KR20240032396A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fuel cell system, and is provided with a drain valve that discharges condensate from the fuel cell stack, an inlet port through which condensate discharged from the drain valve flows, a humidifier that humidifies the air supplied to the fuel cell stack, and a humidifier. It is provided and includes a negative pressure application unit that applies negative pressure to the inlet port to suck condensate from the drain valve, so that condensate can be discharged effectively and the advantageous effect of improving stability and reliability can be obtained.

Description

Fuel cell system{FUEL CELL SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to a fuel cell system, and more specifically, to a fuel cell system that can effectively discharge condensate and improve stability and reliability.

A fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is configured to produce electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction of oxygen and hydrogen in a fuel cell stack and drive a motor to drive.

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

Generally, a fuel cell vehicle consists of a fuel cell stack that produces electricity through a redox reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, a fuel supply device that supplies fuel (hydrogen) to the fuel cell stack, and electricity to the fuel cell stack. It may include an air supply device that supplies reaction air (oxygen), which is an oxidizing agent necessary for chemical reactions.

In addition, condensate generated during operation of the fuel cell stack can be discharged through the drain valve and then supplied to a humidifier that humidifies the air supplied to the fuel cell stack.

Meanwhile, if the condensate generated from the fuel cell stack is not discharged in a timely manner, flooding may occur inside the fuel cell stack, which may reduce the performance and operating efficiency of the fuel cell stack. Condensate must be able to be discharged smoothly and in a timely manner.

However, conventionally, the inlet port of the humidifier through which condensate flows from the drain valve is located at a higher height than the outlet of the drain valve (due to the height of the inlet port being higher than the height of the outlet of the drain valve), so that the water discharged from the drain valve There is a problem in that it is difficult to smoothly supply condensate to the inlet port, and as condensate is excessively stagnant inside the drain valve, it is difficult to discharge condensate generated in the fuel cell stack in a timely manner through the drain valve.

Accordingly, in recent years, various studies have been conducted to smoothly supply condensate discharged through the drain valve to the humidifier, but this is still insufficient and development is required.

The purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system that can effectively discharge condensate and improve stability and reliability.

In particular, the purpose of the embodiment of the present invention is to minimize stagnation of condensate in the drain valve and to smoothly supply condensate discharged through the drain valve to the humidifier.

Above all, the purpose of the embodiment of the present invention is to smoothly supply condensate stagnant in the drain valve to the humidifier using air compressed through an air compressor without using a separate discharge pump.

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

Additionally, embodiments of the present invention aim to suppress degradation of performance and operating efficiency of the fuel cell stack due to condensate stagnation.

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 purposes of the present invention described above, the fuel cell system is provided with a drain valve that discharges condensate from the fuel cell stack, an inlet port through which condensate discharged from the drain valve flows, and a fuel cell system is provided. It includes a humidifier that humidifies the air supplied to the battery stack, and a negative pressure application unit provided in the humidifier that applies negative pressure to the inlet port to suck condensate from the drain valve.

This is to effectively discharge condensate and improve stability and reliability.

In other words, previously, the inlet port of the humidifier through which condensate flows from the drain valve was located at a higher height than the outlet of the drain valve (due to the height of the inlet port being higher than the height of the outlet of the drain valve). There is a problem in that it is difficult to smoothly supply condensate to the inlet port, and as condensate is excessively stagnant inside the drain valve, it is difficult to discharge condensate generated in the fuel cell stack in a timely manner through the drain valve.

However, the embodiment of the present invention minimizes stagnation of condensate in the drain valve by applying a negative pressure to the inlet port of the humidifier to suck condensate from the drain valve, and allows the condensate discharged through the drain valve to flow smoothly into the humidifier. You can achieve the advantageous effect of supplying it.

In particular, the embodiment of the present invention allows the condensate of the drain valve to be sucked into the humidifier by the negative pressure applied to the inlet port, regardless of the height of the inlet port relative to the outlet of the drain valve (the inlet port of the humidifier is Even if it is located at a higher height than the valve outlet, condensate can be smoothly discharged from the drain valve and supplied to the humidifier.

The negative pressure applicator may be provided in various structures capable of applying negative pressure to the inlet port.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the negative pressure application portion may include a negative pressure application hole provided on the wall of the inlet port, and a negative pressure forming portion provided to surround the circumference of the inlet port and defining a negative pressure area around the negative pressure application hole. there is.

The negative pressure forming unit may be provided in various structures capable of defining a negative pressure area around the negative pressure application hole.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the negative pressure forming portion includes a negative pressure housing provided to surround the circumference of the inlet port, an inlet port provided in the negative pressure housing to have a first cross-sectional area and through which compressed air flows, and a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area. It has a cross-sectional area, is provided in the negative pressure housing adjacent to the negative pressure application hole, and may include an outlet port through which compressed air is discharged. The negative pressure area may be defined between the outlet port and the negative pressure application hole.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outlet port may be formed to have a streamlined cross-sectional shape.

As such, in an embodiment of the present invention, the outlet port has a streamlined cross-sectional shape with a gradually reduced cross-sectional area from the inlet end to the outlet end, thereby gradually increasing the speed of compressed air passing through the outlet port. By doing this, it is possible to more effectively lower the pressure at the outlet end of the outlet port. As a result, the pressure around the outlet port (negative pressure area) can be lowered more effectively.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell system may include a guide port provided at the inlet port in communication with the negative pressure application hole and disposed toward the outlet port.

As such, the embodiment of the present invention provides a guide port that communicates with the negative pressure application hole, and the end of the guide port is disposed adjacent to the outlet port where the lowest pressure is formed in the negative pressure housing (or disposed inside the outlet port). By doing so, it is possible to more effectively apply negative pressure to the negative pressure application hole.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the negative pressure application hole is preferably provided at a height higher than the level of the condensate moving along the inlet port.

In this way, by making the height of the negative pressure application hole higher than the water level of the condensate, when the condensate moves along the inlet port, the condensate moving along the inlet port flows to the outside of the inlet port (outside of the humidifier) through the negative pressure application hole. The beneficial effect of suppressing emissions can be obtained.

Supply of compressed air to the negative pressure forming unit can be implemented in various ways depending on required conditions and design specifications.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell system may include an air compressor that compresses air supplied to the fuel cell stack, and a connection line connecting the air compressor and the inlet port, and the inlet port is connected to the air compressor. Compressed air can be supplied.

As such, in the embodiment of the present invention, air compressed in the air compressor is supplied to the inlet port of the negative pressure forming part along the connection line, thereby forcibly supplying air (compressed air) to form negative pressure in the negative pressure forming part. Since there is no need to additionally provide a separate air supply device (for example, an air supply fan), the beneficial effects of simplifying the structure and improving design freedom and space utilization can be obtained.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell system may include a valve member that is provided in a humidifier and selectively opens and closes the inlet port.

The valve member may be provided in various structures that allow the inlet port to be selectively opened and closed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the valve member is a valve shaft provided inside the humidifier adjacent to the inlet port, and rotates around the valve shaft from a blocked position that blocks the inlet port to an open position that opens the inlet port. It may include a valve disc that is possibly provided.

As such, the embodiment of the present invention ensures that the outlet of the inlet port is blocked by the valve disc while negative pressure is applied to the inlet port, so that condensate or wet air contained inside the humidifier flows through the inlet port to the outside of the humidifier. The beneficial effect of suppressing emissions can be obtained.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, condensate can be discharged effectively and the advantageous effect of improving stability and reliability can be obtained.

In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, stagnation of condensate in the drain valve can be minimized, and condensate discharged through the drain valve can be smoothly supplied to the humidifier.

Above all, according to an embodiment of the present invention, condensate stagnant in the drain valve can be smoothly supplied to the humidifier using air compressed through an air compressor without using a separate discharge pump.

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

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of suppressing the degradation of performance and operating efficiency of the fuel cell stack due to condensate stagnation.

1 is a diagram for explaining a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining an inlet port as a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining a negative pressure application part of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining a valve member as a fuel cell system 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.

1 to 6, the fuel cell system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a drain valve 120 that discharges condensate from the fuel cell stack 110, and condensate discharged from the drain valve 120. An inflow port 142 is provided, and a humidifier 140 for humidifying the air supplied to the fuel cell stack 110 is provided in the humidifier 140, and a negative pressure ( It includes a negative pressure application unit 200 that applies negative pressure) to the inlet port 142.

For reference, the fuel cell system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various vehicles (for example, passenger cars or commercial vehicles) to which the fuel cell stack 110 can be applied, or to mobility such as ships and aviation. The present invention is not limited or limited by the type and characteristics of mobility to which the fuel cell system 10 is applied.

As an example, the fuel cell system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to a vehicle (eg, bus).

For reference, the fuel cell stack 110 is a type of power generation device that produces electrical energy through a chemical reaction of fuel (e.g., hydrogen), by stacking dozens or hundreds of fuel cell cells (unit cells) in series. It can be configured.

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 drain valve 120 is provided to discharge condensed water generated in the fuel cell stack 110 to the outside of the fuel cell stack 110.

As the drain valve 120, various valves capable of discharging condensate from the fuel cell stack 110 can be used, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and structure of the drain valve 120.

The humidifier 140 is provided to humidify the air supplied to the fuel cell stack 110.

Here, humidifying the air supplied to the fuel cell stack 110 is defined as a process of increasing the humidity of the air.

As an example, the humidifier 140 uses the air (wet air) discharged from the fuel cell stack 110 and the condensate discharged from the drain valve 120 to purify the air (dry air) supplied to the fuel cell stack 110. It may be configured to humidify.

The humidifier 140 may be provided in various structures capable of humidifying dry air using air (humid air) discharged from the fuel cell stack 110, and the present invention may be limited or limited by the structure of the humidifier 140. It is not limited.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the humidifier 140 has an inlet gas connection port (not shown) through which inlet gas (dry air) flows in (supplied), and an inflow (humidified) that passes through the interior of the humidifier 140. An inflow gas discharge port (not shown) through which gas is discharged, a moist air connection port (not shown) through which the wet air discharged from the fuel cell stack 110 is supplied, and a wet air outlet that discharges the wet air that humidifies the inflow gas to the outside. A discharge port (not shown) and an inlet port 142 through which condensed water discharged from the drain valve 120 flows may be provided.

The inflow gas supplied through the inflow gas connection port is humidified by moist air and condensate while passing through a humidifying membrane (e.g., hollow membrane) (not shown) provided inside the humidifier 140, and then flows in. It can be supplied to the fuel cell stack 110 through the gas discharge port.

In addition, the wet air (or condensate) discharged from the fuel cell stack 110 can be supplied to the wet air connection port to humidify the incoming gas inside the humidifier 140 and then discharged to the outside through the wet air discharge port. there is.

The inlet port 142 and the drain valve 120 may be connected via a drain line 122, and the condensate discharged from the drain valve 120 may be supplied to the inlet port 142 along the drain line 122. there is.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the negative pressure application unit 200 is provided in the humidifier 140 to apply negative pressure to the inlet port 142 to suck condensate from the drain valve 120.

Here, applying negative pressure to the inlet port 142 is defined as applying suction pressure or vacuum pressure capable of sucking condensate from the drain valve 120 to the inside of the inlet port 142.

The negative pressure application unit 200 may be provided in various structures capable of applying negative pressure to the inlet port 142, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the structure of the negative pressure application unit 200.

As an example, the negative pressure application unit 200 is provided to surround the negative pressure application hole 210 provided on the wall of the inlet port 142 and the circumference of the inlet port 142, and is provided around the negative pressure application hole 210. It may include a negative pressure forming part 220 that defines a negative pressure area.

The negative pressure application hole 210 may be formed to penetrate the wall of the inlet port 142 to communicate with the internal space (passage) of the inlet port 142.

The negative pressure application hole 210 may be formed in various structures depending on required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the structure and shape of the negative pressure application hole 210. As an example, the negative pressure application hole 210 may be formed to have a circular cross-section.

The negative pressure forming part 220 may be provided in various structures capable of defining a negative pressure area around the negative pressure applying hole 210, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the structure of the negative pressure forming part 220. .

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the negative pressure forming portion 220 is provided in the negative pressure housing 222 to surround the circumference of the inlet port 142, the negative pressure housing 222 has a first cross-sectional area, and the compressed air It may include an inlet port 224 through which compressed air flows, a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area, and an outlet port 226 provided in the negative pressure housing 222 adjacent to the negative pressure application hole 210. And, the negative pressure area may be defined between the outlet port 226 and the negative pressure application hole 210.

The negative pressure housing 222 may be provided in various structures depending on required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the negative pressure housing 222.

As an example, the negative pressure housing 222 may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape that entirely surrounds the inlet port 142. According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the negative pressure housing to partially surround the circumference of the inlet port.

The inlet port 224 is provided to serve as an inlet through which compressed air flows, and is provided on one side of the negative pressure housing 222 (for example, the right end of the negative pressure housing with reference to FIG. 4) to have a first cross-sectional area. It can be.

The outlet port 226 is provided to serve as an outlet through which compressed air is discharged, has a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area, and is adjacent to the negative pressure application hole 210 on the other side of the negative pressure housing 222 (for example, For example, it may be provided at the left end of the negative pressure housing (see Figure 4).

As such, in the embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of the outlet port 226 is made smaller than that of the inlet port 224 (the second cross-sectional area of the outlet port is made smaller than the first cross-sectional area of the inlet port), By lowering the pressure in the area adjacent to the port 226 (between the outlet port and the negative pressure application hole), it is possible to apply negative pressure to the negative pressure application hole 210.

In other words, according to Bernoulli's principle, when the flow rate of the fluid (compressed air) moving along the flow path is constant, the cross-sectional area of the flow path and the speed (flow rate) of the fluid (compressed air) moving along the flow path are inversely proportional to each other. there is. Additionally, according to Bernoulli's principle, it can be seen that as the speed (flow rate) of the fluid (compressed air) moving along the flow path increases, the pressure of the fluid (compressed air) decreases.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outlet port 226 may be formed to have a streamlined cross-sectional shape.

As such, in the embodiment of the present invention, the outlet port 226 has a streamlined cross-sectional shape with a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases from the inlet end to the outlet end, so that the compressed air passing through the outlet port 226 By gradually increasing the speed, it is possible to more effectively lower the pressure at the outlet end of the outlet port 226. As a result, the pressure around the outlet port 226 (negative pressure area) can be lowered more effectively.

As such, the embodiment of the present invention prevents stagnation of condensate in the drain valve 120 by applying negative pressure to the inlet port 142 of the humidifier 140 to suck condensate from the drain valve 120. It is possible to achieve the advantageous effect of minimizing and smoothly supplying condensate discharged through the drain valve 120 to the humidifier 140.

In particular, the embodiment of the present invention allows the condensed water of the drain valve 120 to be sucked into the humidifier 140 by the negative pressure applied to the inlet port 142, so that the inlet port ( Regardless of the height of the humidifier 140 (even if the inlet port 142 of the humidifier 140 is located at a higher height (H2>H1) than the outlet of the drain valve 120), condensate is smoothly discharged from the drain valve 120. It is possible to discharge and supply to the humidifier 140 (see Figure 2).

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell system 10 is provided at the inlet port 142 in communication with the negative pressure application hole 210 and has a guide port 212 disposed toward the outlet port 226. It can be included.

As such, the embodiment of the present invention provides a guide port 212 in communication with the negative pressure application hole 210, and the end of the guide port 212 is an outlet port ( By placing it adjacent to the outlet port 226 (or inside the outlet port 226), it is possible to more effectively apply negative pressure to the negative pressure application hole 210.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the negative pressure application hole 210 is preferably provided at a height (H3) higher than the water level (SL) of the condensate moving along the inlet port (142).

In this way, by forming the height H3 of the negative pressure application hole 210 higher than the water level (SL) of the condensate, when the condensate moves along the inlet port 142, the condensate moving along the inlet port 142 It is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of suppressing discharge to the outside of the inlet port 142 (outside of the humidifier 140) through the negative pressure application hole 210.

Meanwhile, the supply of compressed air to the negative pressure forming unit 220 can be implemented in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is limited or limited by the structure and method of supplying compressed air to the negative pressure forming unit 220. It doesn't work.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell system 10 includes an air compressor 130 that compresses air supplied to the fuel cell stack 110, and a connection between the air compressor 130 and the inlet port 224. It may include a connection line 132, and air compressed by the air compressor 130 may be supplied to the inlet port.

The air compressor 130 is provided to supply air supplied to the fuel cell stack 110 in a compressed state.

More specifically, the air compressor 130 may compress the air supplied to the fuel cell stack 110 so that the air has sufficient pressure to pass through the internal flow path of the fuel cell stack 110.

As the air compressor 130, various air compressors 130 capable of compressing air can be used, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and structure of the air compressor 130. As an example, the air compressor 130 may be configured to compress and supply air using centrifugal force generated by rotation of a rotor (not shown).

The connection line 132 is provided to supply air (compressed air) that has passed through the air compressor 130 to the inlet port 224 of the negative pressure forming unit 220.

The connection line 132 may be provided in various structures capable of connecting the air compressor 130 and the inlet port 224, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the structure and shape of the connection line 132.

The connection structure of the air compressor 130 and the connection line 132 can be connected in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is limited by the connection structure of the air compressor 130 and the connection line 132. It is not limited or limited.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an adapter for selectively switching the discharge path of air to the fuel cell stack 110 or the connection line 132 is provided at the outlet of the air compressor 130 (the outlet discharging compressed air). (not shown) may be connected, and the connection line 132 may be connected to the air compressor 130 via an adapter.

As such, the embodiment of the present invention allows air compressed in the air compressor 130 to be supplied to the inlet port 224 of the negative pressure forming part 220 along the connection line 132, so that the negative pressure forming part 220 ), there is no need to additionally provide a separate air supply device (e.g., air supply fan) to forcibly supply air (compressed air) to form negative pressure, simplifying the structure and improving design freedom and space utilization. The beneficial effect of improving performance can be achieved.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell system 10 is provided in the humidifier 140 and includes a valve member 300 that selectively opens and closes the inlet port 142. can do.

The valve member 300 may be provided in various structures capable of selectively opening and closing the inlet port 142, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and structure of the valve member 300.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the valve member 300 has a valve shaft 310 provided inside the humidifier 140 adjacent to the inlet port 142, and a blocking position that blocks the inlet port 142. It may include a valve disk 320 rotatable about the valve shaft 310 in an open position that opens the inlet port 142.

Here, the fact that the valve member 300 is located in the blocking position is defined as the valve member 300 being positioned to block the outlet of the inlet port 142, and the valve member 300 is located in the open position. is defined as the valve member 300 being positioned to open the outlet of the inlet port 142.

The valve disk 320 may be provided in various structures capable of opening and closing the outlet of the inlet port 142, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the valve disk 320.

As an example, the valve disk 320 may be formed to have an approximately hemispherical shape. According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to form the valve disc in a plate shape (for example, a disc shape) or any other shape.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the valve disk 320 is accommodated inside the inlet port 142, the outlet of the inlet port 142 may be blocked by the valve disk 320, and as shown in FIG. 6, the valve disk ( When 320 is moved away from the inlet port 142, the outlet of the inlet port 142 may be opened.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when negative pressure is applied to the inlet port 142, the valve disk 320 can be moved to the blocking position by the negative pressure, and after the negative pressure is released, condensate flows along the inlet port 142. When moved, the valve disc 320 is pushed by the condensate and can move to the open position.

Meanwhile, when the suction of condensate is completed while the negative pressure applied to the inlet port 142 is released, the valve disk 320 rotates around the valve shaft 310 by its own weight and blocks the inlet port 142 again. It is possible to return (move) to the blocking position.

As such, the embodiment of the present invention ensures that the outlet of the inlet port 224 is blocked by the valve disk 320 while negative pressure is applied to the inlet port 142, so that the An advantageous effect can be obtained by preventing condensate or moist air from being discharged to the outside of the humidifier 140 through the inlet port 142.

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: Fuel cell system
110: Fuel cell stack
120: drain valve
122: drain line
130: Air compressor
132: connection line
140: Humidifier
142: Inlet port
200: Negative pressure approval
210: Negative pressure application hole
212: Guide port
220: Negative pressure forming part
222: Negative pressure housing
224: Entrance port
226: exit port
300: Valve member
310: valve shaft
320: Valve disc

Claims (10)

A drain valve that discharges condensate from the fuel cell stack;
A humidifier provided with an inlet port through which the condensate discharged from the drain valve flows, and humidifies the air supplied to the fuel cell stack; and
a negative pressure application unit provided in the humidifier and applying negative pressure to the inlet port to suck the condensate from the drain valve;
A fuel cell system including.
According to paragraph 1,
The negative pressure application part,
A negative pressure application hole provided on the wall of the inlet port; and
a negative pressure forming portion provided to surround the inlet port and defining a negative pressure area around the negative pressure application hole;
A fuel cell system including.
According to paragraph 2,
The negative pressure forming unit,
A negative pressure housing provided to surround the inlet port;
an inlet port provided in the negative pressure housing to have a first cross-sectional area and through which compressed air flows;
An outlet port having a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area and provided in the negative pressure housing adjacent to the negative pressure application hole, through which the compressed air is discharged,
The fuel cell system wherein the negative pressure area is defined between the outlet port and the negative pressure application hole.
According to paragraph 3,
A fuel cell system including a guide port provided at the inlet port in communication with the negative pressure application hole and disposed toward the outlet port.
According to paragraph 3,
The fuel cell system wherein the negative pressure application hole is provided at a height higher than the water level of the condensate moving along the inlet port.
According to paragraph 3,
A fuel cell system wherein the outlet port is provided to have a streamlined cross-sectional shape.
According to paragraph 3,
an air compressor that compresses air supplied to the fuel cell stack; and
It includes a connection line connecting the air compressor and the inlet port,
A fuel cell system in which the air compressed by the air compressor is supplied to the inlet port.
According to paragraph 3,
A fuel cell system provided in the humidifier and including a valve member that selectively opens and closes the inlet port.
According to clause 8,
The valve member is,
A valve shaft provided inside the humidifier adjacent to the inlet port; and
a valve disk rotatable about the valve shaft from a blocked position that blocks the inlet port to an open position that opens the inlet port;
A fuel cell system including.
According to clause 9,
When negative pressure is applied to the inlet port, the valve disc moves to the blocking position by the negative pressure,
When the condensate water moves along the inlet port after the negative pressure is released, the valve disc is pushed by the condensate water and moves to the open position.

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