Gas feeding mechanism, diffuser plate, gas compressor and hydrogen fuel cell

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gas feeding mechanism for feeding gas to gas bearings of a gas compressor. The gas feeding mechanism comprises: a gas flow channel having a gas inlet and a gas outlet communicated with the gas bearings; and a guide opening provided on the gas diffusion surface and communicated with the gas inlet of the gas flow channel, wherein the guide opening is configured such that gas enters the guide opening in a second direction, and the second direction forms a first angle with a first direction, to reduce the particulate matter content in the gas entering the guide opening, wherein the first angle is between 90 degrees and 180 degrees. The gas feeding mechanism draws in gas via the gas diffusion surface for cooling the gas bearings, reduces additional components required for installation, is easier to assemble, and also allows a gas compressor to be installed at a more flexible installation angle. In addition, the present invention also relates to a diffuser plate, a gas compressor and a hydrogen fuel cell.

Description

Gas feed mechanism, diffuser, gas compressor and hydrogen fuel cell Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of gas compressor technology and relates to a gas feeding mechanism. Additionally, this invention also relates to a diffuser plate, a gas compressor, and a hydrogen fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] A hydrogen fuel cell is a highly efficient and clean energy technology that directly converts the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. The basic principle of a fuel cell is that oxygen from the air at the cathode and hydrogen at the anode undergo an electrochemical reaction to produce electricity, heat, and water. The operating temperature range of this electrochemical reaction is 60-80°C. Therefore, a fuel cell system requires four systems to work together: a hydrogen supply system, an air or oxygen supply system, a cooling system, and the fuel cell itself. In the air or oxygen supply system, air or oxygen is drawn in and compressed by a compressor before entering the fuel cell. This supply is typically achieved through a gas compressor or air compressor.

[0003] Therefore, the gas compressor in a hydrogen fuel cell is a key component of the system, often referred to as the "lungs" of the fuel cell power system. The primary function of the gas compressor is to provide the fuel cell with the necessary air or oxygen to support the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, thereby generating electricity. Additionally, the gas compressor can improve the power density and efficiency of the fuel cell. The pressure and flow rate output of the gas compressor can even significantly and directly affect the stoichiometry and air humidification characteristics of the fuel cell engine, thus influencing the voltage output of the fuel cell stack and the power output of the fuel cell engine.

[0004] Turbochargers in internal combustion engines typically use oil-lubricated bearings. However, for fuel cell systems, the lubricating oil from the bearings can contaminate the fuel cell, causing it to "poison" and leading to performance degradation. Therefore, to provide the fuel cell system with pure, uncontaminated cathode-side reactant gas (i.e., air or oxygen), the gas compressor uses gas bearings or air bearings, eliminating the need for oil lubrication.

[0005] Gas bearings, also known as gas foil bearings, air foil bearings, or foil air bearings, operate based on the principles of aerodynamics and fluid mechanics. Gas bearings can include thrust bearings that bear axial loads and radial bearings that bear radial or circumferential loads. The very small gap between the rotor journal and the top foil of the gas bearing allows for the creation of a very thin gas film, enabling the rotor to rotate at high speeds with extremely low power loss.

[0006] Gas bearings require clean, cool gas (such as air) for cooling, and a previously considered design involves placing a bleed pipe at the outlet of the fuel cell compressor to filter particles. However, this would restrict the rotation of the compressor housing if the user desires a different installation orientation. Furthermore, the bleed pipe requires additional parts (such as O-rings and pins) to ensure a proper seal and correct orientation for installation at the compressor outlet.

[0007] In addition, this design is not convenient for assembly because it can usually only be done manually, the installation time is relatively long, and it is not easy to detect if the installation is incorrect.

[0008] Therefore, there is still a need to improve the current design in order to provide an improved gas feeding mechanism that can overcome one or more of the shortcomings of the current design. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to propose a novel gas feeding solution that avoids additional mounting parts, allows for a larger rotation angle of the compressor housing, and is easy to install and maintain.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, a gas feeding mechanism is provided for feeding gas to a gas bearing of a gas compressor, the gas compressor including an impeller and a gas diffusion surface arranged around the impeller, the impeller for causing gas to flow along the gas diffusion surface in a first direction, the gas feeding mechanism including: an airflow passage having a gas inlet and a gas outlet communicating with the gas bearing, and a guide opening disposed on the gas diffusion surface and communicating with the gas inlet of the airflow passage, wherein the guide opening is configured to allow gas to enter the guide opening in a second direction at a first angle to the first direction, to reduce the particulate matter content in the gas entering the guide opening, wherein the first angle is between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0011] The gas feeding mechanism according to the invention draws in gas via a gas diffusion surface for cooling the gas bearing, reducing the number of additional components required for installation and making assembly easier. It also allows for more flexible installation of the gas compressor at a more flexible mounting angle.

[0012] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the first angle can be between 120 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0013] With this arrangement, the airflow needs to rotate 120 to 180 degrees before entering the air inlet, improving dust removal efficiency. Dust particles have a much higher density and mass than gases, so due to inertia, particles in the gas have difficulty changing their direction of motion and thus have little chance of entering the air inlet.

[0014] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the gas compressor may further include a diffuser plate and a pressure shell, wherein the surface of the diffuser plate facing the pressure shell forms a gas diffusion surface.

[0015] In this way, gas can be drawn in from the diffuser surface of the diffuser plate. The intake characteristics are specially designed so that the intake port is as consistent as possible with the flow direction. In this case, the airflow needs to be turned 90 to 180 degrees, preferably 120 to 180 degrees, to enter the intake port. However, due to inertial effects, it is difficult for gas particles to enter the intake port. This is because the density and mass of particles are usually much higher than those of gases, making it difficult to change their direction of motion.

[0016] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the gas feeding mechanism may further include a protrusion disposed upstream of the guide opening along a first direction and protruding from the gas diffusion surface.

[0017] This protrusion prevents gas from directly entering the guide opening and makes the airflow direction entering the guide opening basically opposite to the airflow direction flowing along the gas diffusion surface, further improving the particle removal effect.

[0018] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the protrusion may include a first segment and a second segment arranged along a first direction, wherein the first segment tapers in a direction opposite to the first direction, and the second segment is provided with a guide for allowing gas to enter the guide opening via the guide.

[0019] The first section of this protrusion guides airflow and prevents airflow from directly entering the guide opening, thus further enhancing the dust removal effect.

[0020] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the second segment may include a first branch and a second branch, with an opening formed between the first branch and the second branch that opens along a first direction to form a guide portion.

[0021] This opening arrangement allows for an airflow angle change of approximately 180 degrees, further improving particle removal (or dust removal) efficiency.

[0022] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the guide opening may include a first opening segment and a second opening segment, the first opening segment being in fluid communication with the second opening segment and forming a second angle, such that the second opening segment extends toward the outer periphery of the gas diffusion surface or toward the gas inlet of the airflow channel.

[0023] This opening design provides better airflow guidance and prevents airflow from directly entering the guide opening. Furthermore, this arrangement increases the effective cooling length of the airflow channel, thereby reducing the temperature of the gas entering the gas bearing.

[0024] According to the above aspects of the invention, preferably, the gas feeding mechanism may further include a cooling mechanism, which is arranged such that the airflow channel is located between the cooling mechanism and the gas diffusion surface in the axial direction.

[0025] Compared with existing technologies, this arrangement can improve the sealing effect and avoid or reduce coolant leakage.

[0026] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the guide opening is not located near the throat position at the junction of the pressure shell and the compressor outlet, thereby avoiding turbulence at the throat position, which may affect the particle removal effect.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, a diffuser plate for a gas compressor is provided, the diffuser plate being arranged opposite to the pressure shell of the gas compressor to form an impeller chamber, the impeller chamber housing an impeller, the diffuser plate including a gas diffusion surface facing the pressure shell, the impeller for causing gas to flow along the gas diffusion surface, wherein the diffuser plate is provided with a guide opening penetrating the diffuser plate and including a first opening section near the gas diffusion surface, the first opening section extending perpendicular to the gas diffusion surface or toward the outer periphery of the diffuser plate, such that the centerline of the first opening section forms a third angle with the gas diffusion surface to reduce the particulate matter content in the gas entering the guide opening, wherein the third angle is between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0028] This diffuser plate allows the airflow direction along the gas diffusion surface to form a predetermined angle with the airflow direction entering the guide opening, thereby reducing dust and other particles entering the guide opening.

[0029] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the third angle is between 0 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0030] As mentioned above, this opening method requires the airflow to rotate 120 to 180 degrees before entering the air inlet of the guide opening, improving the particulate effect. This is because the density and mass of particles such as dust are much higher than those of gas, so due to inertia, it is difficult for particles in the gas to change their direction of motion, and therefore difficult to change such a large direction of motion to enter the air inlet.

[0031] According to the above aspects of the invention, preferably, the diffuser plate may further include a protrusion disposed radially inside the guide opening and protruding from the gas diffusion surface.

[0032] This protrusion prevents gas from directly entering the guide opening and makes the airflow direction entering the guide opening basically opposite to the airflow direction flowing along the gas diffusion surface, further improving the particle removal effect.

[0033] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the protrusion may include a first section and a second section, the first section being provided with a tapering portion, and the second section being provided with a guide portion for allowing gas to enter the guide opening through the guide portion, wherein the tapering portion tapers away from the outer periphery of the diffuser, such that the longitudinal direction of the protrusion forms a fourth angle of 0 to 60 degrees with the radial direction of the diffuser.

[0034] The first section of this protrusion guides airflow and prevents airflow from directly entering the guide opening, thus further enhancing the dust removal effect.

[0035] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the guide opening may further include a second opening segment in fluid communication with the first opening segment, the second opening segment forming a second angle with the first opening segment, such that the second opening segment extends toward the outer periphery of the diffuser plate, or extends (or guides) toward the gas inlet of the airflow channel.

[0036] This opening design provides better airflow guidance and prevents airflow from directly entering the guide opening, for example, by preventing airflow from entering at an acute angle of less than 90 degrees. Additionally, this opening design allows for airflow channels to be arranged along the outer periphery of the diffuser, further improving the cooling effect on the gas bearing.

[0037] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a gas compressor is provided, which may include: a gas feeding mechanism according to the first aspect above; or a diffuser according to the second aspect above.

[0038] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a hydrogen fuel cell is provided, which may include the gas compressor described in the third aspect.

[0039] The design of this invention can replace the design of the bleed pipe arranged in the compressor outlet, thereby eliminating all the components required for bleed pipe installation and sealing, and making assembly easier. Furthermore, the design of this gas bearing cooling flow inlet feature is ingenious; it only requires machining a specially designed inlet feature on the diffuser plate and placing it on the diffuser feed surface, and can be used with all types of compressors, including fuel cell compressors.

[0040] Therefore, the gas feeding mechanism of the present invention can meet the usage requirements, overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, and achieve the intended purpose. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To further describe the gas feeding mechanism according to the present invention clearly, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, in which:

[0042] Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a schematic arrangement of the gas feeding mechanism;

[0043] Figures 3A and 3B show front perspective views of a gas feeding mechanism according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a portion of the gas feeding mechanism shown in Figure 3B;

[0045] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the gas feeding mechanism shown in Figure 3B;

[0046] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the gas feeding mechanism shown in Figure 3B;

[0047] Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of a gas feeding mechanism according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a portion of the gas feeding mechanism shown in Figure 7;

[0049] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the gas feeding mechanism shown in Figure 7;

[0050] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the gas feeding mechanism shown in Figure 7;

[0051] Figure 11 shows a front perspective view of a gas feeding mechanism according to a third non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a portion of the gas feeding mechanism shown in Figure 11;

[0053] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the gas feeding mechanism shown in Figure 11;

[0054] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the gas feeding mechanism shown in Figure 11; and

[0055] Figure 15 shows different orientations of the housing of the gas compressor according to the present invention.

[0056] The above figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale.

[0057] The reference numerals in the figures are listed in the figures and embodiments as follows: 1000 – Gas compressor, including: 100 – Gas feeding mechanism, including: 10 – Airflow passage; 20 – Guide opening, including: 21 – First opening section, including: 21A – Transition section; 22 – Second opening section; 30 – Protrusion, including: 31 – First section; 32 – Second section, including: 32A – First branch; 32B – Second branch; 33 – Guide section; 40 – Cooling mechanism; 50 – Sealing ring; 110 – Diffuser plate; 120 – Compressor housing; 200 – Gas bearing; 300 – Impeller; 400 – Gas diffusion surface; 500 – Compressor inlet; 600 – Compressor outlet; X – First direction; Y – Second direction; A – Axial direction; R – Radial direction; C – Circumferential direction; α – First angle; β – Second angle; γ – Third angle; δ – Fourth angle. Detailed Implementation

[0058] It should be understood that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the invention may employ various alternative orientations and sequences of steps. It should also be understood that the specific apparatus shown in the drawings and described in the specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed and defined herein. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise, the specific orientations, directions, or other physical features involved in the various disclosed embodiments should not be considered limiting.

[0059] An air compressor is a device that converts mechanical energy into gas pressure energy. It typically includes reciprocating (piston) compressors, axial compressors, and centrifugal compressors. Centrifugal air compressors use an impeller to drive the gas to rotate at high speed, generating centrifugal force. The gas pressure and velocity are increased during the diffuser flow inside the impeller.

[0060] A centrifugal compressor typically comprises a casing, impeller, diffuser, volute, and intermediate body. The casing is a crucial component of the air compressor, usually referring to the outer shell or housing of the entire compressor, supporting internal components such as the impeller and connecting to the intermediate body. The impeller is the core component of the centrifugal compressor; its rotation generates kinetic energy, thereby increasing the pressure and velocity of the gas. The diffuser, located behind the impeller, converts the kinetic energy of the gas into pressure energy. The intermediate body, also known as the bearing housing, is a key component for maintaining stable, high-speed rotor rotation. It may contain a turbine shaft, floating bearings, thrust bearings, and a fixed shaft seal.

[0061] Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a schematic arrangement of the gas feeding mechanism. As shown, a gas siphon can be provided in the tubular section of the compressor outlet 600 of the gas compressor 1000, through which gas enters and is fed to the gas bearing 200 via the airflow passage.

[0062] Because the airflow channel structure is fixed, this bleed-through pipe design restricts the rotation of the compressor housing when the user wishes to install the gas compressor in different orientations. Furthermore, since mounting holes are required at the compressor outlet 600 of the bleed-through pipe, additional installation accessories are needed, such as O-rings for sealing and pins for fixing, to ensure a proper seal and correct orientation. Moreover, this design is inconvenient for assembly, as it typically requires manual operation, resulting in relatively long installation times. Incorrect installation is also difficult to detect, reducing installation efficiency and product reliability.

[0063] Figures 3A and 3B show front perspective views of a gas feeding mechanism 100 according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] As shown in the figure and as a non-limiting example, the gas feeding mechanism 100 can be used to feed gas to the gas bearing 200 of the gas compressor 1000. As mentioned above, the gas bearing 200 can be located in an intermediate body and can include, but is not limited to, floating bearings, radial bearings, and thrust bearings.

[0065] The gas compressor 1000 may include a diffuser 110, a pressure casing 120, an impeller 300, and a gas diffusion surface 400 arranged around the impeller 300. The gas diffusion surface 400 may, for example, be the surface of the diffuser 110 facing the pressure casing 120; that is, the surface of the diffuser 110 facing the pressure casing 120 forms the gas diffusion surface 400. The diffuser 110 and the pressure casing 120 of the gas compressor 1000 may be arranged opposite each other to form an impeller chamber, which houses the impeller 300.

[0066] Impeller 300 is used to draw gas into gas compressor 1000 via compressor inlet 500, and then cause the incoming gas to move along gas diffuser surface 400 and enter compressor outlet 600 via guide on volute casing, thereby guiding the gas to another impeller of gas compressor 1000 for further gas compression, or directly discharging the compressed gas to the outside of gas compressor 1000.

[0067] As schematically shown in Figures 3A and 3B, gas can flow along the gas diffusion surface 400 in a first direction X. Only the flow direction of the gas at a predetermined location on the gas diffusion surface 400 is shown in the figures. This first direction X can vary depending on the rotational speed of the impeller 300, the surface features of the diffuser plate 110 (e.g., the presence of ribs or grooves), etc.

[0068] It should be understood that the first direction X can be different at different locations on the gas diffusion surface 400. However, for a predetermined compressor configuration and impeller rotation speed, the first direction X at a predetermined location on the gas diffusion surface 400 is determined, for example, at the location schematically shown in Figures 3A and 3B, where the airflow flows towards the upper left. In this case, the impeller 300 can rotate clockwise.

[0069] Figures 4-6 show different views of a portion of the gas feeding mechanism 100 shown in Figure 3B. As shown and as a non-limiting embodiment, the gas feeding mechanism 100 may mainly include: an airflow channel 10 and a guide opening 20.

[0070] The airflow passage 10 can be used to feed gas to the gas bearing 200, and therefore the airflow passage 10 can have a gas inlet and a gas outlet connected to the gas bearing 200.

[0071] As a non-limiting embodiment, the airflow channel 10 may have a labyrinthine pattern and extend at least partially circumferentially or spirally, thereby increasing the flow length or flow area of ​​the airflow channel 10 so as to cool the gas in the airflow channel 10 via the cooling mechanism 40.

[0072] The cooling mechanism 40 may have a similar coolant channel in which a cooling medium, such as water, flows. Preferably, the coolant channel of the cooling mechanism 40 may be arranged close to the airflow channel 10, but not in fluid communication, to increase the heat exchange effect. In the embodiments of Figures 3A-6, the coolant channel of the cooling mechanism 40 may be arranged along the axial direction A between the diffuser plate 110 and the airflow channel 10.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the gas inlet of the airflow channel 10 can be arranged radially outside the gas outlet along the radial direction R. In this way, the gas entering the airflow channel 10 will flow along the airflow channel 10 from the gas inlet at the radial outer side to the gas outlet at the radial inner side, and then go to the gas bearing 200 via the gas outlet, which is usually arranged radially close to the axis of rotation.

[0074] As used herein, the term "axial direction A" can refer to the direction of the axis of rotation of the impeller 300. In Figure 5, this axial direction A is a generally horizontal direction. The term "radial direction R" can refer to the direction of the radius of the impeller 300. In Figure 5, this radial direction R is a generally vertical direction, and the axial direction A can be perpendicular to the radial direction R. The term "circumferential direction C" can refer to the direction of rotation of the impeller 300, such as clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0075] The guide opening 20 can be provided on the diffuser plate 110, or it can be opened onto the gas diffusion surface 400 and connected to the gas inlet of the airflow channel 10. For example, the guide opening 20 can be formed on a separate component separate from the diffuser plate 110, which can also have the airflow channel 10 formed thereon. This separate component can be assembled with the diffuser plate 110, and a corresponding sealing ring 50 or the like can be provided at the mating part therebetween to prevent airflow leakage from the mating part, as schematically shown in Figures 5-6 and 9-10. Alternatively, the guide opening 20 can be integrally formed on the diffuser plate 110 by machining processes such as drilling, as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0076] For example, the guide opening 20 may extend through the diffuser plate 110 and include a first opening segment 21 and a second opening segment 22. The first opening segment 21 may be a section of the guide opening 20 near the gas diffusion surface 400, and the gas will first enter the first opening segment 21 and then enter the second opening segment 22.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the first opening segment 21 and the second opening segment 22 may each have a generally circular or elliptical cross-section, thereby facilitating smoother airflow guidance and easier processing and maintenance.

[0078] The guide opening 20 can be located at most of the diffuser plate 110. Preferably, the guide opening 20 is located near the outer periphery of the diffuser plate 110. In addition, since turbulence may exist near the throat position at the junction of the pressure shell 120 and the compressor outlet 600, it is advantageous not to place the guide opening 20 near the throat position.

[0079] As schematically shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the guide opening 20 is configured to allow gas to enter the guide opening in a second direction Y, which may form a first angle α with the first direction X, in order to reduce the particulate matter content in the gas entering the guide opening 20.

[0080] It should be understood that the terms "first direction X" and "second direction Y" used herein refer to specific locations on the gas diffusion surface 400, and the first direction X and second direction Y can be different at different locations. However, at each selected location for setting the guide opening 20, the guide opening 20 is configured to allow gas to enter the guide opening in the second direction Y, which forms a first angle α with the first direction X.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the first angle α can be between 90 and 180 degrees. This requires the airflow to rotate 90 to 180 degrees to guide the opening 20. Specifically, particles such as dust have a much higher density and mass than gases, making it difficult for gas particles to change their direction of motion due to inertia, thus hindering their entry into the air inlet. In contrast, gas near the guiding opening 20 (e.g., gas molecules) can enter the guiding opening 20 due to the pressure difference between the gas pressure on the gas diffusion surface 400 and the gas pressure within the guiding opening 20, and is subsequently guided along the airflow channel 10 to the gas bearing 200. In the embodiments shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the gas feeding mechanism 100 may also include a protrusion 30. This protrusion 30 may be positioned upstream of the guiding opening 20 along a first direction X and protrude from the gas diffusion surface 400, for example, upwards, i.e., protruding or projecting towards the pressure housing 120.

[0082] Further preferably, the first angle α can be between 120 degrees and 180 degrees, and more preferably, the first angle α can be approximately 180 degrees, for example, exactly 180 degrees, to achieve better particle removal. It should be understood that the angle range described herein includes values ​​at the endpoints; that is, the first angle α between 120 degrees and 180 degrees can mean that the first angle α can be 120 degrees, 180 degrees, or any angle value between them. As shown in FIG4 and as a non-limiting embodiment, the protrusion 30 may include a first segment 31 and a second segment 32 arranged along a first direction X. In other words, the first segment 31 may be arranged upstream of the second segment 32 along the airflow direction at the protrusion 30.

[0083] The first section 31 tapers in the direction opposite to the first direction X, that is, the end of the first section 31 faces or is opposite to the airflow direction. In other words, the first section 31 is provided with a tapering portion that tapers away from the outer periphery of the diffuser 110, but is not completely facing the radial center of the diffuser 110, as shown in the figure. The second section 32 may be provided with a guide portion 33 for allowing gas to enter the guide opening 20 through the guide portion 33.

[0084] As shown in the figure, the second segment 32 may include a first branch 32A and a second branch 32B. An opening along a first direction X is formed between the first branch 32A and the second branch 32B to form a guide portion 33. In this way, the protrusion 30 can form a generally Y-shaped structure, with the opening of the Y-shaped structure facing the airflow direction. With this opening arrangement, the airflow here needs to rotate approximately 180 degrees to enter the guide opening 20, further improving the dust removal effect.

[0085] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 30 can form a fourth angle δ of 0 to 60 degrees with the radial direction R of the diffuser 110. The longitudinal direction of the protrusion 30 can be approximately along the first direction X.

[0086] Additionally, as schematically shown in Figures 5 and 6, the guide opening 20 may extend approximately parallel to the axial direction A, that is, the centerline of the guide opening 20 extends approximately perpendicular to the gas diffusion surface 400, or the centerline of the guide opening 20 forms a third angle γ with the gas diffusion surface 400, which is approximately 90 degrees.

[0087] Figures 7-10 show various views of a gas feeding mechanism 100 according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Except as described below, the second non-limiting embodiment of the gas feeding mechanism 100 shown with reference to FIG7-10 is substantially the same as or similar to the first non-limiting embodiment of the gas feeding mechanism 100 shown with reference to FIG3A-6. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of the same or similar parts are omitted, and the same or similar parts are labeled with the same or similar reference numerals.

[0089] In a second non-limiting embodiment of the gas feeding mechanism 100 shown with reference to FIG7-10, the protrusion 30 is not provided, that is, the inlet of the guide opening 20 is substantially flush with the gas diffusion surface 400.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, the first opening segment 21 can extend towards the outer periphery of the diffuser plate 110, such that the centerline of the first opening segment 21 forms a third angle γ with the gas diffusion surface 400, tilting towards the upper left as shown in FIG10. This opening arrangement requires the airflow to rotate approximately 90 to 180 degrees before entering the air inlet, improving the dust removal effect.

[0091] It should be understood that the third angle γ can be approximately between 0 and 90 degrees.

[0092] Further preferably, the third angle γ can be between 0 degrees and 60 degrees, and more ideally, the third angle γ can be approximately 0 degrees, for example, exactly 0 degrees, to achieve better particle removal effect. As mentioned above, the third angle γ between 0 degrees and 60 degrees can mean that the third angle γ can be 0 degrees, 60 degrees, or any angle value in between.

[0093] Furthermore, it should be understood that ideally, the third angle γ is approximately 0 degrees. In this case, the airflow would rotate 180 degrees to enter the inlet of the first opening section 21. The actual opening form of the first opening section 21 depends on the constraints of the surrounding structural features and can only approach this ideal situation as closely as possible.

[0094] Thus, the opening direction of the first opening section 21 is roughly in line with the direction of the airflow, so that the airflow needs to rotate approximately 90 to 180 degrees before entering the air inlet of the first opening section 21.

[0095] It should be understood that if the airflow needs to rotate 180 degrees to enter the inlet of the first opening section 21, that is the ideal situation. The actual opening shape of the first opening section 21 can only approach this ideal situation as closely as possible. Preferably, a transition section 21A can be provided on the radially outer side of the first opening section 21 (i.e., the upper side shown in FIG10). This transition section 21A allows for a further increase in the inclination of the opening of the first opening section 21, so as to maximize the angle at which the airflow direction needs to change when entering the first opening section 21 from the gas diffusion surface 400.

[0096] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, and as a non-limiting example, the first opening segment 21 and the second opening segment 22 are in fluid communication and form a second angle β, such that the second opening segment extends toward the outer periphery of the gas diffusion surface. In other words, the second angle β between the first opening segment 21 and the second opening segment 22 prevents the opening 20 from continuing along the first opening segment 21 toward the center of the diffuser 110, but instead guides it toward the outer periphery of the diffuser 110, thereby toward the gas inlet of the airflow passage 10. In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, the second opening segment 22 travels generally parallel to the axial direction A.

[0097] Figures 11-14 show various views of a gas feeding mechanism 100 according to a third non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Except as described below, the third non-limiting embodiment of the gas feeding mechanism 100 shown with reference to FIG11-14 is substantially the same as or similar to the second non-limiting embodiment of the gas feeding mechanism 100 shown with reference to FIG7-10. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of the same or similar parts are omitted, and the same or similar parts are labeled with the same or similar reference numerals.

[0099] In a third non-limiting embodiment of the gas feeding mechanism 100 shown with reference to FIG11-14, the cooling mechanism 40 is arranged such that the airflow passage 10 is located between the cooling mechanism 40 and the gas diffusion surface 400 in the axial direction A, instead of being located between the airflow passage 10 and the gas diffusion surface 400 in the axial direction A as in the first and second embodiments. This arrangement improves the sealing effect, avoids or reduces leakage of coolant (e.g., water), and reduces sealing costs.

[0100] In particular, unlike the first non-limiting embodiment of the gas feeding mechanism 100 shown in Figures 3A-6 and the second non-limiting embodiment of the gas feeding mechanism 100 shown in Figures 7-10, the guide opening 20 of the gas feeding mechanism 100 shown in Figures 11-14 is formed directly on the diffuser plate 110, without the need for additional sealing structures such as sealing rings 50.

[0101] Furthermore, in a third non-limiting embodiment of the gas feeding mechanism 100 shown with reference to FIG11-14, the transition portion 21A forms a smoother airflow guiding structure with the first opening section 21. As shown in FIG13 and 14, this transition portion 21A is larger than the corresponding structure shown in FIG9 and 10. This allows the guiding opening 20 to have better airflow guiding effect and avoids airflow directly entering the guiding opening 20, i.e., the airflow direction must change at a larger angle, thereby further reducing the amount of particulate matter, such as dust, entering the guiding opening 20.

[0102] Figure 15 shows different orientations of the housing of the gas compressor 1000 according to the present invention. As shown, the housing of the gas compressor 1000, equipped with the gas feeding mechanism 100 according to the present invention, can be conveniently positioned and installed in different orientations along the circumferential direction C. For example, the six different orientations shown in the figures greatly expand the user's installation angles.

[0103] The terms “upstream” and “downstream” used herein to indicate orientation or direction, and “first” and “second” used to indicate sequence, are merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the concept of the invention as illustrated in preferred embodiments, and are not intended to limit the invention. Unless otherwise stated, all sequences, orientations, or directions are used only to distinguish one element / component / structure from another, and do not indicate any particular order, sequence of operations, direction, or orientation unless otherwise stated. For example, in an alternative embodiment, “first branch” may be “second branch”.

[0104] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the terms “approximately” and “about” are interpreted as indicating a value or range of values ​​plus or minus five percent, or a deviation of the shape and / or position from the value by plus or minus five percent.

[0105] In summary, the gas feeding mechanism 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and achieves the intended purpose of the invention.

[0106] While the gas feeding mechanism of the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above examples are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Therefore, various modifications and variations can be made to the invention within the spirit and scope of the claims, and all such modifications and variations will fall within the scope claimed by the claims.

Claims

1. A gas feeding mechanism (100) for feeding gas to a gas bearing (200) of a gas compressor (1000), the gas compressor comprising an impeller (300) for flowing gas along a gas diffusion surface (400) in a first direction (X), the gas feeding mechanism (100) comprising: a gas flow channel (10) having a gas inlet and a gas outlet communicating to the gas bearing (200), and a guide opening (20) provided on the gas diffusion surface (400) and communicating to the gas inlet of the gas flow channel (10), wherein the guide opening (20) is arranged such that gas enters the guide opening in a second direction (Y) at a first angle (a) to the first direction (X) to reduce a content of particulate matter in the gas entering the guide opening (20), wherein the first angle (a) is between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

2. The gas feeding mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first angle (a) is between 120 degrees and 180 degrees.

3. The gas feeding mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas compressor (1000) further comprises a diffuser plate (110) and a pressure shell (120), a surface of the diffuser plate (110) facing the pressure shell (120) forming the gas diffusion surface (400).

4. The gas feeding mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas feeding mechanism (100) further comprises a protrusion (30) arranged upstream of the guide opening (20) in the first direction (X) and protruding from the gas diffusion surface (400).

5. The gas feeding mechanism (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the protrusion (30) comprises a first section (31) and a second section (32) arranged in the first direction (X), wherein the first section (31) tapers in a direction opposite to the first direction (X) and the second section (32) is provided with a guide portion (33) for gas to enter the guide opening (20) via the guide portion (33).

6. The gas feeding mechanism (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second section (32) comprises a first branch portion (32A) and a second branch portion (32B) forming an opening opening in the first direction (X) between the first branch portion and the second branch portion to form the guide portion (33).

7. The gas feeding mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide opening (20) comprises a first opening section (21) and a second opening section (22) in fluid communication and forming a second angle (b) such that the second opening section extends towards an outer periphery of the gas diffusion surface (400).

8. The gas feeding mechanism (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that further comprising a cooling mechanism (40) arranged such that the gas flow channel (10) is located in an axial direction (A) between the cooling mechanism (40) and the gas diffusion surface (400).

9. A diffuser plate (110) for a gas compressor, the diffuser plate being arranged opposite a pressure shell (120) of the gas compressor to form an impeller chamber, the impeller chamber accommodating an impeller (300), The diffuser plate (110) comprises a gas diffusion surface (400) facing the pressure shell (120), the impeller (300) being configured to flow gas along the gas diffusion surface (400), wherein The diffuser plate (110) is provided with a guide opening (20) extending through the diffuser plate (110) and comprising a first opening section (21) proximate to the gas diffusion surface (400), the first opening section extending perpendicular to the gas diffusion surface (400) or towards an outer circumference of the diffuser plate, such that a center line of the first opening section forms a third angle (γ) with the gas diffusion surface (400) to reduce a particulate content in gas entering the guide opening (20), wherein the third angle (γ) is between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

10. The diffuser plate (110) according to claim 9, characterized in that The third angle (γ) is between 0 degrees and 60 degrees.

11. The diffuser plate (110) according to claim 9, characterized in that The diffuser plate (110) further comprises a protrusion (30) provided radially inside the guide opening (20) and protruding from the gas diffusion surface (400).

12. The diffuser plate (110) according to claim 11, characterized in that The protrusion (30) comprises a first section (31) provided with a tapering and a second section (32) provided with a guide portion (33) for gas entering the guide opening (20) via the guide portion (33), wherein the tapering tapers away from the outer circumference of the diffuser plate (110) such that a longitudinal direction of the protrusion (30) forms a fourth angle (δ) with a radial direction (R) of the diffuser plate (110) between 0 degrees and 60 degrees.

13. The diffuser plate (110) of claim 9, characterized in that The guide opening (20) further comprises a second opening section (22) in fluid communication with the first opening section (21), the second opening section forming a second angle (β) with the first opening section such that the second opening section is directed towards the outer circumference of the diffuser plate (110).

14. A gas compressor (1000), the gas compressor comprising: a gas feeding mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1-8; or a diffuser plate (110) according to any one of claims 9-13.

15. A hydrogen fuel cell comprising the gas compressor (1000) according to claim 14.

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