KR20060097930A - Structure for soundproof and vibrationproof pump of fuel cell, and fuel cell system having thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a soundproof and dustproof structure of a fuel cell pump and a fuel cell system employing the same, wherein a pump used for the fuel cell is fitted into a housing made of rubber or silicon, and fixed to the housing, wherein the inner surface of the pump and the housing is fixed to the housing. It is made of a structure that is formed between the soundproofing, dustproofing between.

In addition, the sound-proof and dust-proof structure has a fuel supply unit in which a fuel containing hydrogen in a fuel tank is supplied by a fuel pump, an oxidant supply unit in which an oxidant including oxygen and air is supplied by an oxidant pump, and the fuel supply unit and air The fuel cell system includes a stack configured to generate electricity by inducing an electrochemical reaction between fuel and oxygen by receiving an oxidant containing fuel, oxygen, and air from the supply, respectively.

As a result, the noise and vibration generated by the pump can be effectively reduced by the inner space and the wall of the housing.

 Fuel Cell, Air Pump, Fuel Pump, Noise, Vibration, Soundproof, Dustproof

Description

Soundproof and vibrationproof structure of fuel pump and fuel cell system employing it {Structure for soundproof and vibrationproof pump of fuel cell, and fuel cell system having

1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a fuel cell system according to the present invention,

2 is a perspective view schematically showing a soundproof and dustproof structure of the pump shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an interior according to a first embodiment of the housing illustrated in FIG. 2;

4 is a side cross-sectional view showing an interior according to a second embodiment of the housing illustrated in FIG. 2;

5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the housing illustrated in FIG. 2 is fixed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a fuel cell system having a housing illustrated in FIG. 2.

<Description of Symbols for Main Parts of Drawings>

100 ... fuel tank 400 ... stack,

300 ... fuel pump 400 ... air pump,

500 housing 502 seating protrusion,

504 Space 506 Bending fastening member.

The present invention relates to a soundproof and dustproof structure of a fuel cell pump and a fuel cell system employing the same. More particularly, a pump for supplying an oxidant or fuel to a stack is inserted and fixed to reduce noise and vibration generated from the pump. It is.

In general, a fuel cell is a power generation that directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction generated by using hydrogen contained in a hydrocarbon-based material such as methanol, ethanol or natural gas as oxygen as a fuel. System. In particular, the fuel cell is characterized in that it can simultaneously use the electricity generated by the electrochemical reaction of the fuel gas and the oxidant gas and heat by-products thereof without a combustion process.

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs, hereinafter referred to as PEMFCs), which are being developed in recent years, have excellent output characteristics, low operating temperatures, and fast start-up and response characteristics compared to other fuel cells.

In order for the above PEMFC to basically have a system configuration, a fuel cell body (hereinafter referred to as a stack for convenience) called a stack, a fuel tank, and a fuel pump for supplying fuel from the fuel tank to the stack, etc. This is necessary. In the process of supplying the fuel stored in the fuel tank to the stack, a reformer for reforming the fuel to generate hydrogen gas and supplying the hydrogen gas to the stack is further needed. Therefore, PEMFC supplies fuel stored in the fuel tank to the reformer by the pumping force of the fuel pump, generates hydrogen gas by reforming the fuel in the reformer, and produces electrical energy by electrochemically reacting hydrogen gas and oxygen in the stack. Done.

On the other hand, the fuel cell may employ a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) method that can supply a liquid methanol fuel directly to the stack. This DMFC, unlike PEMFC, excludes the reformer.

In the fuel cell system as described above, a stack that substantially generates electricity is stacked with several to several tens of unit cells including an electrode-electrolyte assembly (MEA) and a separator. Has a structure. The MEA is formed in a structure in which an anode electrode and a cathode electrode are attached with an electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween. Separators are disposed on both sides with the MEA interposed therebetween, acting as a passage for supplying the oxygen gas and the fuel gas required for the reaction of the fuel cell, and the role of a conductor connecting the anode and cathode electrodes of each MEA in series. Perform.

The separator is supplied with a fuel gas containing hydrogen to the anode electrode, while air containing oxygen is supplied to the cathode electrode. In this process, electrochemical oxidation of fuel gas occurs at the anode electrode, and electrochemical reduction of oxygen gas occurs at the cathode electrode. At this time, electricity is generated by the movement of generated electrons, and heat and water, which are by-products, are generated.

However, in the air or fuel pump, there are serious noises and vibrations caused by the driving of the pump, and there is a problem in that the application field of the system is limited by these noises and vibrations, and ultimately the noises and vibrations must be significantly reduced or eliminated. There was a demand.

The present invention devised in view of the above problems, the pump is inserted into the housing made of rubber or silicone material, the vibration and noise generated from the pump due to the space and the member for the soundproof and dustproof is formed in the housing It is an object of the present invention to provide a soundproof and dustproof structure of a fuel cell pump configured to be absorbed and blocked, and a fuel cell system employing the same.

Soundproof and dustproof structure of the pump for fuel cells according to the present invention for achieving the above object, a pump for supplying a fuel containing hydrogen and an oxidant containing oxygen to the stack, and the sound is fixed to the pump And a housing for dustproofing.

The housing is made of rubber or silicone.

A portion of the pump is inserted into such a housing by pressing tightly.

The housing is made of upper and lower bodies so that the pump is completely accommodated, and the upper and lower bodies are coupled to each other.

A mounting protrusion protrudes inwardly so that the pump is fitted into the inner surface of the housing, and a space for soundproofing and dustproofing is formed between the outer surface of the pump and the inner surface of the housing.

The seating protrusions are at least one annular edge or at least one block.

In the fuel cell system employing the soundproof and dustproof structure of the pump according to the present invention, a fuel supply unit in which fuel containing hydrogen in a fuel tank is supplied by a fuel pump, and an oxidant including oxygen and air are supplied by an oxidant pump. An oxidant supply unit and a stack configured to generate fuel by inducing an electrochemical reaction between fuel and oxygen by receiving fuel and oxygen or air from the fuel supply unit and the air supply, respectively, and the pump is soundproofed and It is fitted in the housing for dustproofing, and it is made to be in close contact and fixed.

In addition, the fuel cell system further includes a banding fastening member having both ends fastened to the stationary plate of the fuel cell while surrounding the outer surface of the housing such that the housing is tightly fixed to the stationary plate.

The housing is made of rubber or silicone.

The housing is inserted with a part of the pump pressed in close contact.

The housing is made of upper and lower bodies so that the pump is completely accommodated, and the upper and lower bodies are coupled to each other.

A mounting protrusion protrudes inwardly so that the pump is fitted into the inner surface of the housing, and a space for soundproofing and dustproofing is formed between the outer surface of the pump and the inner surface of the housing.

The seating protrusions are at least one annular rim or at least one block.

Hereinafter, a soundproof and dustproof structure of a fuel cell pump and a fuel cell system employing the same according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a fuel cell system according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the soundproof and dustproof structure of the pump shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 1, a fuel cell system according to the present invention includes a stack 400 in which hydrogen gas and oxygen are electrochemically reacted to convert chemical energy into electrical energy, and hydrogen stored in the fuel tank 100. A fuel supply unit configured to supply fuel to the stack 400 by the first pump 300, and a fuel supply configured to supply an oxidant including oxygen and air to the stack 400 by the second pump 400. An addition is made.

The first pump 300 and the second pump 400 are fitted in a housing 500 made of rubber or silicon to be tightly fixed.

Here, the fuel cell system may have various types, and may vary depending on the function and quantity of the pump according to various types, and thus, the fuel cell system should not be limited to the embodiments described herein.

On the other hand, the fuel includes a hydrocarbon-based fuel such as methanol, ethanol or natural gas.

In addition, the fuel cell system may further include a medical AC transformer and a control device for converting direct current electricity generated from the stack 400 into alternating current electricity, and an arrangement device for dissipating heat generated during power generation.

The stack 400 includes at least one unit cell (not shown) that receives hydrogen gas and air contained in a fuel and induces oxidation and reduction reactions to finally generate electrical energy.

The unit cell is a main part of generating electricity, is protected from the outside by the end plate, and the electrode-electrolyte assembly (MEA: Membrane & Electrode Assembly, 216) and the hydrogen gas It refers to one unit cell composed of at least one separator for supplying air to the electrode-electrolyte composite.

The electrode-electrolyte composite is a conventional MEA structure in which an electrolyte membrane (not shown) is interposed between an anode electrode (not shown) and a cathode electrode (not shown), and the electrolyte membrane is a solid polymer having a thickness of usually 50 to 400 μm. As an electrolyte, it functions as a medium for ion exchange which transfers hydrogen ions generated in the catalyst layer of the anode electrode to the catalyst layer of the cathode electrode.

The anode catalyst layer is a layer for converting hydrogen gas into electrons and hydrogen ions, and constitutes an anode electrode together with a support layer for smooth movement of electrons and hydrogen ions.

In addition, the catalyst layer of the cathode electrode is a layer for converting oxygen in the silver air to the electrons and oxygen ions, and constitutes a cathode electrode together with a support layer for the smooth movement of electrons and oxygen ions.

In addition, the separator is a heat conduction of a conductor that connects the anode electrode and the cathode electrode of the electrode-electrolyte composite in series, and a passage for substantially supplying hydrogen gas and air necessary for the oxidation and reduction reaction of the electrode-electrolyte composite. It is provided with a rectangular carbon plate to perform the role at the same time.

On the other hand, the stack 400 generates electricity, heat and water according to the reaction shown in Scheme 1 below.

<Scheme 1>

Anode ^{_{reaction: H 2 → 2H + + 2e}} -

Cathodic ^{_{reaction: O 2 + 2H + + 2e}} - → H 2 O

Total reaction: H ₂ + O ₂ → H ₂ 0 + Current + Heat

Referring to Scheme 1, hydrogen gas is supplied to the anode electrode of the electrode-electrolyte composite through the separator, and air is supplied to the cathode electrode.

As the hydrogen gas flows through the anode electrode, hydrogen is decomposed into electrons and protons (hydrogen ions) in the catalyst layer, and when the protons are moved through the electrolyte membrane, the electrons, oxygen ions, and transferred protons at the cathode electrode are combined with the help of the catalyst. It produces water.

Here, electrons generated by the anode electrode are not moved through the electrolyte membrane, but are moved to the cathode electrode through an external circuit.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, the first pump 300 or the second pump 400 (hereinafter, collectively referred to as the pump 400 for convenience) may be partially or entirely disposed on a housing 500 made of rubber or silicon. Is fitted and fixed.

The housing 500 is preferably one side is opened so that the pump 400 is inserted.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an interior of the housing illustrated in FIG. 2.

2 and 3, a plurality of seating protrusions 502 may be inserted into the housing 500 so that the bottom and side surfaces of the pump 400 inserted through the open one surface of the housing 500 may be pressed together. Is formed to protrude inwardly from the lower and side surfaces.

The seating protrusion 502 and the pump 400 to prevent the noise and vibration of the pump 400 is transmitted to the outside of the housing 500 through a wide contact surface between the pump 400 and the housing 500. This is to reduce the contact surface of the housing 500.

In addition, a space 504 is formed between the pump 400 formed by the seating protrusion 502 and the housing 500, so that the wavelength of noise and vibration generated by the pump 400 is canceled. To do this.

Noise and vibration canceled through this space 504 are again absorbed by the housing 500.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the outside according to the second embodiment of the housing illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, the housing 500 is divided into an upper portion 510 and a lower portion 520, and threads are formed to be engaged with the upper portion 510 and the lower portion 520, and the pump 400 is inserted. When the upper 510 and the lower 520 is fastened, the pump 400 is completely received and fixed.

In addition, a seating protrusion 502 and a space 504 may be formed inside the housing 500. In this case, the space 504 is closed from the outside, unlike in FIG. 3.

As such, when the space 504 is isolated from the outside and closed, soundproofing and dustproofing may be more effectively performed in the closed space 504.

5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the housing illustrated in FIG. 2 is fixed.

5, the housing 500 is fastened to the fixing plate 530 by the bending fastening member 540.

At this time, the banding fastening member 540 is formed such that both ends are bolted to the fixing plate 530 while surrounding the housing 500.

In addition, the fixing plate 530 may be a case of a fuel cell, or may be a separate plate attached to the case.

It is preferable that one or more banding fastening members 540 are installed so that the housing 500 is firmly fixed to the fixing plate 530.

6 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell system having a pump vibration and noise prevention structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is for explaining the pump fixing structure more easily, and other components such as a control unit, a power system, etc. in the system are omitted in order to clearly and concisely indicate the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the fuel cell system including the pump vibration and noise prevention structure according to the present embodiment includes a lower frame 110, first and second vertical fixing frames 120 and 122, an upper fixing frame 130, and a fuel. The tank 100, the first and second flow path tubes 104 and 106, the banding fastening member 540, and the like are included.

Specifically, the first and second vertical fixing frames 120 and 122 are fixedly installed at predetermined intervals on the lower frame 110. The upper fixing frame 130 is coupled by coupling members 142 such as bolts and nuts on top of the frames 120 and 122 so that the first and second vertical fixing frames 120 and 122 are coupled to each other.

The fuel tank 100 is disposed at the rear side of the first vertical fixing frame 120. A fuel inlet 102 for fuel injection is formed at the top of the fuel tank 100.

The air pump 400 is fixedly supported by the belt-shaped banding fastening member 540 on the side of the first vertical fixing frame 120.

At this time, the air pump 400 is installed to a predetermined height so as not to contact the lower frame (110).

In addition, a predetermined buffer member 170, a porous flexible member or an elastic member is inserted between the air pump 400 and the first vertical fixing frame 120.

The shock absorbing member 170 may be replaced by a shape change of the housing 500.

This configuration blocks the vibration of the air pump 400 so that vibration by the air pump 400 is not transmitted to the system. The upper surface of the air pump 400 is shown the inlet through which air is introduced.

By the above-described configuration, the fuel cell system effectively blocks vibrations of the air pump and the fuel pump.

According to the present invention configured as described above, because the pump used for the fuel cell is fitted to the housing made of rubber or silicon, the noise and vibration generated by the operation of the pump is blocked or absorbed by the housing.

While fixing and seating the pump in the housing, there is a separate space provided with a seating protrusion for soundproofing and dustproofing, thereby having a remarkably reduced effect generated in the pump fixed to the housing.

Claims (17)

A pump for supplying hydrogen containing fuel and oxygen containing oxidant to the stack; A housing for soundproofing and dustproofing in which the pump is tightly fitted; The soundproof and dustproof structure of the fuel cell pump made of this. The method of claim 1, The housing is soundproof and dustproof structure of the fuel cell pump, characterized in that made of rubber. The method of claim 1, The housing is soundproof and dustproof structure of the pump for fuel cells, characterized in that made of silicon. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The housing is soundproof and dustproof structure of the pump for a fuel cell, characterized in that the part of the pump is pressed in close contact. The method of claim 1, The housing is made of an upper and lower body so that the pump is completely accommodated, the soundproof and dustproof structure of the pump for fuel cells, characterized in that the upper and lower body are coupled to each other. The method according to claim 1 or 5, The inner surface of the housing projecting inward projection so that the pump is fitted, the soundproof and dustproof structure of the fuel cell pump, characterized in that the space between the outer surface of the pump and the inner surface of the housing is formed for soundproofing and dustproof. The method of claim 6, The seating protrusion is at least one ring-shaped soundproof and dustproof structure of the fuel cell pump, characterized in that made of an edge. The method of claim 6, Soundproof and dustproof structure of the fuel cell pump, characterized in that the seating protrusion is formed of at least one block shape.  A fuel supply unit for supplying hydrogen containing fuel in the fuel tank by the fuel pump; An oxidant supply unit for supplying an oxidant including oxygen and air by an oxidant pump; A stack configured to receive fuel and an oxidant from the fuel supply unit and the oxidant supply unit to generate electricity by inducing an electrochemical reaction between fuel and oxygen; This is done, including And a pump fitted into a housing for soundproofing and dustproofing so as to be in close contact with and fixed to the pump. The method of claim 9, And a banding fastening member having both ends fastened to the stationary plate of the fuel cell while surrounding the outer surface of the housing such that the housing is fixed in close contact with the stationary plate. The method of claim 9, The housing is a fuel cell system, characterized in that made of rubber. The method of claim 9, The housing is a fuel cell system, characterized in that made of silicon. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, The housing is a fuel cell system, characterized in that a part of the pump is pressed in close contact. The method of claim 9, The housing is made of upper and lower bodies so that the pump is completely accommodated, and the upper and lower bodies are coupled to each other. The method according to claim 9 or 14, A seating protrusion protrudes inwardly so that the pump is fitted into the inner surface of the housing, and a space for soundproofing and dustproofing is formed between the outer surface of the pump and the inner surface of the housing. The method of claim 15, The seating protrusion is a fuel cell system, characterized in that consisting of at least one annular edge shape. The method of claim 15, The seating protrusion is a fuel cell system, characterized in that formed in at least one block shape.

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