Device for cooling a fuel cell system for a vehicle, and corresponding vehicle and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling device (2) for cooling a fuel cell system for a vehicle (1), which cooling device comprises heat exchange means (202) in which a coolant for cooling the fuel cell system flows, and a cooling air flow passing through the heat exchange means (202), the heat exchange means (202) receiving cold air upstream and producing heated air downstream, the device being characterised in that it comprises control means controlling heated-air suctioning means (204) and which are capable of controlling the suctioning means (204) in order to generate a larger air flow through the heat exchange means (202) when the flow of cooling air passing through the heat exchange means (202) cannot sufficiently cool the coolant.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Cooling device for a fuel cell system for a vehicle, vehicle and corresponding process

[0003] Scope of the invention

[0004] The field of the invention is that of fuel cells, in particular hydrogen fuel cells.

[0005] More specifically, the invention relates to cooling devices adapted to cool these fuel cells, and under certain conditions to perform one or more other functions than the cooling of the fuel cells.

[0006] Such batteries find applications in many fields, whenever it is necessary to produce electrical energy, particularly autonomously, in vehicles (cars, utility vehicles, trucks, buses, trains, boats, aircraft...).

[0007] Previous art

[0008] Fuel cells are clean, reliable, and flexible energy sources. Their principle has been known for many years. It has been implemented in the space sector, and numerous projects have also been developed by various automotive manufacturers.

[0009] Numerous applications are also conceivable in other types of transport, and more generally in areas where electricity production is required.

[0010] The automotive industry in particular continues to explore new ways to ensure cleaner mobility, in an attempt to reduce the harmful effects caused by vehicles and fossil fuels.

[0011] They are notably used in vehicles equipped with an electric battery as a supplementary electrical energy source needed for vehicle propulsion. The motor of such vehicles is powered by electric current generated, in particular, by supplying a reactive gas (oxygen, for example) and a fuel gas (hydrogen, for example) to a fuel cell.

[0012] Oxygen is taken from the air via a compressor and hydrogen is supplied from a high-pressure tank.

[0013] The various components of the fuel cell can heat up rapidly. Other vehicle components, such as electric motors, batteries, and brakes, also tend to heat up. Therefore, some of these components, or even the entire system, must be cooled.

[0014] To achieve this, vehicles, and in particular hydrogen vehicles, are typically equipped with one or more radiators or heat exchangers designed to cool these elements.

[0015] In particular, the fuel cell is cooled using a coolant, such as water, and the heat from the coolant heated by the cell is dissipated by a radiator designed to be swept by an airflow from outside the vehicle. This airflow is advantageously propelled by a fan-motor assembly located downstream of the radiator.

[0016] The downstream heated airflow, having swept through the radiator, is released directly into the underhood of the vehicle, before escaping outwards through the wheel arch openings and the vehicle floor.

[0017] However, such a cooling system may not be efficient enough to cool the battery when the vehicle is moving, at low or high speed.

[0018] In particular, the obstruction downstream of the flow does not allow for good suction of the air passing through the radiator, which can reduce the airflow and therefore the cooling capacity of the system.

[0019] This necessitates a radiator with large heat exchange surfaces and a high-capacity fan, resulting in significant size and weight. Furthermore, another issue lies in the potential for hydrogen leaks from the operation and / or storage of a fuel cell and its components. Excessive concentrations of leaking hydrogen can be dangerous for the safety of the system and / or the vehicle's occupants. It is also advisable to control the release of hydrogen into the outside air, both for safety and regulatory reasons, as this could contribute to the formation of greenhouse gases.

[0020] Objectives of the invention

[0021] The invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art, and to offer an improvement in cooling systems for fuel cells, making it possible to maximize the efficiency of the cooling system, while maintaining an acceptable compactness of the latter.

[0022] Another objective of the invention is to take advantage of the cooling system to perform one or more other functions, while maintaining sufficient performance of the cooling system.

[0023] Summary of the invention

[0024] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved using a cooling device for a fuel cell system for a vehicle, comprising heat exchange means through which a cooling fluid for said fuel cell system circulates, and a flow of cooling air through said heat exchange means, said heat exchange means receiving fresh air upstream and returning heated air downstream.

[0025] According to the invention, the cooling device includes means for controlling the suction means of said heated air, capable of controlling said suction means to generate a greater airflow through the heat exchange means when the cooling airflow through said heat exchange means cannot sufficiently cool the cooling fluid.

[0026] The inventors therefore sought to develop a cooling device for a fuel cell system which, according to the invention, makes it possible to provide an increased airflow under conditions where the cooling airflow through the heat exchange means cannot sufficiently cool the fuel cell specific cooling fluid.

[0027] By activating or deactivating the suction means, the cooling device according to the invention allows the airflow through the heat exchange means, and therefore the cooling capacity, to be adjusted. This ensures the cooling of the fuel cell under different vehicle operating conditions, particularly depending on the vehicle speed (and / or ambient air temperature, for example).

[0028] When the vehicle is moving at low speed or is stationary, activating the suction system improves air intake and therefore cooling performance. In other words, the suction system boosts cooling power.

[0029] When the vehicle is moving at high speed, the suction means are "bypassed" and the fresh cooling air is captured by the heat exchange means thanks to the increase in dynamic pressure upstream of the vehicle.

[0030] The advantages and technical effects of the cooling system according to the invention apply to a fuel cell or a set of fuel cells.

[0031] The invention extends to a transport vehicle, in particular rail, automobile or air, equipped with a fuel cell or a set of fuel cells according to the invention.

[0032] In one particular embodiment, the device includes means for guiding said heated air to an outlet of said fuel cell delivering hydrogen, and means for mixing said heated air and said hydrogen from said outlet of said fuel cell. Advantageously, the suction means include at least one fan mounted to increase the flow rate of heated air and / or to guide said heated air.

[0033] According to one particular aspect, the device includes first means of guiding said heated air towards said at least one fan.

[0034] Preferably, said at least one fan is a horizontal fan.

[0035] This horizontal fan has a diameter of at least 30 cm and a suction power between 400 and 1500W.

[0036] The axis of rotation of the blades can be inclined at an angle between 60 and 90° relative to the airflow passing through the exchanger.

[0037] According to a particular aspect, said fan is at least 5 cm away from said heat exchange means, so as to define a low-pressure zone between said fan and said heat exchange means.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, the device includes means for selectively channeling said heated air to at least one auxiliary functional element of said vehicle, and means for controlling said selective channeling means, according to at least one predetermined criterion.

[0039] Advantageously, said control means operate shutters capable of closing or opening, in whole or in part, portions of said piping means.

[0040] According to one particular aspect, one of the predetermined criteria is the speed of movement of said vehicle.

[0041] According to one particular aspect, said control means also act on the activation and / or rotation speed of said fan.

[0042] According to a particular aspect, said channeling means include first means for guiding said heated air from heat exchange means to said means for increasing the flow rate of said air.

[0043] According to a particular aspect, said channeling means include second means for guiding said heated air to means for heat exchange to at least one auxiliary functional element belonging to the group comprising: an element to be cooled, such as a first auxiliary heat exchanger, brakes, an exhaust; an element to be heated, such as a second auxiliary heat exchanger, an element of the fuel cell system, a heating element of the vehicle passenger compartment, tires.

[0044] The heated air downstream of the heat exchange means, which is generally lost, can be used for purposes other than cooling the fuel cell system.

[0045] This heated air, depending on its temperature, can thus be used to cool and / or heat other auxiliary parts or functional elements of the vehicle.

[0046] Thus, it is possible to redirect the airflow downstream of the heat exchange means to other parts / exchangers to be cooled (brakes, exhausts, etc.) and / or to other exchangers and / or parts to be heated (hydrogen systems, hot air cabin, tire heating, etc.).

[0047] As a complement or alternative, it is possible to redirect the airflow downstream of the heat exchange means for the purpose of diluting gas leaks at potentially dangerous concentrations originating from the operation and / or storage of the fuel cell and its components.

[0048] The invention also relates to a vehicle powered by a fuel cell system equipped with such a cooling device.

[0049] This vehicle is, in particular, but not exclusively, a transport vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, a utility vehicle, a bus, a truck, a train, a boat or an aircraft.

[0050] Such a vehicle can be an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0051] The invention also relates to a method for cooling a fuel cell system for a vehicle, said system comprising heat exchange means through which a cooling fluid for said fuel cell system circulates, and a cooling air flow through said heat exchange means, said heat exchange means receiving fresh air upstream and returning heated air downstream, said method comprising a step of activating suction means for said heated air to generate a greater airflow through the heat exchange means when the cooling air flow through said heat exchange means cannot sufficiently cool the cooling fluid.

[0052] According to a particular aspect, the process of managing heated air in a cooling system of a fuel cell system for a vehicle includes the following steps: measuring the speed of movement of said vehicle; controlling the activation and / or rotation speed of said fan of said means of increasing the flow of said heated air.

[0053] According to one particular aspect, the process includes a step of: piloting flaps capable of closing or opening, in whole or in part, portions of means of selectively channeling said heated air towards at least one auxiliary functional element of said vehicle.

[0054] According to one particular aspect, the process includes a step of: mixing said heated air and hydrogen from an outlet of said fuel cell.

[0055] List of Figures

[0056] The invention, and its various advantages, will be more easily understood in light of the following description of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments thereof, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0057] [Fig 1] is a schematic and partial top view of a fuel cell motor vehicle in which a fuel cell cooling device is implemented according to a first embodiment; [Fig 2] and [Fig 3] very schematically illustrate a fuel cell cooling device of a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention, [Fig 2] showing the device in a first configuration and [Fig 3] showing the device in a second configuration respectively;

[0058] [Fig 4] is a very schematic view of a fuel cell vessel in which a fuel cell cooling device according to the invention is implemented.

[0059] Detailed description of the invention

[0060] In the present description, the invention is illustrated by a cooling device for a motor vehicle, but can be applied to any vehicle equipped with a fuel cell system requiring cooling. Figure 1 schematically and partially illustrates a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle 1, in which a cooling device for a fuel cell system is implemented according to a first embodiment.

[0061] The motor vehicle 1 includes a passenger compartment 11 and an engine compartment 12 located at the front of the vehicle.

[0062] Although not shown in Figure 1, the motor vehicle includes a means of producing electrical energy in the form of a fuel cell, a hydrogen fuel cell in this example.

[0063] The motor vehicle 1 further includes an electric traction and / or propulsion battery for storing electrical energy. The motor vehicle also includes an electric traction and / or propulsion power system capable of using the electrical energy supplied by the battery and / or the electrical power generation system for propulsion.

[0064] Figure 1 schematically represents the airflow within the engine compartment 12 in a first configuration of the cooling device 2 of the battery.

[0065] The fairing of the motor vehicle 1 includes an outside air intake unit comprising several outside air intake inlets, each intended to draw air taken from outside the vehicle into the engine compartment 12.

[0066] More specifically, one or more external fresh air inlets, called central, allow outside air to be captured and diffused through, successively from upstream to downstream, an auxiliary radiator or heat exchanger 201 and a main radiator or heat exchanger 202 which are arranged under the hood perpendicular to the airflow entering through the central air inlets.

[0067] The auxiliary radiator 201 is part of a cooling circuit for one or more vehicle components that tend to heat up during use, such as engines, batteries, etc.

[0068] The main radiator 202 is here intended to cool the fuel cell.

[0069] In the figures, only the elements of the fuel cell relating to the cooling device according to the invention are shown.

[0070] In particular, the means of supplying the fuel cell with hydrogen and oxygen are not shown.

[0071] The motor vehicle 1 may include a separate cooling loop for cooling the battery, through which a coolant circulates. In one embodiment, the motor vehicle 1 may be equipped with a cooling system employing a single radiator through which a coolant circulates. In this case, the cooling circuit cools one or more components that tend to heat up during operation, in particular the fuel cell.

[0072] It is important to note that the term "fuel cell" can refer to a single cell or to a plurality of cells connected together in series and / or parallel. In other words, the use of the terms "the cell" or "a cell" does not limit the scope to a single cell but can encompass a group of cells.

[0073] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the two radiators, auxiliary 201 and main 202, extend parallel to each other in two vertical planes. The radiators or heat exchangers may be of the finned type or any other known type. These fins form a contact surface towards which the air entering the motor vehicle 1 is directed as it moves, in order to cool this contact surface, and consequently the cooling heat transfer fluid circulating inside the radiator.

[0074] The term "upstream of the radiators" refers to an area located between the radiators and the front of the vehicle.

[0075] The term "downstream of the radiators" refers to an area located between the radiators and the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0076] A person skilled in the art will easily adapt such a cooling system to other applications, particularly in cases where the radiator(s) are located at the rear of the vehicle.

[0077] On either side of these central air inlets are arranged one or more outside air inlets, called lateral, allowing outside air to be captured and diffused through a condenser 203 which is part of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system of the passenger compartment 11 of the motor vehicle 1, often called "HVAC" (for "Heating, Ventilation and Air- Conditioning" in English, and "Bloc de chauffage, ventilation et air climatisation" in French).

[0078] Although not shown in the figures, the fuel cell cooling device includes a cooling loop or circuit comprising the auxiliary radiator 201 and equipped with at least one inlet and one outlet for the inlet and outlet of a cooling fluid.

[0079] The loop dedicated to cooling the fuel cell is further equipped with a pump configured to ensure the circulation of the cooling fluid within the loop. This fluid is cooled by outside air by means of the main radiator 202 and an intake fan 204 arranged downstream of the two radiators, main 202 and auxiliary 201.

[0080] The main radiator 202 arranged on the fuel cell cooling loop is configured to be able to provide heat exchange between the coolant circulating in the cooling loop and cooling air taken from outside the motor vehicle 1, and thus cool the fluid.

[0081] The intake fan 204, when activated, generates a greater airflow through the main radiator 202 and auxiliary radiator 201. This is particularly useful in conditions where the cooling airflow through these radiators cannot sufficiently cool the fuel cell coolant circulating in the main radiator 202. This is the case, for example, when the airflow is low in front of the radiators, due to the vehicle being stationary or moving at low speed, and / or when the ambient temperature is excessive.

[0082] In this embodiment, the single suction fan 201 is a high-suction horizontal fan with a diameter between 300 and 750 mm. It comprises a hub driven by an electric motor and on which blades are mounted. The axis of rotation of the hub and blades of the suction fan is perpendicular to the airflow passing through the main radiator 202 and auxiliary radiator 201. This axis of rotation could, however, be inclined at an angle of less than 90° to the airflow.

[0083] In this embodiment, the exhaust fan 204 is located at a distance of 5 cm or more from the radiators, so as to define a negative pressure zone between the radiators and the exhaust fan 204. The distance between the radiators and the exhaust fan 204 increases the latter's efficiency.

[0084] In this embodiment, the air ducting system consists of different air guides which allow the extraction of air downstream of the main radiator 202 and auxiliary radiator 201.

[0085] The cooling device includes in particular first means of guiding the heated air which has passed through the radiators towards the suction fan 204, taking the form of two movable flaps 205 controlled by a control device (not shown) between at least one open position and one closed position.

[0086] Several heated air supply lines (three in this example) 211, 212, 213 extend from the two main radiators 202 and auxiliary radiator 201 and the condensers 203 to the suction fan 204, so as to channel into a central line 214 the airflows having passed through the two successive radiators and the two condensers located on either side of the radiators.

[0087] In this first embodiment, two heated air guides 215 to at least one auxiliary functional element of the vehicle open into the central duct 214. The latter has inlet ports in the ducts 215 which are distributed on each side of the intake fan 204. Each of the inlet ports can be closed by a flap 205. In Figure 1, the two flaps 205 are in the closed position and block the ports located on each side of the intake fan 204 so that the airflows having passed through the two successive radiators and the two condensers are routed from the central duct 214 to the intake fan 204.When activated, this system generates a greater airflow through the radiators in particular and directs the heated air downstream of the radiators towards the vehicle's underfloor space, in this example (as illustrated by the arrows upstream of the suction fan 204).

[0088] In their open position (not shown), the flaps 205 open the inlet ports to the pipes 215 so that the heated airflows having passed through the two successive radiators and the two condensers are routed from the central pipe 214 to at least one auxiliary functional element of said vehicle, here the vehicle brakes, via the pipes 215 (dashed arrows in Figure 1).

[0089] In this open position, the flaps 205 cover the intake fan 204, thus preventing heated airflow from the central duct 214 to the intake fan 204. Control means (not shown) operate the movement of the flaps 205, which are capable of fully or partially opening or closing the ducts 215 to at least one auxiliary functional component of the vehicle, based on at least one predetermined criterion (vehicle speed, ambient air temperature, etc.), and of allowing or preventing the heated air from being drawn in by the intake fan.

[0090] 204 depending on the cooling requirements of the fuel cell.

[0091] The control means can also act on the activation and / or rotation speed of the suction fan 204.

[0092] In relation to figures 2 and 3, we describe the scenario where one of the predetermined criteria mentioned previously is the speed of movement of the motor vehicle 1.

[0093] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a second embodiment of the cooling device when implemented as a non-limiting example in a fuel cell motor vehicle, Figure 2 showing the device in a first configuration and Figure 3 showing the device in a second configuration respectively.

[0094] For clarity, the flow of fresh outside air through, successively from upstream to downstream, an auxiliary radiator or heat exchanger 201 and a main radiator or heat exchanger 202 is shown schematically here, as in the first embodiment. The main radiator 202 is intended to cool the fuel cell. In this second embodiment, there are no lateral condensers on either side of the radiators.

[0095] When the vehicle is moving at low speed or is stationary, resulting in low airflow to the radiators (Figure 2), the flaps

[0096] The 205 controlled airflow regulators, which control the airflow to auxiliary uses, are closed to force the heated air from the central duct 214, which has passed through the radiators 201 and 202, towards the intake fan 204 (which is also a high-efficiency horizontal fan with a power rating between 400 and 1500 W). This intake fan 204 is activated to increase the cooling airflow through the radiators 201 and 202. The fresh cooling airflow circulating in the dynamic air duct upstream of the radiators is schematically represented by the arrows in Figure 2. The heated air that has passed through the radiators and is directed by the flaps 205 towards the intake fan 204 is also represented by arrows. The latter is activated and ensures air circulation downstream of the radiators 201 and 202.

[0097] At low speeds, it is an increase in the airflow through the radiators that allows for better efficiency of the fuel cell cooling system.

[0098] Figures 2 and 3 show a movable shutter 206 which in figure 2 opens an outlet duct 216 of heated air coming from the suction fan 204 towards the underside of the vehicle in this example.

[0099] The evacuation of air downstream of the suction fan 204 to a low-pressure location (such as, for example, the underbody of the vehicle) also helps to increase airflow. Indeed, the low air pressure in this area allows for improved suction and increased efficiency.

[0100] At higher vehicle speeds (Figure 3), fresh cooling air is drawn into the radiators 201 and 202 due to the increased dynamic pressure upstream of the vehicle. Consequently, the intake fan 204 is no longer required (and is therefore deactivated), and the downstream flow from the radiators can be redirected from the central duct 214 to lateral ducts that direct the flow to auxiliary applications.

[0101] In other words, it is the dynamic pressure of the vehicle that ensures the airflow towards the auxiliary systems.

[0102] In this configuration, the controlled flaps 205 are open to allow air from radiators 201 and 202 to flow to these auxiliary uses. The shutter 206 on the outlet duct 216 is closed, thus blocking the duct.

[0103] In this example, the heated air from the radiators is directed to at least one auxiliary functional element 217 to be cooled, such as a first auxiliary heat exchanger, brakes, or an exhaust. In this example, this heated air is also directed to at least one auxiliary functional element 218 to be heated, such as a second auxiliary heat exchanger, a component of the fuel cell system, a vehicle cabin heating element, or the tires.

[0104] At high speed, an advantage of the device of the invention is the ability to reuse the air coming out of the radiators.

[0105] In this second embodiment, before being redirected towards auxiliary functional elements 217, 218 to be cooled and heated, the heated air from the radiators passes through two hydrogen leakage collection zones 219. These leaks originate from the operation and / or storage of the fuel cell and its components. The heated air is mixed with the hydrogen, which is consequently diluted, and this mixture is then directed towards the auxiliary functional elements 217, 218 to be cooled and heated.

[0106] In various possible implementations, the circulation of heated air in the vicinity of the leakage points of the gases to be diluted ensures the conveyance of the diluted gases to an exhaust outlet which leads to the outside environment, to a recycling facility, to a storage facility and / or to auxiliary functional elements (to be cooled, to be heated or both).

[0107] In this second embodiment, several auxiliary uses are implemented, but it is understood that only one of these uses could be considered.

[0108] In a particular embodiment not shown, by moving the flaps 205 and the shutter 206, the heated air from the radiators can only be used to dilute hydrogen gas leaks from the operation and / or storage of the fuel cell and its components, in order to expel this diluted mixture to the outside of the vehicle for example.

[0109] In another, unillustrated embodiment, the cooling system does not redirect airflow to auxiliary uses. Only direct ducting via dynamic pressure is employed. This maintains the performance gain at low speeds. In this configuration, the cooling system does not use flaps; the intake fan is activated at low vehicle speeds (and when the vehicle is stationary) and deactivated at high speeds.

[0110] A device according to the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and the application described.

[0111] In particular, the invention can be applied to any type of vehicle, especially aerial, rail or automotive, and for any type of application (main power generation, auxiliary power generation or propulsion power generation).

[0112] Figure 4 illustrates in a very schematic way a ship in which a cooling device for a fuel cell system according to the invention is implemented.

[0113] Fresh outside air A is directed to a main radiator 201' associated with an intake fan 204' as previously described.

[0114] The suction fan 204', when activated (when the vessel is moving at low speed), generates a greater airflow through the main radiator 201'. This is particularly useful in conditions where the cooling airflow through this main radiator 201' cannot adequately cool the fuel cell coolant 3 circulating within the main radiator 201'. The exhaust of air downstream of the suction fan 204' towards the vessel's wake (arrow A'') also contributes to increasing the airflow.

[0115] In the example described, the air heated by the main radiator 201' is mixed in a zone 219' with gas leaking from the fuel cell system 3 and is then directed to a capture device 4, the latter then directing the mixture to a catalytic burner or a stratification chamber for example.

[0116] Air A' exiting recycling device 4 is directed to the external environment, to a storage facility and / or to auxiliary functional elements of the ship (to be cooled, heated or both).

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Cooling device (2) of a fuel cell system for a vehicle (1), comprising heat exchange means (202) through which a cooling fluid of said fuel cell system circulates, and a cooling air flow through said heat exchange means (202), said heat exchange means (202) receiving fresh air upstream and delivering heated air downstream, said device being characterized in that it comprises means for controlling suction means (204) of said heated air capable of controlling said suction means (204) to generate a greater air flow through the heat exchange means (202) when the cooling air flow through said heat exchange means (202) cannot sufficiently cool the cooling fluid.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for guiding said heated air towards an outlet of said fuel cell delivering hydrogen, and means for mixing said heated air and said hydrogen from said outlet of said fuel cell.

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the suction means (204) comprise at least one fan mounted to increase the flow rate of heated air and / or to guide said heated air.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises first means for guiding said heated air towards said at least one fan.

5. Device according to any one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said at least one fan is a horizontal fan, the axis of rotation of the blades of said horizontal fan being perpendicular to the airflow through the heat exchange means (202).

6. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said fan is separated from said heat exchange means (202) by at least 5 cm, so as to define, between said fan and said heat exchange means (202) a depression zone.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises means for selectively channeling said heated air to at least one auxiliary functional element of said vehicle, and means for controlling said selective channeling means, according to at least one predetermined criterion.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said control means operate flaps capable of closing or opening, in whole or in part, portions of said piping means (215).

9. Device according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that one of said predetermined criteria is the speed of movement of said vehicle (1).

10. Device according to claims 3 and 7, characterized in that said control means also act on the activation and / or rotation speed of said fan.

11. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that said channeling means comprise first means for guiding said heated air from the heat exchange means (202) to said suction means (204).

12. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that said channeling means comprise second means for guiding said heated air from the heat exchange means (202) to at least one auxiliary functional element belonging to the group comprising: an element to be cooled, such as a first auxiliary heat exchanger, brakes, an exhaust; an element to be heated, such as a second auxiliary heat exchanger, an element of the fuel cell system, a heating element of the vehicle cabin, tires.

13. Method of managing heated air in a cooling system of a fuel cell system for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: measuring the speed of movement of said vehicle; controlling the activation and / or the rotation speed of said fan of said suction means (204) of said heated air.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a step of: piloting flaps capable of closing or opening, in whole or in part, portions of the means for selectively channeling said heated air towards at least one auxiliary functional element of said vehicle.

15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that it comprises a step of: mixing said heated air and hydrogen from an outlet of said fuel cell.

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