KR102476162B1 - Flow distribution device for fuel cell activation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A flow distribution device for a fuel cell activation facility is disclosed. According to the present invention, provided is a flow distribution device for a fuel cell activation facility, which is provided in a hydrogen supply line or an air supply line of the fuel cell activation facility to distribute and supply a target gas to first and second fuel cells, and includes: a housing having a chamber herein; and a distribution block movably installed in the chamber in a transverse direction. The present invention allows the fuel cell activation facility to be operated more efficiently by performing an activation process on a plurality of fuel cells.

Description

Flow distribution device of fuel cell activation facility {FLOW DISTRIBUTION DEVICE FOR FUEL CELL ACTIVATION APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a flow distribution device for a fuel cell activation facility.

A fuel cell generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizer. As part of next-generation alternative energy, fuel cells are actively being sought for use in automobiles, railroad cars, aircraft, and means of transportation, and their application range is expanding to building energy, heating and cooling, and uninterrupted power supply (UPS). .

Depending on the type of electrolyte, fuel cells can be categorized into polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), and molten fuel cells. Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC), Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC), Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC), etc. are known. have. In the automotive field, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are mainly used, and some direct methanol fuel cells are also used.

A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and includes an electrode that causes the electrochemical reaction, an electrolyte membrane that delivers hydrogen ions produced by the reaction at the hydrogen electrode, and a separation that supports the electrode and the electrolyte membrane. It consists of plates, etc. In general, a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell has an advantage in that it has a higher current density than other fuel cells and operates in a low-temperature environment. In addition, it has a relatively simple structure, and has characteristics of start-up and quick response. Due to these characteristics, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are expected to be used as a vehicle power source.

In a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as a fuel cell), hydrogen ions moving through an electrolyte membrane exhibit high conductivity when the electrolyte membrane is sufficiently humidified. That is, when an electrochemical reaction is performed in the initial operation after fabrication of the fuel cell, the activity decreases. This is because it is difficult to reach the catalyst because the passage of the reactants is blocked, the hydrogen ion transporter forming the three-phase interface with the catalyst is not easily hydrolyzed at the beginning of operation, and the continuous mobility of hydrogen ions and electrons is not secured. For this reason, the fuel cell goes through a predetermined activation process after fabrication.

The activation process may be performed by supplying humidified hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel cell to activate a catalyst that does not participate in the reaction and to sufficiently hydrate the electrolyte included in the electrolyte membrane or electrode to secure a hydrogen ion passage. For example, Patent Registration No. 10-1714184 "Fuel Cell Stack Activation Method" and Registration Patent No. 10-1199530 "Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Pre-activation Device" disclose methods for activating such a fuel cell.

However, until recently, the fuel cell activation process has been carried out at the laboratory level or by ad hoc means for the production of extremely small quantities of products without standardized facilities. Accordingly, it was necessary to find a fuel cell activation facility or related components suitable for mass production system, and as part of this, the present applicant registered Patent No. We have developed a humidifier for this purpose.

Registered Patent No. 10-1714184 (registered on March 2, 2017) Registered Patent No. 10-1199530 (registered on November 2, 2012) Registered Patent No. 10-2441847 (registered on September 5, 2022)

Embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide a flow distribution device of a fuel cell activation facility that enables a more efficient operation of the fuel cell activation facility.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide a flow distribution device of a fuel cell activation facility that can be effectively utilized in combination with a fuel cell activation facility, a humidifier, and the like of Registered Patent No. 10-2441847 developed by the present applicant.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide a flow distribution device of a fuel cell activation facility capable of improving process speed and efficiency by enabling an activation process to be performed on a plurality of fuel cells.

However, the technical problems to be achieved by the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned technical problems. Other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from other descriptions of the specification, such as the detailed description.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is provided in a hydrogen supply line or an air supply line of a fuel cell activation facility to distribute and supply target gas to first and second fuel cells, comprising: a housing having a chamber therein; A flow distribution device of a fuel cell activation facility including a distribution block installed to be movable in a transverse direction inside the chamber may be provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a hydrogen supply line for supplying hydrogen to the first and second fuel cells; a first humidifier provided in the hydrogen supply line to humidify hydrogen into a saturated vapor state; an air supply line supplying air to the first and second fuel cells; a second humidifier provided in the air supply line to humidify air into a saturated vapor state; and a flow distribution device provided in the hydrogen supply line and the air supply line to distribute and supply the target gas to the first and second fuel cells, and the above fuel cell activation facility may be provided.

The flow distribution device of the fuel cell activation facility according to the embodiments of the present invention precisely distributes and supplies the flow rate of the target gas to each fuel cell, thereby significantly reducing the time required for fuel cell activation and activating the fuel cell. Efficient operation of equipment can be ensured.

In addition, the flow distribution device of the fuel cell activation facility according to the embodiments of the present invention is combined with the fuel cell activation facility of Registered Patent No. 10-2441847 developed by the present applicant, a humidifier, etc. to more effectively perform the activation process of each fuel cell. It can be performed, and the improvement of process speed and efficiency can be expected.

In addition, the flow distribution device of the fuel cell activation facility according to the embodiments of the present invention can prevent condensation of the target gas through an effective design of the internal flow path, maintain a uniform humidity, and properly implement a precise flow distribution of a set amount. have.

However, technical effects obtainable through the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned effects. Other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from other descriptions of the specification, such as the detailed description.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel cell activation facility.
FIG. 2 is a modified form of the fuel cell activating facility shown in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is a view showing a flow distribution device in the fuel cell activation facility of FIG. 2 .
4 is a view showing a distribution block in the flow distribution device of FIG. 3;
5 is a first operation diagram of the flow distribution device shown in FIG. 3;
6 is a second operation diagram of the flow distribution device shown in FIG. 3;

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following examples may be provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. However, the following embodiments are provided to aid understanding of the present invention, and the technical spirit of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the following embodiments. In addition, detailed descriptions of well-known configurations or obscure the technical gist of the present invention will be omitted.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel cell activation facility.

1 shows a fuel cell activation facility of Registration Patent No. 10-2441847 previously filed by the present applicant.

Referring to FIG. 1, the fuel cell activation facility includes a hydrogen supply line 110 for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell 10, and a first humidifier 120 provided in the hydrogen supply line 110 to humidify hydrogen into a saturated vapor state. ), an air supply line 130 for supplying air to the fuel cell 10, and a second humidifier 140 provided in the air supply line 130 to humidify the air into a saturated vapor state. In the fuel cell 10, an activation process may be performed using humidified hydrogen provided from the first humidifier 120 and humidified air provided from the second humidifier 140 under conditions such as a predetermined flow rate and temperature.

The specific description of the activation process of the fuel cell 10 or other components of the fuel cell activation facility will be based on the specifications of the registered patent, and detailed descriptions will be omitted herein.

FIG. 2 is a modified form of the fuel cell activating facility shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 2 shows an improved type of facility (hereinafter referred to as improved facility) of the fuel cell activation facility of FIG. 1 . For convenience, in FIG. 2, only the details of the improved part are selectively shown, and the remaining components are omitted from the illustration.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a retrofitting facility may be configured to perform an activation process on a plurality of fuel cells 10 . Preferably, the retrofit facility may be configured to simultaneously perform an activation process on two fuel cells 10 including the first fuel cell 10-1 and the second fuel cell 10-2. A method of simultaneously performing the activation process for a larger number of fuel cells 10 may also be considered, but there may be difficulties in creating a uniform reaction environment or precise control of flow rate, temperature, etc. Preferentially, two fuel cells 10 are considered. However, applications targeting a greater number of fuel cells 10 are not excluded.

The improved facility may be configured to uniformly distribute and supply humidified hydrogen from the hydrogen supply line 110 and humidified air from the air supply line 130 to the first and second fuel cells 10-1 and 10-2, respectively. . To this end, a flow distribution device 200-1 for distributing humidified hydrogen may be provided in the hydrogen supply line 110 at the rear of the first humidifier 120, and the air supply line 130 at the rear of the second humidifier 140 A flow distribution device 200-2 for distributing humidified air may be provided. Since the flow distribution device 200-1 of the hydrogen supply line 110 and the flow distribution device 200-2 of the air supply line 130 may be formed identically or similarly to each other, hereinafter, the flow distribution device 200 ) to be collectively described.

The flow distribution device 200 may be formed to uniformly distribute the target gas (humidified hydrogen, humidified air) to the first and second fuel cells 10-1 and 10-2. Since the first and second fuel cells 10-1 and 10-2 must be highly matched and have the same environmental conditions, the flow distribution device 200 requires precise flow distribution performance. In addition, since the target gas is humidified and provided in a saturated vapor state in the entire process, it is necessary to pay special attention to prevent condensation from occurring in the process of distributing the flow rate. The generation of condensed water may hinder the maintenance of uniform humidity, thereby reducing the efficiency of the activation process, and may also affect the distribution of a set amount of flow.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a flow distribution device in the fuel cell activation facility of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a flow distribution device 200 for uniformly distributing target gas to fuel cells 10-1 and 10-2 in the improved facility as shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 3, the flow distribution device 200 of this embodiment includes a housing 210 having a chamber 211 therein and installed on the supply line 300, and a chamber inside the housing 210 ( 211) may include a distribution block 220 for distributing and discharging the supply flow rate.

The housing 210 may be installed on the supply line 300 through which the target gas flows. The supply line 300 may be the hydrogen supply line 110 at the rear of the first humidifier 120 or the air supply line 130 at the rear of the second humidifier 140. '. In addition, the distribution block 220 may be formed to distribute the target gas into two passages inside the housing 210 and discharge it. Accordingly, the target gas introduced through the supply line 300 may be distributed and discharged to the first discharge port 213a and the second discharge port 214a. The first and second discharge ports 213a and 214a are connected to the first fuel cell 10-1 or the second fuel cell 10-2 through a pipe line, respectively, and the first fuel cell 10-1 or the second fuel cell 10-2. The target gas may be provided by the two fuel cells 10-2.

Hereinafter, each of the above components will be described in more detail.

First, the flow distribution device 200 of this embodiment may include a housing 210.

The housing 210 may have a chamber 211 therein. The chamber 211 may have a predetermined cross-sectional shape and extend a predetermined length along the movement direction (left-right direction in the drawing) of the distribution block 220 to be described later. Preferably, the chamber 211 may have a circular cross section as illustrated in FIG. 4 and extend a predetermined length in the moving direction of the distribution block 220 . This reduces the angular area inside the chamber 211 to prevent condensation of the target gas. However, the shape of the chamber 211 is not necessarily limited thereto, and alternative shapes capable of exhibiting similar functions or effects may be considered. For example, an elliptical cross section, a gently closed curved cross section, etc. may be considered as alternative shapes.

A housing inlet 212 may be provided on one surface (upper side in the drawing) of the housing 210 . The housing inlet 212 may be formed in a circular shape with a predetermined radius. An inlet port 212a may be connected to the housing inlet 212 . The inlet port 212a is connected to the supply line 300 to supply target gas to the housing inlet 212 .

Here, the supply line 300 may form a flow path inclined or curved to a predetermined degree according to circumstances. That is, the supply line 300 may be formed as an inclined or curved passage to avoid interference with other components in the facility. In this embodiment, a case in which the supply line 300 is bent at an angle of about 90 degrees at a position adjacent to the inlet port 212a is exemplified. Of course, the supply line 300 may be formed to be inclined or curved in various shapes other than the bar illustrated according to the installation environment.

The inclined or curved supply line 300 may form passages P1 and P2 of different lengths according to positions within the supply line 300 . That is, as illustrated, the flow path P1 flowing along the outside of the circular arc is formed longer than the flow path P2 flowing along the inside. As a result, the flow rate or pressure may be differently distributed depending on the position in the supply line 300, which may cause the target gas to be non-uniformly distributed to the first and second discharge ports 213a and 214a, respectively. The flow distribution device 200 of this embodiment focuses on this point and aims to distribute the flow rate more evenly.

Meanwhile, a first housing outlet 213 and a second housing outlet 214 may be provided on the other surface (on the drawing, the lower side) of the housing 210 . The first and second housing outlets 213 and 214 may discharge target gas distributed in the chamber 211 of the housing 210 to the outside. Ideally, it is desirable that the flow rate and pressure of the first housing outlet 213 be substantially the same as the flow rate and pressure of the second housing outlet 214 .

The first housing discharge port 213 may be formed in a circular shape with a predetermined radius, and may be connected to the first discharge port 213a. The first discharge port 213a may flow guide the target gas distributed to the first fuel cell 10-1. Also, the second housing outlet 214 may be formed in a circular shape with a predetermined radius corresponding to the first housing outlet 213 . A second discharge port 214a may be connected to the second housing discharge port 214, and the second discharge port 214a may flow the target gas distributed to the second fuel cell 10-2.

The housing inlet 212 and the first and second housing outlets 213 and 214 may be disposed at opposite positions. That is, the housing inlet 212 may be disposed on one surface of the housing 210, and the first and second housing outlets 213 and 214 may be disposed on opposite surfaces. In addition, the first and second housing outlets 213 and 214 may be left and right spaced apart on a plane, and the housing inlet 212 may be disposed in the center between the first and second housing outlets 213 and 214 . This arrangement minimizes the curvature of the passage to reduce the generation of condensate.

Preferably, the extension lines L1 and L2 connecting the center point E1 of the housing inlet 212 and the center points E2 and E3 of the first housing outlet 213 or the second housing outlet 214 are in the inlet direction. It may be formed to have an inclination angle (A1) of 45 degrees or less with respect to (F1). More preferably, the extension lines L1 and L2 may be formed to have an inclination angle A1 of 15 to 30 degrees with respect to the inflow direction F1. If the inclination angle A1 is too large, condensation may occur due to vortex flow, and conversely, if the inclination angle A1 is too small, the residence time of the target gas in the chamber 211 becomes long.

A first cover 215 may be provided on one side (left side of the drawing) of the housing 210 . The first cover 215 may be provided to seal one side of the chamber 211 . The first cover 215 may be formed to be separable from the housing 210 for convenience of assembly and maintenance of internal components. However, if necessary, a part or all of the first cover 215 may be integrally formed with the housing 210 .

A flow control rod 216 may be provided on the first cover 215 . The flow control rod 216 is disposed in the transverse direction and may be installed to pass through the center of the first cover 215 . The flow control rod 216 may have one side (left side in the drawing) disposed outside the chamber 211 and the other side (right side in the drawing) may be disposed inside the chamber 211 . In addition, the flow control rod 216 may be formed to extend a predetermined length in the transverse direction.

The flow control rod 216 may be fastened to the first cover 215 so as to be position-adjustable in the transverse direction with respect to the first cover 215 . Accordingly, the flow control rod 216 may be moved toward the inside of the chamber 211 by a predetermined amount or moved toward the outside of the chamber 211 by a predetermined amount, so that its lateral position may be adjusted. For example, the flow control rod 216 may be screwed to the first cover 215 .

One end (right side in the drawing) of the flow control rod 216 disposed inside the chamber 211 may be fastened with the distribution block 220 . Alternatively, one end of the flow control rod 216 may contact and support one side (left side in the drawing) of the distribution block 220 . Accordingly, the distribution block 220 may be positioned in the lateral direction corresponding to the lateral movement of the flow control rod 216 .

Meanwhile, a second cover 217 may be provided on the opposite side (right side in the drawing) of the housing 210 . Similar to the first cover 215 described above, the second cover 217 may be provided to seal the opposite side of the chamber 211 and may be formed to be separable from the housing 210 . If necessary, part or all of the second cover 217 may be integrally formed with the housing 210 .

A gauge rod 218 may be provided on the second cover 217 . The gauge rod 218 may be installed to pass through the center of the second cover 217 in a horizontal direction. Preferably, the gauge rod 218 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the above-described flow control rod 216. The gauge rod 218 may have one side (left side in the drawing) disposed inside the chamber 211 and the other side (right side in the drawing) may be disposed outside the chamber 211 . In addition, the gauge rod 218 may be formed to extend a predetermined length in the transverse direction.

One end (left side in the drawing) of the gauge rod 218 disposed inside the chamber 211 may be engaged with the distribution block 220 . Alternatively, one end of the gauge rod 218 may face the flow control rod 216 and support the opposite surface (on the drawing, the right side) of the distribution block 220 in contact. Accordingly, the gauge rod 218 may be positioned in the lateral direction corresponding to the lateral movement of the distribution block 220 .

A tapping area 218a may be formed on one side of the gauge rod 218 disposed outside the chamber 211 . According to the example, the tapping area 218a is formed in an area formed from approximately the center of the gauge rod 218 to one end (right side in the drawing). A plurality of locking grooves 218b may be formed in the tapping area 218a. The locking groove 218b may extend substantially in a circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the tapping area 218a, and the plurality of locking grooves 218b may be spaced apart at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the tapping area 218a. have.

A guide pin 218c may be provided on one side of the second cover 217 adjacent to the gauge rod 218 . The guide pin 218c is fixed at a position spaced apart from the second cover 217 by a predetermined distance in the transverse direction, so that an end thereof can be engaged with the locking groove 218b. As the gauge rod 218 is moved in the transverse direction, the guide pin 218c can be engaged with each locking groove 218b at a corresponding position, and the user can access the chamber 211 of the distribution block 220 through this. You can check my location.

A part or all of the guide pin 218c may be formed of an elastic material so that it can be elastically deformed or moved between the locking grooves 218b. In addition, the guide pin 218c may have a curved or bent shape to induce smooth elastic deformation. An end of the guide pin 218c may have a predetermined sharp shape so as to properly induce engagement with the locking groove 218b.

Meanwhile, the flow distribution device 200 of this embodiment may include a distribution block 220.

The distribution block 220 may be disposed in the chamber 211 inside the housing 210 . The target gas introduced into the chamber 211 passes through the distribution block 220 and is separated into two passages, and then distributed to the first and second discharge ports 213a and 214a. In addition, the distribution block 220 may be movably installed in the chamber 211 in a transverse direction. Flow rates to the first and second discharge ports 213a and 214a can be precisely adjusted according to the horizontal position of the distribution block 220 .

4 is a view showing a distribution block in the flow distribution device of FIG. 3;

Referring to FIG. 4 , the distribution block 220 may have a cross section of a size and shape corresponding to that of the chamber 211 . In this embodiment, the chamber 211 having a circular cross section is exemplified, and the distribution block 220 may have a circular cross section corresponding thereto. However, the shape of the distribution block 220 is not necessarily limited thereto, and the shape of the distribution block 220 may be appropriately modified according to the shape of the chamber 211 and the like.

The distribution block 220 may have a column shape generally extending in the transverse direction. As illustrated, the distribution block 220 has a generally circular column shape. Such a distribution block 220 may be moved in a horizontal direction (left and right directions in the drawing) within the chamber 211 .

A first sealing groove 221a may be provided at the end of one side (left side in the drawing) of the distribution block 220, and a second sealing groove 221b may be provided at the opposite end side (right side in the drawing). have. The first and second sealing grooves 221a and 221b may each extend in the circumferential direction along the outer surface of the distribution block 220 . Sealings are fastened to the first and second sealing grooves 221a and 221b, respectively, so that a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 211 and the outer circumferential surface of the distribution block 220 can be sealed.

A block inlet 222 may be provided on one surface (front surface in the drawing) of the distribution block 220 disposed toward the housing inlet 212 . The block inlet 222 may introduce target gas introduced through the housing inlet 212 into the inner passage of the distribution block 220 .

The block inlet 222 may be formed larger than the housing inlet 212 by a predetermined amount. Preferably, the block inlet 222 may have an oval shape extending in the transverse direction, and the transverse width W1 of the block inlet 222 may be larger than the diameter D1 of the housing inlet 212 by a predetermined extent. have. For example, the width W1 of the block inlet 222 in the transverse direction may be 1.5 to 2.5 times greater than the diameter D1 of the housing inlet 212, and more preferably 1.8 to 2.2 times. This is to consider the proper flow of the target gas within the distribution block 220.

An inlet guide surface 223 may be formed in a predetermined area inside the block inlet 222 along the flow of the target gas. The inflow guide surface 223 may be formed as a gentle slope with a predetermined slope so as to appropriately guide the flow of the target gas toward the first and second distribution guides 225a and 225b.

An inner partition wall 224 may be provided inside the inflow guide surface 223 along the flow of the target gas. The inner partition 224 may be formed between the first and second distribution guides 225a and 225b to divide the flow path of the target gas into left and right sides. The inner partition wall 224 may be disposed at the left and right central portions of the distribution block 220, and one side (left side in the drawing) of the inner partition wall 224 as the center extends to the first block outlet 227a. , and the opposite side (right side in the drawing) may form another flow path extending to the second block outlet 227b.

The inner partition wall 224 may form first and second distribution guides 225a and 225b disposed left and right inside the distribution block 220 . Along the flow of the target gas, a first distribution guide surface 226a may be formed inside the first distribution guide hole 225a, and a second distribution guide surface 226a may be formed inside the second distribution guide hole 225b. A guide surface 226b may be formed. Similar to the inflow guide surface 223, the first and second distribution guide surfaces 226a and 226b may be formed as gentle slopes with a predetermined slope.

On the other hand, the first and second block outlets 227a and 227b may be provided on the opposite surface (rear side of the drawing) of the block inlet 222 . The first block outlet 227a extends from the first distribution guide hole 225a and the first distribution guide surface 226a to guide a portion of target gas to the first housing outlet 213 . Similarly, the second block outlet 227b extends from the second distribution guide hole 225b and the second distribution guide surface 226b to flow the remaining part of the target gas to the second housing outlet 214 .

Preferably, the first and second block outlets 227a and 227b may be formed to be disposed in an inner region of the block inlet 222 . That is, based on a plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the target gas, the first and second block outlets 227a and 227b may be disposed inside the outer region formed by the block inlet 222 . This minimizes the rapid bending of the flow path inside the distribution block 220 to reduce the generation of condensate.

The distribution block 220 as described above may divide the flow of the target gas into two inside the housing 210 and distribute or guide the flow to the first and second discharge ports 213a and 214a, respectively. In addition, the distribution block 220 is positioned left and right inside the housing 210 according to a user's manipulation, so that flow rates to the first and second discharge ports 213a and 214a can be appropriately adjusted.

5 is a first operation diagram of the flow distribution device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the distribution block 220 is moved to the right by a predetermined distance from the initial state shown in FIG. 3 . In this case, depending on the location of the distribution block 220, the flow rate to the second discharge port 214a may be increased by a predetermined amount compared to the initial state. When the flow rate to the second discharge port 214a is relatively small in the initial state, the user moves the distribution block 220 to one side to uniformly adjust the flow rate at the first and second discharge ports 213a and 214a. can

6 is a second operation diagram of the flow distribution device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the distribution block 220 is moved to the left by a predetermined distance from the initial state shown in FIG. 3 . Similar to the above-described first operation, in this case, the flow rate to the first discharge port 213a may be increased by a predetermined amount compared to the initial state. When the flow rate to the first discharge port 213a is relatively small in the initial state, the user moves the distribution block 220 to the opposite side to uniformly adjust the flow rate at the first and second discharge ports 213a and 214a. can

As described above, the flow distribution device 200 of the fuel cell activation facility according to the embodiments of the present invention precisely distributes and supplies the flow rate of the target gas to each fuel cell 10-1, 10-2, The time required for fuel cell activation can be significantly reduced and efficient operation of fuel cell activation facilities can be achieved.

In addition, the flow distribution device 200 of the fuel cell activation facility according to the embodiments of the present invention is combined with the fuel cell activation facility of Registered Patent No. 10-2441847 developed by the present applicant, a humidifier, etc., to more effectively each fuel cell ( The activation process of 10-1 and 10-2) can be performed, and process speed and efficiency can be improved.

In addition, the flow distribution device 200 of the fuel cell activation facility according to embodiments of the present invention prevents condensation of target gas through effective design of an internal flow path, maintains uniform humidity, and precisely distributes a set amount of flow, etc. can be properly implemented.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art can add, change, delete, or add elements within the scope not departing from the technical spirit of the present invention described in the claims. The present invention can be variously modified or changed by the above, and this will also be said to be included in the scope of the present invention.

100: fuel cell activation facility 110: hydrogen supply line
120: first humidifier 130: air supply line
140: second humidifier 10-1: first fuel cell
10-2: second fuel cell 200: flow distribution device
210: housing 220: distribution block

Claims (8)

It is provided in the hydrogen supply line 110 or air supply line 130 of the fuel cell activation facility to distribute and supply the target gas to the first and second fuel cells 10-1 and 10-2,
a housing 210 having a chamber 211 therein; and
A distribution block 220 installed to be movable in the transverse direction inside the chamber 211; includes,
The housing 210,
A flow control rod 216 that is fastened to the first cover 215 to be position-adjustable in the transverse direction and supports one side of the distribution block 220 in the transverse direction; and
The second cover 217 opposite to the first cover 215 is movably fastened in the transverse direction to support the opposite side in the transverse direction of the distribution block 220, and according to the operation of the flow control rod 216 A flow distribution device of a fuel cell activation facility comprising a gauge rod 218 that moves in the lateral direction and displays the position of the distribution block 220 disposed inside the chamber 211. The method of claim 1,
The housing 210,
Housing inlet 212 connected to the supply line 300 having a curved or inclined flow path; and
First and second housing outlets 213 and 214 disposed horizontally and spaced apart from the housing inlet 212 on a plane with the housing inlet 212 interposed therebetween at a position facing the housing inlet 212;
The distribution block 220,
a block inlet 222 disposed to correspond to the housing inlet 212; and
The first and second block outlets disposed at a position facing the block inlet 222 and distributing and discharging the target gas introduced through the block inlet 222 to the first and second housing outlets 213 and 214 ( 227a, 227b); a flow distribution device of a fuel cell activation facility comprising: The method of claim 2,
The housing inlet 212,
The extension lines L1 and L2 connecting the central point E1 of the housing inlet 212 and the central points E2 and E3 of the first housing outlet 213 or the second housing outlet 214 on a plane are A flow distribution device of a fuel cell activation facility formed to have an inclination angle (A1) of 15 to 30 degrees with respect to an inflow direction (F1) of gas. delete The method of claim 1,
The gauge rod 218,
It has a plurality of catching grooves 218b spaced apart in the transverse direction along the outer surface of the gauge rod 218, and the guide pin 218c fixedly installed to the second cover 217 is engaged with the distribution block 220 ) Flow distribution device of a fuel cell activation facility including a tapping area 218a that identifiablely displays the position of the outside. It is provided in the hydrogen supply line 110 or air supply line 130 of the fuel cell activation facility to distribute and supply the target gas to the first and second fuel cells 10-1 and 10-2,
a housing 210 having a chamber 211 therein; and
A distribution block 220 installed to be movable in the transverse direction inside the chamber 211; includes,
The chamber 211,
It has a circular cross section and is formed extending in the transverse direction,
The distribution block 220,
A flow distribution device of a fuel cell activation facility having a circular cross section and extending in a transverse direction to correspond to the chamber 211. It is provided in the hydrogen supply line 110 or air supply line 130 of the fuel cell activation facility to distribute and supply the target gas to the first and second fuel cells 10-1 and 10-2,
a housing 210 having a chamber 211 therein; and
A distribution block 220 installed to be movable in the transverse direction inside the chamber 211; includes,
The distribution block 220,
first and second sealing grooves 221a and 221b provided at both end portions of the distribution block 220 to seal the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 211;
a block inlet 222 disposed toward the housing inlet 212 to introduce a target gas and having a width W1 in a lateral direction larger than a diameter D1 of the housing inlet 212 by a predetermined amount;
A first block outlet 227a disposed in an inner region of the block inlet 222 based on a plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the target gas and guiding a portion of the target gas to the first discharge port 213a; and
It is disposed in the transverse direction corresponding to the first block outlet 227a with the internal partition wall 224 interposed therebetween, and is disposed in the inner region of the block inlet 222 based on a plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the target gas , a second block discharge port 227b for guiding the remaining part of the target gas to the second discharge port 214a; a hydrogen supply line 110 supplying hydrogen to the first and second fuel cells 10-1 and 10-2;
a first humidifier 120 provided in the hydrogen supply line 110 to humidify hydrogen into a saturated vapor state;
an air supply line 130 supplying air to the first and second fuel cells 10-1 and 10-2;
a second humidifier 140 provided in the air supply line 130 to humidify air into a saturated steam state; and
It is provided in the hydrogen supply line 110 and the air supply line 130 to distribute and supply the target gas to the first and second fuel cells 10-1 and 10-2, according to claim 1, 6 or 7 A fuel cell activation facility including any one of the flow distribution device 200.

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