjusted. Furthermore, taking into account the operating state of the fuel cell arrangement 205, it is determined whether operation of the blower 1 is required or not. In the event that the blower 1 is not operated, the structure of the blower 1 as a media gap motor easily allows the gas mixture 40 to pass through the blower 1.

[0050] Due to the above-described structure of the blower 1 and in particular a flow guide device 14 or a guide grille 14 (see Figure 2), the separation function for separating liquid 48, for example water, from the gas mixture 40 can be brought about by the flow through the blower 1 even when the blower 1 is not in operation, since the guide grille 14 imposes a swirl on the gas flow.

[0051] The compressor 210 is configured to supply an air flow to the fuel cell stack 206 on the cathode side, i.e., the cathode 207. For this purpose, the compressor 210 is configured to be supplied with electrical energy 65 in order to draw in air, compress it, and supply it to the fuel cell stack 206 as supply air 240. The expander 270 is configured to be supplied with exhaust air 245 from the fuel cell stack 206 in order to convert energy from the exhaust air 245 into electrical energy 65. Embodiments of the blower 1 and / or a functional component 30 of the blower 1 are further described with reference to Figures 2 to 7.

[0052] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a blower 1 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The blower 1 according to Figure 2 is a blower 1 for a fuel cell assembly 205 for a vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b. Such a blower 1 and vehicle 200a, 200b are each described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 2 is described with reference to Figure 1.

[0053] The blower 1 is configured to recirculate the gas mixture 40 used to operate the fuel cell stack 206. For this purpose, the blower 1 comprises a drive motor 7, 8, 9 with a motor shaft 7, a rotor 9 coupled to the motor shaft 7, and a stator 8 arranged radially outside the rotor 9.

[0054] The blower 1 has an annular channel 10. The annular channel 10 is designed to conduct the gas mixture 40. For this purpose, the annular channel 10 has an inlet side 41 and an outlet side 42 and is arranged radially between the rotor 9 and the stator 8.

[0055] The fan 1 has a main housing 2. The main housing 2 forms an outer periphery of a main section of the fan 1 and, in the present embodiment, is substantially cylindrical. Arranged radially inside the main housing 2 is the drive motor 7, 8, 9, which has the radially outer stator 8, the radially inner rotor 9, and the motor shaft 7 connected to the rotor 9.

[0056] The blower 1 has a functional component 30. The functional component 30 forms the annular channel 10 for conducting a gas mixture 40 from the inlet side 41 to the outlet side 42. The functional component 30 is designed to be arranged in an interior space 2a formed by a main housing 2 of the blower 1 and accommodating a stator 8 of the blower 1 outside the annular channel 10. In other words, the functional component 30 forms a cylindrical outer wall 16 and is arranged radially inside the stator 8. A cylindrical inner wall 17 can be formed, at least in sections, by an outer circumference of the rotor 9. Alternatively, the cylindrical inner wall 17 can be formed, at least in sections, by an inner tube that is arranged radially outside the rotor 9 and inside the functional component 30. Alternatively, the functional part 30 can be configured to form the cylindrical outer wall 16 and the cylindrical inner wall 17.

[0057] On the left side in Figure 2, the fan 1 has a housing cover 6 attached to the functional component 30. The fan 1 has fastening elements 45 for fastening the housing cover 6 to the functional component 30. The fastening elements 45 are, for example, screws and / or bolts and are designed to fix a mechanical interface between the functional component 30 and the housing cover 6. The housing cover 6 has a passage and / or a recess in the center through which the motor shaft 7 passes.

[0058] The blower 1 has a fan impeller 5 coupled to the motor shaft 7. In the area of ​​the housing cover 6, the fan impeller 5 is connected to the motor shaft 7 in a rotationally fixed manner. Rotation of the motor shaft 7 thus causes rotation of the fan impeller 5.

[0059] The functional component 30 has a volute 43 or outlet volute radially outside the fan impeller 5, which has a circumferentially variable diameter and is open toward the fan impeller 5. The volute 43 is designed to be operatively connected to the fan impeller 5 during operation in order to improve the fan performance. A housing flange 6a is attached to the housing cover 6, which has a passage in the center into which the motor shaft 7 projects.

[0060] The fan impeller 5 is configured to convey the gas mixture 40 from the inlet side 41 to the outlet side 42 upon rotation of the motor shaft 7. For this purpose, the fan impeller 5 has blades configured with a predetermined shape to achieve a conveying or pumping function. The inside of the housing cover 6 and the volute 43 are adapted to the contour of the fan impeller 5 in the radial region where the fan impeller 5 is provided. Radially outside the fan impeller 5 is an annular gap that is open to the volute 43.

[0061] The annular channel 10 is provided radially between the stator 8 and the rotor 9. The radial inner wall 17 of the annular channel 10 is formed by an outer circumference of the rotor 9 and, on the inlet side, by an outer circumference of a flow insert 15. In an alternative embodiment, the radial inner wall 17 is formed by an inner tube surrounding the rotor 9 and by the outer circumference of the flow insert 15. On the side of the guide vane 14 facing away from the rotor 9, the flow insert 15 is provided in the form of an axisymmetric flow body. The flow insert 15 has a dome or spherical shape. The outer diameter of the flow insert 15 is smaller than the diameter of the outer tube of the annular channel 10. The flow insert 15 projects axially upstream from the rotor 9 into an inlet-side region of an inlet flange 13 and / or in another embodiment of the main housing 2, in which a constriction is provided.The flow insert 15 has a flow-optimized outer contour with respect to the incoming flow. The flow insert 15 has an outer circumferential surface that serves as the inner wall 17 of the annular channel 10, at least in the inlet area.

[0062] The functional component 30 thus at least partially forms the radial outer wall 16 and has at least partially a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the rotor 9. The stator 8 is located radially outside the cylindrical outer wall 16 of the functional component 30. This forms the annular channel 10, through which a fluid or the gas mixture 40 can flow. The annular channel 10 opens on the left side in Figure 2 on the outlet side in the area of ​​the fan impeller 5. The described flow guide device 15 is located on the right side of the annular channel 10.

[0063] The functional component 30 has a first mounting interface 35. The first mounting interface 35 is designed to fasten a housing cover 6 of the blower 1 to the functional component 30 on the outlet side 42. The first mounting interface 35 comprises a cylindrical collar 35a for receiving the partially cylindrical housing cover 6. In addition, the first mounting interface 35 comprises a plurality of threaded bushings 35b arranged in the circumferential direction for receiving fastening elements 45 for fastening the housing cover 6 to the functional component 30. For this purpose, the fastening elements 45 can protrude through an intermediate component 6b arranged between the housing cover 6 and the functional component 30. The intermediate component 6b is dispensable in another embodiment.

[0064] The functional component 30 has a second mounting interface 36. The second mounting interface 36 is configured to fasten the main housing 2 to the functional component 30. The second mounting interface 36 comprises a plurality of threaded bushings arranged in the circumferential direction for fastening the main housing 2 to the functional component 30 (see also Figures 3 and 4). In addition, the functional component 30 can be fastened to the main housing 2 upstream of the fan impeller 5. For example, the functional component 30 can be reinforced, glued, and / or screwed to the main housing 2 on the inlet side.

[0065] The stator 8 is connected to the main housing 2 in a rotationally fixed manner. In the present embodiment, the rotor 9 comprises one or more permanent magnet elements 9a (only schematically indicated in Figure 2). When energized, the stator 8 generates a rotating magnetic field, so that the rotor 9 rotates together with the motor shaft 7 when energized.

[0066] The rotor 9 is connected to the rotatable motor shaft 7 so that the rotor 9 can rotate together with the motor shaft 7. The motor shaft 7 is rotatably supported on both sides by bearings 11, 12. For this purpose, the fan 1 has an outlet-side bearing 12 for rotatably supporting the motor shaft 7. The fan 1 has an inlet-side bearing 11 for rotatably supporting the motor shaft 7.

[0067] The functional component 30 has a bearing seat 18 for receiving the inlet-side bearing 11 for rotatably supporting the motor shaft 7. The housing cover 6 has a second bearing seat 18a for receiving the outlet-side bearing 12 for rotatably supporting the motor shaft 7. The housing cover 6 is attached to the functional component 30 at the outlet side 42. Thus, only the first bearing interface 35 forms a mechanical interface between the bearing seats 18, 18a.

[0068] The blower 1 has an inlet flange 13 attached to the inlet side of the main housing 2. The gas mixture 13 can flow through the inlet flange 13 toward the annular channel. The inlet flange 13 serves to connect to a pipe of the fuel cell assembly 205. In another embodiment (not shown), the inlet flange 13 can be attached to the functional component 30 and / or is formed integrally with the main housing 2.

[0069] The functional component 30 has a volute 43. The volute 43 is designed to be operatively connected to a fan impeller 5 of the fan 1 during operation. The functional component 30 is designed to guide the gas mixture 40 at least partially through the volute 43 upon rotation of the fan impeller 5. For this purpose, the functional component 30 has a curved and closed surface 33 directed towards the fan impeller 5. A flow section (not indicated) is thus formed between the curved surface 33 and the fan impeller 5, through which the gas mixture 40 is conveyed upon rotation of the fan impeller 5. Due to the curved shape, the gas mixture 40 can be deflected radially outwards in the direction of the volutes 43, whereby the functional component 30 guides the gas mixture 40 at least partially to and / or through the volute 43 during rotation of the fan impeller 5.

[0070] The functional component 30 is configured to separate a liquid 48 from the gas mixture 40 upon rotation of the motor shaft 7. The separation can be effected by a swirl acting on the gas mixture 40, resulting in a separation of the liquid 48 and the gaseous components of the gas mixture 40. In addition, the functional component 30 is configured to discharge the liquid 48 from the annular channel 10. Possible ways of doing this include, for example, the provision of individual or multiple ribbed, radially extending segments located downstream of the stator 8, which open via individual bores or openings into a collecting channel (not shown) between the interface between the functional component 30 and the housing cover 6 and enable the discharge of the liquid 48. For discharging the liquid

[0071] The functional component 30 consists, for example, partly of aluminum and partly of plastic. For example, the bearing seat 18, the first mounting interface 35, and the second mounting interface 36 are made of aluminum, and the outer wall 16 is made of plastic.

[0072] The functional component 30 has the bearing seat 18 receiving the inlet-side bearing 11. The bearing seat 18 is arranged in the region of the flow guide device 14 integrated into the functional component 30. Downstream of an inlet-side tip of the flow guide device 14 encompassed by the flow insert 15, the bearing seat 18 is arranged radially inside the inner wall 17 formed by the flow guide device 14 and radially outside the motor shaft 7. The bearing seat 18 and the flow guide device 14 form a section or an assembly of the fan integrated into the main housing 2. The inlet-side bearing 11 is arranged on the bearing seat 18. The flow insert 15 is arranged on the flow guide device 14.

[0073] The integrated arrangement of the flow guide device 14 and the bearing seat 18 or the inlet-side bearing 11 in the functional component 30 enables the blower 1 to be configured to insert the stator 8 and subsequently the functional component 30, each on the outlet side, into the main housing 2 for assembly of the blower 1. The stator 8 can be pushed into the interior space 2a formed by the main housing 2 when the blower 1 is open, i.e., when the housing cover 6 is removed from the main housing 2.

[0074] The housing cover 6 has the second bearing seat 18a which accommodates the outlet-side bearing 12. The second bearing seat 18a is arranged downstream of the first bearing seat 18 and in the axial direction in the region of the housing cover 6. The second bearing seat 18a is arranged radially inside the housing cover 6 or in the through-opening and radially outside the motor shaft 7. The outlet-side bearing 12 is arranged on the second bearing seat 18a. The flow guide device 14 is explained below. As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the flow guide device 14 is provided in the form of a guide vane 14 on the right-hand section of the functional component 30 or of the annular channel 10 in Figure 2, i.e. on the inlet side 41. The guide vane 14 has an arrangement of guide vanes (see schematically Figures 3 and 4) which are distributed around a circumference of the flow guide device 14.The guide vanes are provided in particular in the area that forms an inlet area of ​​the annular channel 10. The guide vane 14 can be flowed through through a passage in the direction of the annular channel 10.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the guide vane array 14 is formed integrally with the elements of the annular channel 10 and thus with the functional component 30. In particular, the radial outer wall 16 in the inlet region of the annular channel 10 has the guide vanes of the guide vane array 14. The guide vanes are formed integrally with the outer tube of the annular channel 10. This design enables simplified production of the annular channel 10, since the outer tube, together with the guide vanes of the guide vane array 14 and the bearing seat 18, can be manufactured as a single part.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the bearings 11, 12 each comprise a set of foil bearings or air bearings, which are inserted into the respective bearing seat 18, 18a with an outer ring and which are mounted on the motor shaft 7 with an inner ring. The bearings 11, 12 are designed for the radial bearing of the motor shaft 7. The fan 1 has an axial bearing 19 for the axial bearing of the motor shaft 7. In another embodiment (not shown), the bearings 11, 12 can be designed differently, for example as rolling bearings, whereby an axial bearing 19 can be dispensed with.

[0077] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a functional component 30 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The functional component 30 according to Figure 3 is the functional component 30 described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 3 is described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0078] The annular channel 10 can have the cylindrical inner wall 17 and the cylindrical outer wall 16. Between the cylindrical inner wall 17 and the cylindrical outer wall 16 of the annular channel 10, the gas mixture 40 can flow from the inlet side 41 to the outlet side 42.

[0079] The functional component 30 has the guide vane 14. The guide vane 14 is arranged on the inlet side 41 of the annular channel 10.

[0080] The functional component 30 according to Figure 3 comprises the outer wall 16 of the annular channel 10. The outer wall 16 has a thickness d of 2 mm to 5 mm, preferably of 2.5 mm to 4 mm, more preferably of 3 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0081] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a functional component 30 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The functional component 30 according to Figure 4 is an alternative to the functional component 30 described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 4 is described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, wherein the differences between the functional components 30 are described.

[0082] The functional component 30 has axially extending and radially projecting ribs 16b on an outer side 16a of the outer wall 16. The ribs 16b extend axially along the annular channel 10, in the embodiment shown, along the entire annular channel 10 formed by the functional component 30. The ribs 16b are evenly distributed around the circumference of the outer side 16a of the outer wall 16.

[0083] Figure 5 shows a section through a fan 1 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The fan 1 according to Figure 5 is the fan 1 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, with the functional component 30 according to Figure 4. Figure 5 is described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 4.

[0084] The main housing 2 has a plurality of webs 2b, each with a contact section 2c. The webs 2b and the contact sections 2c are arranged evenly in the circumferential direction. The webs 2b protrude radially inward. The contact sections 2c contact the outer side 16a of the outer wall 16 of the annular channel 10, thus radially fixing the annular channel 10. In the circumferential direction, the contact sections 2c and the ribs 16b are arranged alternately. The number of contact sections 2c is equal to the number of ribs 16b.

[0085] Figure 6 shows a detail of a section through a fan 1 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The fan 1 according to Figure 6 is the fan 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and 5. Figure 6 is described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and 5.

[0086] The functional component 30 has a collar 38 on the outlet side 42 extending in the direction of the inlet side 41. The collar 38 is hook-shaped in section and projects radially from the outside to the inside and upstream, i.e. from the outlet side 42 to the inlet side 41. The collar 38 is designed to guide liquid 48 conveyed radially from the inlet side 41 to the outlet side 42 into the water separation channel 32 and to feed the gas mixture 40 to a fan impeller 5 coupled to the motor shaft 7. The collar 38 on the outer wall 16 can separate the liquid 48 conveyed downstream from the gas and guide it into a water separation channel 32, while the gas of the gas mixture 40 is conveyed to the fan impeller 5.

[0087] Figure 7 shows a detail of a section through a fan 1 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The fan 1 according to Figure 7 is the fan 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, 5, and 6. Figure 7 is described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, 5, and 6.

[0088] The functional component 30 has a water separation channel 32. The water separation channel 32 is designed to discharge a liquid 48 from the gas mixture 40 out of the annular channel 10 upon rotation of the motor shaft 7. The water separation channel 32 has a cylindrical section 32a and a discharge section 32b. The cylindrical section 32a is formed essentially circumferentially in the functional component 30. Thus, the collar 38 can circumferentially supply liquid 48 via the cylindrical section 32a into the water separation channel 32. The discharge section 32b is arranged downstream of the cylindrical section 32a. The discharge section 32b fluidically connects the surroundings of the functional component 30 or the blower 1 to the annular channel 10 via the cylindrical section 32a. The discharge section 32b is designed to discharge the liquid 48 into the surroundings.The discharge section 32b can also be guided in the axial direction from the inlet side 41 to the outlet side 42 through the functional component 30 in order to support the discharge of liquid 48.

[0089] The water separation channel 32 has a cross-sectional area A that increases radially outward. In the example shown, the cross-sectional area A of the discharge section 32b increases downstream.

[0090] The water separation channel 32 is configured to discharge the liquid 48 with the aid of gravity when installed. Figure 7 therefore shows an orientation of the water separation channel 32 in the installed state.

[0091] Reference symbol (part of the description)

[0092] 1 fan

[0093] 2 main housings

[0094] 2a Interior

[0095] 2b Bridge

[0096] 2c Annex section

[0097] 5 Fan impeller

[0098] 6 housing cover

[0099] 6a Housing flange

[0100] 6b Intermediate component

[0101] 7 Motor shaft

[0102] 8 Stator

[0103] 9 Rotor

[0104] 9a Permanent magnet element

[0105] 10 ring canal

[0106] 11 bearings, inlet-side bearing

[0107] 12 bearings, outlet-side bearing

[0108] 13 Inlet flange

[0109] 14 Flow guide device, guide vane

[0110] 15 Flow installation

[0111] 16 Exterior wall

[0112] 16a outside

[0113] 16b Ribs

[0114] 17 Interior wall

[0115] 18 bearing seat

[0116] 18a second bearing seat

[0117] 19 thrust bearings

[0118] 30 functional component

[0119] 32 Water separation channel

[0120] 32a cylinder section

[0121] 32b diversion section

[0122] 35 first mounting interface 35a collar

[0123] 35b threaded bushings

[0124] 36 second mounting interface

[0125] 38 collar

[0126] 40 gas mixture

[0127] 41 Entrance side

[0128] 42 Exit side

[0129] 43 Volute

[0130] 45 fasteners

[0131] 46 Fuel

[0132] 47 anode-side exhaust air

[0133] 48 Liquid

[0134] 65 electrical energy

[0135] 200a vehicle

[0136] 200b commercial vehicle

[0137] 204 Fuel cell system

[0138] 205 Fuel cell arrangement

[0139] 206 fuel cell stacks

[0140] 207 Cathode

[0141] 208 Anode

[0142] 240 supply air

[0143] 245 exhaust air

[0144] 250 main drive

[0145] 260 Energy storage device

[0146] A cross-sectional area d thickness

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Functional component (30) for a blower (1) of a fuel cell arrangement (205) for a vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b); wherein - the functional component (30) has an inlet side (41) and an outlet side (42) and forms an annular channel (10) for conducting a gas mixture (40) from the inlet side (41) to the outlet side (42); - the functional component (30) has a bearing seat (18) for receiving an inlet-side bearing (11) for rotatably supporting a motor shaft (7) of the fan (1); - the functional component (30) has a water separation channel (32), wherein the water separation channel (32) is designed to discharge a liquid (48) from the gas mixture (40) from the annular channel (10) upon rotation of the motor shaft (7); and - the functional component (30) is designed to be arranged in an interior space (2a) formed by a main housing (2) of the blower (1) and accommodating a stator (8) of the blower (1) in the assembled state outside the annular channel (10).

2. Functional component (30) according to claim 1, wherein - the functional component (30) has a first mounting interface (35); and - the first mounting interface (35) is designed to fasten a housing cover (6) of the blower (1) to the functional component (30) on the outlet side (42).

3. Functional component (30) according to claim 1, wherein - the functional component (30) has a second mounting interface (36); and - the second mounting interface (36) is configured to attach a main housing (2) of the blower (1) to the functional component (30).

4. Functional component (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional component (30) consists at least partially of aluminum and / or plastic.

5. Functional component (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional component (30) comprises an outer wall (16) of the annular channel (10), and the outer wall (16) has a thickness (d) of 2 mm to 5 mm, preferably of 2.5 mm to 4 mm, more preferably of 3 mm to 3.5 mm.

6. Functional component (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional component (30) comprises an outer wall (16) of the annular channel (10), and the functional component (30) has axially extending and radially projecting ribs (16b) on an outer side (16a) of the outer wall (16).

7. Functional component (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional component (30) has a collar (38) on the outlet side (42) extending in the direction of the inlet side (41), wherein the collar (38) is designed to guide liquid (48) conveyed radially from the inlet side (41) to the outlet side (42) into the water separation channel (32) and to feed the gas mixture (40) to a fan impeller (5) coupled to the motor shaft (7).

8. Functional component (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the water separation channel (32) has a cross-sectional area (A) that increases radially outwards; and / or - the water separation channel (32) is designed to discharge the liquid (48) in the assembled state with the aid of gravity.

9. Functional component (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional component (30) has a volute (43), wherein the volute (43) is designed to be in operative connection with a fan impeller (5) of the fan (1) during operation.

10. Blower (1) for a fuel cell arrangement (205) for a vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b); wherein - the blower (1 ) for recirculating a gas mixture (40) used for operating the fuel cell arrangement (205) comprises a drive motor (7, 8, 9) with a motor shaft (7), a drive shaft (8) connected to the motor shaft (7) coupled rotor (9) and a stator (8) arranged radially outside the rotor (9); - the fan (1) has an annular channel (10) arranged radially between the rotor (9) and the stator (8) and having an inlet side (41) and an outlet side (42) for conducting the gas mixture (40); - the fan (1) has a fan impeller (5) coupled to the motor shaft (7), wherein the fan impeller (5) is designed to convey the gas mixture (40) from the inlet side (41) to the outlet side (42) upon rotation of the motor shaft (7); and - the fan (1) has a functional component (30) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. Blower (1) according to claim 10, wherein the blower (1) has a housing cover (6) arranged on the outlet side (42) of the functional component (30) and fastened to the functional component (30).

12. Blower (1) according to 11, wherein the housing cover (6) has a second bearing seat (18a) for receiving an outlet-side bearing (12) for rotatably supporting the motor shaft (7).

13. Blower (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the blower (1) has a main housing (2) fastened to the functional component (30) and / or an inlet flange (13) fastened to the inlet side (41) of the functional component (30).

14. Fuel cell arrangement (205) for a vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), comprising a fuel cell stack (206) which can be supplied with a gas mixture (40) on the anode side and a blower (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13.

15. Vehicle (200a), in particular commercial vehicle (200b), comprising a fuel cell arrangement (205) according to claim 14.

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