KR20230171807A - Thermal management system for fuel cell vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle, in which heat medium circulates through a discharge line that guides condensate discharged from the fuel cell stack of the vehicle and a heating unit that controls the temperature of the incoming air flowing into the vehicle. By including a circulation line that exchanges heat with the condensate and the heat exchanger, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of improving the heat management efficiency and the cooling and heating efficiency of the energy vehicle.

Description

Thermal management system for fuel cell vehicles {THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR FUEL CELL VEHICLE}

The present invention relates to a thermal management system for fuel cell vehicles, and more specifically, to a thermal management system for fuel cell vehicles that can improve the thermal management efficiency and energy efficiency of vehicles.

A fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) produces electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen in a fuel cell stack and uses it as a power source.

Fuel cell vehicles can continuously generate power regardless of the capacity of the battery by supplying fuel and air from outside, which has the advantage of being highly efficient and emitting almost no pollutants, leading to continuous research and development.

Meanwhile, fuel cell vehicles are equipped with an air conditioning system to maintain the temperature inside the vehicle at an appropriate temperature (cooling and heating) regardless of external temperature changes. For example, the air conditioning system is configured to heat incoming air flowing into the vehicle using a heat pump and heater.

However, as the incoming air flowing into the vehicle is configured to be heated only by the heat pump and heater, it is difficult to quickly heat the incoming air and the power consumption due to the operation of the heat pump and heater increases, which increases energy efficiency. There is a problem that deteriorates.

In particular, in the past, it was difficult to quickly heat the incoming air flowing into the vehicle immediately after starting (cold starting) the fuel cell stack, and the heat pump and heater inevitably had to be operated to heat the incoming air, thereby minimizing air conditioning power consumption. There is a problem that makes it difficult to do.

Accordingly, various studies have been conducted recently to minimize air conditioning power consumption and improve energy efficiency, but this is still insufficient and development is required.

The purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle that can improve the thermal management efficiency and energy efficiency of the vehicle.

In particular, the purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to quickly heat inlet air flowing into a vehicle and minimize air conditioning power consumption.

Above all, the purpose of the embodiment of the present invention is to immediately heat the incoming air using the waste heat of condensate discharged from the fuel cell stack.

In addition, the embodiment of the present invention aims to minimize the operation of the heat pump and heater for heating the inlet air flowing into the vehicle, and to minimize power consumption due to the operation of the heat pump and heater. .

Additionally, the embodiment of the present invention aims to simplify the structure and improve design freedom and space utilization.

The problem to be solved in the embodiment is not limited to this, and also includes purposes and effects that can be understood from the means of solving the problem or the embodiment described below.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purposes of the present invention, a thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle includes a discharge line that guides condensate discharged from the fuel cell stack of the vehicle, and a temperature of inlet air flowing into the vehicle. It includes a circulation line through which heat medium circulates through a heating unit that regulates the heat medium, and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between condensate and the heat medium.

This is to improve the thermal management efficiency and energy efficiency of the vehicle.

In other words, conventionally, the incoming air flowing into the vehicle must be heated solely by the heat pump and heater that make up the vehicle's air conditioning system, making it difficult to quickly heat the incoming air, and power consumption due to the operation of the heat pump and heater. There is a problem that energy efficiency decreases as . In particular, in the past, it was difficult to quickly heat the incoming air flowing into the vehicle immediately after starting (cold starting) the fuel cell stack, and the heat pump and heater inevitably had to be operated to heat the incoming air, thereby minimizing air conditioning power consumption. There is a problem that makes it difficult to do.

However, the embodiment of the present invention allows heat exchange between the condensate discharged from the fuel cell stack and the heat medium of the circulation line passing through the heating unit (a heating unit that controls the temperature of the incoming air flowing into the vehicle). By doing this, the advantageous effect of minimizing air conditioning power consumption for heating the incoming air and improving energy efficiency can be obtained.

Above all, embodiments of the present invention can heat heat (heating heat of incoming air) using waste heat of condensate, thereby minimizing the operation of heat pumps and heaters and improving energy efficiency. You can get beneficial effects by doing so.

Moreover, since the embodiment of the present invention can heat the heat source using high temperature (e.g., 50°C or higher) condensate discharged immediately after starting the fuel cell stack, the fuel cell can be heated without operating the heat pump and heater. It is possible to heat the heat source (heat the incoming air) immediately after starting the stack, and the beneficial effect of improving the energy efficiency and heating performance of the vehicle can be obtained.

Heating units can be provided in various structures that can raise the temperature of incoming air flowing into a vehicle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit is provided in the vehicle and may include an air conditioning duct through which incoming air flows, a heating member provided inside the air conditioning duct, and a blowing fan provided inside the air conditioning duct. , the heating member can be heated by a circulation line passing through the heating member.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a heat management system for a fuel cell vehicle may include a heater provided in the circulation line to heat the fruit circulating along the circulation line.

The heat exchanger can be provided in various structures that can exchange heat between the condensate in the discharge line and the heat in the circulation line.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger housing provided in a vehicle, a first heat exchange pipe provided inside the heat exchanger housing and to which the discharge line is connected, and a heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with the first heat exchange pipe. It is provided inside the housing and may include a second heat exchange pipe to which a circulation line is connected.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle is provided in the discharge line so as to be located upstream of the heat exchanger, and may include a gas-liquid separator that separates gas from condensate.

In this way, by providing a gas-liquid separator in the discharge line and allowing the condensate (condensate from which water vapor is separated) that has passed through the gas-liquid separator to be supplied to the heat exchanger, the advantageous effect of further improving heat exchange efficiency and performance by condensate can be obtained. there is.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat management system for a fuel cell vehicle may be connected to a discharge line so as to be located downstream of the heat exchanger and may include a storage container that stores condensate that has passed through the heat exchanger.

As such, the embodiment of the present invention allows condensate that has passed through the heat exchanger to be stored in a storage container rather than being immediately discharged to the outside, thereby causing pollution and accidents due to discharge of condensate (for example, freezing of condensate discharged on the road). This can have the beneficial effect of lowering the risk of slipping accidents due to accidents.

Storage containers can be provided in various structures capable of storing condensate.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage container may include a container body having a storage space therein, and an insulating layer provided to cover the wall of the container body.

As such, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to delay the temperature drop and freezing of condensate stored inside the container body as much as possible by providing an insulating layer to cover the wall surface of the container body.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle may include a connection line connected to a storage container, and a discharge valve that selectively opens and closes the connection line.

Meanwhile, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to exclude a separate heating member and configure the heat exchanger itself to function as a heating member.

As an example, the heat exchanger may include a first heat exchange pipe through which condensate is supplied, and a second heat exchange pipe provided adjacent to the first heat exchange pipe and through which heat is supplied, and the heating unit may include the first heat exchange pipe and the second heat exchange pipe. It is provided in the vehicle to surround the circumference of the heat exchange pipe and may include an air conditioning duct through which incoming air flows, and a blowing fan provided inside the air conditioning duct.

As such, the embodiment of the present invention allows the first heat exchange pipe and the second heat exchange pipe themselves to perform the role of a heating member, thereby eliminating the need to provide a separate heating member in the heating unit, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing costs. Savings can be achieved, and the advantageous effect of improving space utilization and design freedom can be obtained.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the advantageous effect of improving the thermal management efficiency and energy efficiency of a vehicle can be obtained.

In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the incoming air flowing into the vehicle can be quickly heated and the advantageous effect of minimizing air conditioning power consumption can be obtained.

Above all, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the incoming air flowing into the vehicle can be immediately heated using the waste heat of the condensate discharged from the fuel cell stack.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the operation of the heat pump and heater for heating the inlet air flowing into the vehicle can be minimized, and the advantageous effect of minimizing power consumption due to the operation of the heat pump and heater can be obtained. .

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the advantageous effects of simplifying the structure and improving design freedom and space utilization can be obtained.

1 is a diagram for explaining a thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining a thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.
3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining a blocking member as a thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments, but may be implemented in various different forms, and as long as it is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the components may be optionally used between the embodiments. It can be used by combining and replacing.

In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention, unless explicitly specifically defined and described, are generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It can be interpreted as meaning, and the meaning of commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, can be interpreted by considering the contextual meaning of the related technology.

Additionally, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated in the phrase, and when described as "at least one (or more than one) of A and B and C", it is combined with A, B, and C. It can contain one or more of all possible combinations.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used.

These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and are not limited to the essence, sequence, or order of the component.

And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' to another component, the component is not only directly connected, coupled or connected to the other component, but also is connected to the other component. It may also include cases where other components are 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' due to another component between them.

Additionally, when described as being formed or disposed "on top or bottom" of each component, top or bottom refers not only to cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also to one component. This also includes cases where another component described above is formed or disposed between two components. In addition, when expressed as "top (above) or bottom (bottom)", it may include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the thermal management system 10 for a fuel cell vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a discharge line 110 that guides condensate discharged from the fuel cell stack 100 of the vehicle and flowing into the vehicle. It includes a circulation line 210 through which a heat medium circulates through a heating unit 200 that controls the temperature of the incoming air, and a heat exchanger 300 that exchanges heat between condensate and the medium.

For reference, the thermal management system 10 for a fuel cell vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various mobility such as vehicles, ships, aviation, etc., and the object to which the thermal management system 10 for a fuel cell vehicle is applied ( The present invention is not limited or limited by the type and characteristics of mobility.

The fuel cell stack 100 is a type of power generation device that produces electrical energy through a chemical reaction of fuel (for example, hydrogen), and can be constructed by stacking dozens or hundreds of fuel cell cells (unit cells) in series. there is.

Fuel cell cells can be formed in various structures that can produce electricity through a redox reaction between a fuel (eg, hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (eg, air).

For example, a fuel cell is a membrane electrode assembly (MEA: Membrane Electrode Assembly) (not shown) in which catalyst electrode layers where electrochemical reactions occur are attached to both sides of the electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move, and reactant gases are evenly distributed. A gas diffusion layer (GDL: Gas Diffusion Layer) (not shown) that plays a role in transmitting the generated electrical energy, a gasket and fastening mechanism (not shown) to maintain airtightness and appropriate fastening pressure of the reactive gases and coolant, It may also include a bipolar plate (not shown) that moves the reaction gases and cooling water.

More specifically, in a fuel cell, hydrogen as a fuel and air (oxygen) as an oxidizing agent are supplied to the anode and cathode of the membrane electrode assembly through the flow path of the separator, respectively. Hydrogen is supplied to the anode, Air is supplied to the cathode.

The hydrogen supplied to the anode is decomposed into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons (electrons) by the catalyst in the electrode layer formed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and only hydrogen ions are selectively passed through the electrolyte membrane, which is a cation exchange membrane, and transferred to the cathode. At the same time, electrons are transferred to the cathode through the conductive gas diffusion layer and separator plate.

At the cathode, hydrogen ions supplied through the electrolyte membrane and electrons transferred through the separator meet oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode by the air supply device, causing a reaction to generate water. Due to the movement of hydrogen ions that occurs at this time, a flow of electrons occurs through the external conductor, and current is generated through this flow of electrons.

The discharge line 110 is provided to guide high-temperature condensate discharged from the fuel cell stack 100.

For example, the temperature discharged from the fuel cell stack 100 may be approximately 50°C or higher.

In an embodiment of the present invention, condensate discharged from the fuel cell stack 100 is defined to include both condensate discharged from the cathode and the anode of the fuel cell stack 100.

The discharge line 110 may be provided in various structures capable of guiding high-temperature condensate to the outside of the fuel cell stack 100, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the discharge line 110.

For reference, the condensate discharged from the fuel cell stack 100 may be discharged directly along the discharge line 110, or may be discharged after passing through a humidifier (a humidifier that humidifies the air supplied to the fuel cell stack) (not shown). The present invention is not limited or limited by the discharge path of the condensate.

The circulation line 210 is provided to pass through the heating unit 200, which controls the temperature of the inlet air flowing into the vehicle, and heat medium can circulate along the circulation line 210.

The circulation line 210 is configured to pass through the heating unit 200 of the air conditioning system to maintain the temperature inside the vehicle at an appropriate temperature (e.g., heating), and is designed according to the structure and shape of the circulation line 210. The invention is not restricted or limited.

More specifically, the circulation line 210 may be configured to form a temperature increasing loop that heats (temperatures) the fruit passing through the heating unit 200, and forms a heating loop to increase the indoor temperature of the vehicle in the vehicle heating mode. can be formed.

For reference, in the above-described and illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the circulation line 210 passes through the heating unit 200 alone, but according to another embodiment of the present invention, the circulation line requires temperature increase. It is possible to configure it to pass through other components (for example, electrical components).

As the fruit circulating along the circulation line 210, various media can be used depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and characteristics of the fruit. As an example, ordinary heating water (or refrigerant) can be used as the fruit.

In addition, a pump and various additional devices that forcibly flow (circulate) the fruit may be provided on the circulation line 210.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat management system 10 for a fuel cell vehicle may include a heater 212 provided in the circulation line 210 to heat the fruit circulating along the circulation line 210.

The heater 212 is provided to heat the fruit circulating along the circulation line 210 separately from heating the fruit by heat exchange (heat exchange with condensate).

By providing the heater 212 in the circulation line 210, the fruit circulating along the circulation line 210 can be heated by heat exchange with condensate or can be heated by the heater 212. Heating of the fruit by the heater 212 may be performed simultaneously with heat exchange between the fruit and the condensate, or may be performed separately.

As the heater 212, various heating means capable of heating the fruit circulating along the circulation line 210 can be used, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and structure of the heater 212.

As an example, a typical heater 212 that can be heated by power supply can be used as the heater 212, and the fruit can be heated by the heat generated by the heater 212 while passing through the heater 212. .

The heating unit 200 may be provided in various structures capable of raising the temperature of the incoming air flowing into the vehicle, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the heating unit 200.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit 200 is provided in a vehicle and includes an air conditioning duct 202 through which incoming air flows, a heating member 204 provided inside the air conditioning duct 202, and an air conditioning duct. It may include a blowing fan 206 provided inside the 202, and the heating member 204 may be heated (heated by heat) by the circulation line 210 passing through the heating member 204. .

The air conditioning duct 202 may be provided in various structures through which inlet air can flow, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the structure and shape of the air conditioning duct 202.

The heating member 204 may be provided in various structures (e.g., a thermally conductive block) that can be heated by heat circulating along the circulation line 210, and the present invention can be determined depending on the type and structure of the heating member 204. This is not limited or limited. As an example, the heating member 204 may be provided in a substantially square block shape, and the circulation line 210 may be provided to pass through the heating member 204 in the longitudinal direction (up and down direction with respect to FIG. 1).

As the blowing fan 206, various fans (for example, centrifugal fans or axial fans) that can forcibly flow the air flowing into the air conditioning duct 202 into the interior of the vehicle can be used, and the blowing fan 206 The present invention is not limited or limited by the type and structure of.

With this structure, the incoming air flowing in through the inlet port (not shown) of the air conditioning duct 202 is blown by the heating member 204 (by the heat circulating along the circulation line) by the blowing force of the blowing fan 206. It can be supplied into the interior of the vehicle through a heated heating member, and the incoming air can be heated by the heating member 204 while passing through the heating member 204.

The heat exchanger 300 is provided to exchange heat between the fruit circulating along the circulation line 210 and the condensate moving along the discharge line 110.

This is due to the fact that the condensate discharged from the fuel cell stack 100 has a high temperature (e.g., 50 degrees or more) immediately after starting the fuel cell stack 100, and is connected to the heat exchanger 300 through the heat exchanger 300. By allowing the condensate and the fruit to exchange heat with each other, the advantageous effect of minimizing air conditioning power consumption for heating the incoming air (for example, minimizing the operation of the heater 212) and improving energy efficiency can be obtained.

Above all, the embodiment of the present invention can heat heat (heating heat of incoming air) using waste heat of condensate, thereby minimizing the operation of the heat pump (not shown) and heater 212. and can achieve the beneficial effect of improving energy efficiency.

In particular, the embodiment of the present invention can heat the heat in the circulation line 210 using high temperature (e.g., 50°C or higher) condensate discharged immediately after starting the fuel cell stack 100, so that the heat pump And it is possible to heat the fruit without operating the heater 212, and the advantageous effect of improving the energy efficiency and heating performance of the vehicle can be obtained. For example, at temperatures where maximum heating performance is not required (e.g., between seasons), the incoming air flowing into the vehicle is heated using only the waste heat of the condensate (only heat exchange between the condensate and the heat exchanger) without separately operating the heater 212. It is possible to do so.

The heat exchanger 300 can be provided in various structures that can exchange heat with the condensate in the discharge line 110 and the heat in the circulation line 210, and the present invention is limited by the type and structure of the heat exchanger 300. It is not limited or limited.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger 300 is a heat exchanger housing 310 provided in a vehicle, and a first heat exchange pipe is provided inside the heat exchanger housing 310 and to which the discharge line 110 is connected. It may include (320) and a second heat exchange pipe (330) provided inside the heat exchanger housing (310) to enable mutual heat exchange with the first heat exchange pipe (320) and to which the circulation line (210) is connected.

Here, the fact that the first heat exchange pipe 320 and the second heat exchange pipe 330 are provided to exchange heat with each other means that the first heat exchange pipe 320 and the second heat exchange pipe 330 exchange heat by convection or conduction. It is defined as including everything.

The heat exchanger housing 310 may be provided with an internal accommodation space in various structures. As an example, the heat exchanger housing 310 may be provided to have an approximately square box shape.

The first heat exchange pipe 320 may be connected to the discharge line 110, and condensate guided along the discharge line 110 may be discharged through the first heat exchange pipe 320.

The second heat exchange pipe 330 may be connected to the circulation line 210, and the fruit circulating along the circulation line 210 may pass through the second heat exchange pipe 330. The fruit may be heated by heat exchange with condensate water moving along the first heat exchange pipe 320 while passing through the second heat exchange pipe 330.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, in order to further improve the heat exchange efficiency between condensate and the heat exchanger (expand the heat exchange area), a plurality of heat exchange members (e.g., heat exchange members) are formed around the first heat exchange pipe 320 and the second heat exchange pipe 330. For example, it is also possible to provide heat exchange fins (not shown).

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat management system 10 for a fuel cell vehicle is provided in the discharge line 110 to be located upstream of the heat exchanger 300, and separates gas from condensate. It may include a separator 120.

As the gas-liquid separator 120, various separation devices that can separate gas (e.g., water vapor) contained in the condensate from the condensate can be used, and the present invention is limited or limited by the type and structure of the gas-liquid separator 120. It doesn't work. For example, a cyclone separation type gas-liquid separator 120 may be used as the gas-liquid separator 120.

In this way, by providing a gas-liquid separator 120 in the discharge line 110 and allowing condensate (condensate from which water vapor has been separated) passing through the gas-liquid separator 120 to be supplied to the heat exchanger 300, the condensate The advantageous effect of further improving heat exchange efficiency and performance can be obtained.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat management system 10 for a fuel cell vehicle is connected to the discharge line 110 so as to be located downstream of the heat exchanger 300, and the heat management system 10 for a fuel cell vehicle is connected to the discharge line 110 so as to be located downstream of the heat exchanger 300. It may include a storage container 400 for storing condensate.

As such, the embodiment of the present invention ensures that the condensate that has passed through the heat exchanger 300 is not immediately discharged to the outside but is stored in the storage container 400, thereby preventing pollution and accidents due to discharge of condensate (e.g. This can have the beneficial effect of lowering the risk of slipping accidents due to freezing of condensate discharged on the road.

The storage container 400 may be provided in various structures capable of storing condensate, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the structure of the storage container 400.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage container 400 may include a container body 410 having a storage space therein, and an insulating layer 420 provided to cover the wall of the container body 410.

The material and characteristics of the insulation layer 420 (e.g., thin film insulation layer) may vary depending on required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the material and characteristics of the insulation layer 420. no. Alternatively, it is also possible to form the heat insulating layer as a vacuum layer.

As such, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to delay the temperature drop and freezing of condensate stored inside the container body 410 as much as possible by providing the heat insulating layer 420 to cover the wall of the container body 410. do.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermal management system 10 for a fuel cell vehicle includes a connection line 430 connected to the storage container 400, and a valve 432 that selectively opens and closes the connection line 430. can do.

The connection line 430 may be provided in various structures capable of discharging condensed water stored in the storage container 400, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the structure of the connection line 430. For example, the connection line 430 may be formed of a flexible pipe that can be flexibly bent.

As the valve 432, various valve means that can selectively open and close the connection line 430 can be used, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and structure of the valve 432. For example, a typical solenoid valve or butterfly valve may be used as the valve 432.

With this configuration, when the valve 432 blocks the connection line 430, condensate can remain stored in the storage container 400. On the other hand, when the valve 432 opens the connection line 430, condensed water in the storage container 400 may be discharged to the outside along the connection line 430. For example, condensate discharged along the connection line 430 can be used for car washing, etc.

Referring to FIG. 3, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat management system 10 for a fuel cell vehicle is installed at a first position blocking the gap between the first heat exchange pipe 320 and the second heat exchange pipe 330. It may include a blocking member 350 provided in the heat exchanger housing 310 so that it can be moved to a second position that opens between the first heat exchange pipe 320 and the second heat exchange pipe 330.

This is to control the indoor temperature of the vehicle more effectively by suppressing mutual heat exchange between the first heat exchange pipe 320 and the second heat exchange pipe 330 in situations where interior heating of the vehicle is unnecessary (e.g., summer). .

In other words, in order to quickly lower the temperature of the room in the summer when the temperature of the inlet air flowing into the air conditioning duct 202 is high, the temperature of the fruit circulating along the circulation line 210 must be maintained as low as possible. The fuel cell stack ( When the heat exchanger is heated by heat exchange with high-temperature condensate that is continuously discharged during the operation of 100), there is a problem in that it is difficult to quickly lower the temperature of the vehicle's cabin.

However, in the embodiment of the present invention, a blocking member 350 is provided between the first heat exchange pipe 320 and the second heat exchange pipe 330, and in a situation where interior heating of the vehicle is unnecessary, the first heat exchange pipe 320 By ensuring that the space between the and the second heat exchange pipe 330 is blocked by the blocking member 350, unnecessary heat exchange (heating of the fruit) between high-temperature condensate and the fruit can be suppressed, thereby increasing the vehicle's interior temperature more quickly and The advantageous effect of effective control can be obtained.

The blocking member 350 may be provided in various structures capable of moving from the first position to the second position, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the structure and movement method of the blocking member 350.

For reference, in the embodiment of the present invention, the blocking member 350 moves from the first position to the second position means that the blocking member moves straight or curved (or rotates) from the first position to the second position. It is defined as including everything.

As an example, the blocking member 350 may be configured to move straight from the first position to the second position (or from the second position to the first position) along the vertical direction (based on FIG. 3). According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the blocking member to move curvedly from the first position to the second position (for example, curved movement along an arc-shaped path).

For example, the blocking member 350 may be configured to be lifted from the first position to the second position by a lead screw (not shown) rotated by a motor (not shown). According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the blocking member to be raised (moved) via a linear motor, solenoid, or other power transmission member.

Preferably, the blocking member 350 may be formed of a heat-blocking material.

For example, the blocking member 350 may be formed of conventional synthetic resin, metal, wood, etc., which have heat-blocking properties, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and characteristics of the heat-blocking material.

As such, in the embodiment of the present invention, by forming the blocking member 350 with a heat insulating material, the heat blocking performance (blocking mutual heat exchange between the first heat exchange pipe and the second heat exchange pipe) by the blocking member 350 The advantageous effect of further improving performance can be obtained.

Meanwhile, in the above-described and illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger 300 heats the incoming air flowing into the vehicle through a separate heating member 204. According to another embodiment of the invention, it is possible to exclude a separate heating member and configure the heat exchanger itself to function as a heating member.

Referring to FIG. 2, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat management system 10 for a fuel cell vehicle passes through a heating unit 200' that controls the temperature of the incoming air flowing into the vehicle and heat medium. ) includes a circulation line 210 through which condensate circulates, and a heat exchanger 300' for mutual heat exchange between condensate and the fruit, wherein the heat exchanger 300' includes a first heat exchange pipe 320' through which condensate is supplied, and a second heat exchange pipe 330' provided adjacent to the first heat exchange pipe 320' and supplied with heat, and the heating unit 200' may include the first heat exchange pipe 320' and the first heat exchange pipe 320'. 2. It is provided in the vehicle to surround the circumference of the heat exchange pipe 330' and may include an air conditioning duct 202' through which incoming air flows, and a blowing fan 206' provided inside the air conditioning duct 202'. there is.

The first heat exchange pipe 320' may be connected to the discharge line 110, and condensate guided along the discharge line 110 may be discharged through the first heat exchange pipe 320'.

The second heat exchange pipe 330' may be connected to the circulation line 210, and the fruit circulating along the circulation line 210 may pass through the second heat exchange pipe 330'. The fruit may be heated by mutual heat exchange with condensate water moving along the first heat exchange pipe 320' while passing through the second heat exchange pipe 330'.

The air conditioning duct 202' has an inlet port (not shown) through which incoming air flows, and can be provided in various structures that can surround the first heat exchange pipe 320' and the second heat exchange pipe 330'. The present invention is not limited or limited by the structure and shape of the air conditioning duct 202'.

The blowing fan 206' is provided inside the air conditioning duct 202' to force the incoming air flowing into the air conditioning duct 202' to flow into the interior of the vehicle. As the blowing fan 206', a typical centrifugal fan or axial fan can be used, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and structure of the blowing fan 206'.

For reference, in the above-described and illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first heat exchange pipe 320 and the second heat exchange pipe 330 are described as an example in which the air conditioning duct 202 is exposed as is, but in the embodiment of the present invention, the first heat exchange pipe 320 and the second heat exchange pipe 330 are exposed as is. According to another embodiment, it is possible to provide a separate housing surrounding the first heat exchange pipe and the second heat exchange pipe inside the air conditioning duct.

With this structure, the incoming air flowing in through the inlet port (not shown) of the air conditioning duct 202 can be supplied to the interior of the vehicle by the blowing force of the blowing fan 206', and the incoming air is supplied through the air conditioning duct. While passing through the interior of 202', it can be heated by the first heat exchange pipe 320' and the second heat exchange pipe 330' that exchange heat with each other.

As such, the embodiment of the present invention allows the first heat exchange pipe 320' and the second heat exchange pipe 330' themselves to function as a kind of heating member (see 204 in FIG. 1), thereby forming a heating unit ( 200'), there is no need to provide a separate heating member, so the structure can be simplified, costs can be reduced, and space utilization and design freedom can be improved.

Additionally, referring to FIG. 4, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermal management system 10 for a fuel cell vehicle includes a device that blocks the space between the first heat exchange pipe 320' and the second heat exchange pipe 330'. It may include a blocking member (350') provided in the air conditioning duct (202') that can be moved from the first position to the second position that opens between the first heat exchange pipe (320') and the second heat exchange pipe (330'). You can.

This is to control the indoor temperature of the vehicle more effectively by suppressing mutual heat exchange between the first heat exchange pipe 320' and the second heat exchange pipe 330' in situations where interior heating of the vehicle is unnecessary (for example, summer). It is for this purpose.

In other words, in order to quickly lower the temperature of the guest room in the summer when the temperature of the inlet air flowing into the air conditioning duct 202' is high, the temperature of the fruit circulating along the circulation line 210 must be maintained as low as possible, and the fuel cell stack When the heat exchanger is heated by heat exchange with high-temperature condensate that is continuously discharged during the operation of (100), there is a problem in that it is difficult to quickly lower the temperature of the vehicle's cabin.

However, in the embodiment of the present invention, a blocking member 350' is provided between the first heat exchange pipe 320' and the second heat exchange pipe 330', and in a situation where interior heating of the vehicle is not necessary, the first heat exchange pipe is By ensuring that the space between (320') and the second heat exchange pipe (330') is blocked by the blocking member (350'), unnecessary heat exchange (heating of the fruit) between high-temperature condensate and the fruit can be suppressed, The advantageous effect of controlling the indoor temperature more quickly and effectively can be achieved.

The blocking member 350' may be provided in various structures capable of moving from the first position to the second position, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure and movement method of the blocking member 350'.

For reference, in the embodiment of the present invention, moving the blocking member 350' from the first position to the second position means that the blocking member moves straight or curved (or rotates) from the first position to the second position. It is defined as including everything that does.

As an example, the blocking member 350' may be configured to move straight from the first position to the second position (or from the second position to the first position) along the vertical direction (based on FIG. 4). According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the blocking member to move curvedly from the first position to the second position (for example, curved movement along an arc-shaped path).

For example, the blocking member 350' may be configured to be lifted from the first position to the second position by a lead screw (not shown) rotated by a motor (not shown). According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the blocking member to be raised (moved) via a linear motor, solenoid, or other power transmission member.

Preferably, the blocking member 350' may be formed of a heat-blocking material.

For example, the blocking member 350' may be formed of conventional synthetic resin, metal, wood, etc., which have heat-blocking properties, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and characteristics of the heat-blocking material.

As such, in the embodiment of the present invention, by forming the blocking member 350' with a heat insulating material, the heat blocking performance (mutual heat exchange between the first heat exchange pipe and the second heat exchange pipe) by the blocking member 350' is achieved. The advantageous effect of further improving the blocking performance can be obtained.

Although the above description focuses on the examples, this is only an example and does not limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to You will see that various variations and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. And these variations and differences in application should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

10: Thermal management system for fuel cell vehicles
100: Fuel cell stack
110: discharge line
120: Gas-liquid separator
200,200': Heating unit
202,202': Air conditioning duct
204: Heating member
206,206': blowing fan
210: circulation line
212: heater
300,300': heat exchanger
310: heat exchanger housing
320,320': 1st heat exchange pipe
330,330': 2nd heat exchange pipe
350,350': Blocking member
400: storage container
410: container body
420: insulation layer
430: connection line
432: valve

Claims (13)

A discharge line that guides condensate discharged from the vehicle's fuel cell stack;
A circulation line through which a heat medium circulates, passing through a heating unit that regulates the temperature of the incoming air flowing into the vehicle; and
A heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the condensate and the fruit;
A thermal management system for fuel cell vehicles including.
According to paragraph 1,
The heat exchanger,
A heat exchanger housing provided in the vehicle;
a first heat exchange pipe provided inside the heat exchanger housing and to which the discharge line is connected; and
a second heat exchange pipe provided inside the heat exchanger housing to exchange heat with the first heat exchange pipe and to which the circulation line is connected;
A thermal management system for fuel cell vehicles including.
According to paragraph 2,
Provided in the heat exchanger housing to be able to move from a first position blocking the space between the first heat exchange pipe and the second heat exchange pipe to a second position opening the space between the first heat exchange pipe and the second heat exchange pipe. A thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle including a blocking member.
According to paragraph 3,
A thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle in which the blocking member is formed of a heat insulating material.
According to paragraph 1,
The heating unit is,
an air conditioning duct provided in the vehicle and through which the incoming air flows;
A heating member provided inside the air conditioning duct; and
It includes a blowing fan provided inside the air conditioning duct,
A thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle in which the heating member is heated by the circulation line passing through the heating member.
According to paragraph 1,
A thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle that is provided in the circulation line and includes a heater that heats the fruit.
According to paragraph 1,
The heat exchanger,
It includes a first heat exchange pipe through which the condensate is supplied, and a second heat exchange pipe provided adjacent to the first heat exchange pipe through which the fruit is supplied,
The heating unit is,
A thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle, comprising an air conditioning duct provided in the vehicle to surround the first heat exchange pipe and the second heat exchange pipe and through which the incoming air flows, and a blower fan provided inside the air conditioning duct.
In clause 7,
A blocker provided in the air conditioning duct that can be moved from a first position that blocks the space between the first heat exchange pipe and the second heat exchange pipe to a second position that opens the space between the first heat exchange pipe and the second heat exchange pipe. A thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle including members.
According to clause 8,
A thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle in which the blocking member is formed of a heat insulating material.
According to paragraph 1,
A thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle that is provided in the discharge line to be located upstream of the heat exchanger and includes a gas-liquid separator that separates gas from the condensate.
According to paragraph 1,
A thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle that is connected to the discharge line to be located downstream of the heat exchanger and includes a storage container that stores the condensate that has passed through the heat exchanger.
According to clause 11,
The storage container is,
A container body having a storage space therein; and
an insulating layer provided to cover the wall of the container body;
A thermal management system for fuel cell vehicles including.
According to clause 12,
A connection line connected to the storage container; and
A valve that selectively opens and closes the connection line;
A thermal management system for fuel cell vehicles including.

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