Claims:1. A pressure regulation valve assembly (P) for a fuel cell stack, the assembly comprising:
a first chamber (1);
a second chamber (2) secured to the first chamber (1), wherein, the second chamber (2) comprises an inlet (2a) and an outlet (2b);
a diaphragm (3) disposed between the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) to isolate the first chamber (1) from the second chamber (2);
a valve body (5) comprising a first end (5a) and a second end (5b) is configured in the second chamber (2), wherein, the first end (5a) of the valve body (5) is fixed to the diaphragm (3) and the second end (5b) of the valve body (5) disposed at the outlet (2b), wherein the valve body (5) selectively opens the outlet (2b) of the second chamber (2) based on pressure of air in the second chamber (2);
a resilient member (6) accommodated in the first chamber (1), the resilient member (6) is operationally engageable with the first end (5a) of the valve body (5); and
a pipe (4) connecting the first chamber (1) to a duct (7) extending from the outlet (2b) of the second chamber (2), wherein, the duct (7) is connectable to the fuel cell stack.

2. The assembly (P) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diaphragm (3) comprises an aperture (11) at the center for accommodating the valve body (5).

3. The assembly (P) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resilient member (6) is a pre-loaded spring disposed between first end (5a) of the valve body (5) and a guide member (10) in the first chamber (1).

4. The assembly (P) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end (5b) of the valve body (5) resides on a valve seat (8) configured at the outlet (2b) of the second chamber (2) when the pressure in the first chamber (1) is less than a predefined value.

5. The assembly (P) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet (2a) of the second chamber (2) is connectable to a compressed air source (C).

6. The assembly (P) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inlet (2a) in the second chamber (2) facilitates tangential entry of compressed air from the compressed air source (C).
7. The assembly (P) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve body (5) opens the outlet (2b) when pressure of air in the second chamber (2) is greater than a predefined value.

8. The assembly (P) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pressure of air lifts the valve body (5) from the valve seat (8).

9. The assembly (P) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resilient member (6) is configured to maintain the load on valve body (5) till the pressure of air in the second chamber (2) reaches a predetermined limit.

10. The assembly (P) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first chamber (1) is maintained at vacuum.

11. The assembly (P) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the vacuum is created by distributing air in the first chamber (1) to the fuel cell stack through the pipe (4) connecting the first chamber (1) and the duct (7). , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively relates to fuel cell stack. Further embodiments of the disclosure disclose, a pressure regulation valve assembly for the fuel cell stack.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Fuel cell is defined as an electrochemical cell that directly converts chemical energy of a fuel into electrical energy. Unlike a conventional battery, the fuel cell can continuously produce electricity as long as the fuel and air are supplied thereto.

The fuel cell system generally comprises a fuel cell stack for generating electricity, a fuel supply system for supplying fuel (hydrogen) to the fuel cell stack, an air supply system for supplying oxygen in air, which is an oxidizing agent required for the electrochemical reaction, to the fuel cell stack, and a heat and water management system for removing reaction heat of the fuel cell stack to the outside of the fuel cell system and controlling the operation temperature of the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell system generates electricity by the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen as fuel and oxygen in the air and exhausts heat and water as reaction by-products.

The conventional fuel cell systems employ valve mechanisms which may be controlled by a controller in order to provide the required quantity of fuel/air to the fuel cell system.

One such conventional fuel/air control valve is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application number JP2009252357A (herein after referred as ‘357 patent). The valve assembly disclosed in ‘357 patent works based on the pressure difference created between two chambers separated by a diaphragm. A set of pressure switching valves run by a control unit is used to run the valve. Further, it consists of a bellow which further creates two separate chambers. One of the chambers is vented to the atmosphere and the other will contain the inlet and outlet side of the shut off valve.

However, the conventional valves consist of multiple number of parts thereby increasing the complexity. Further, the pressure in such valves may be controlled by a control unit which takes inputs from pressure sensors etc. to actuate these valves. Because of such control units, the circuit required for timed actuation of the valves itself become elaborate. There is a need for a valve which can eliminate all such complexities and which is still capable of achieving the same targets.

Also, in some of the existing fuel cell systems mechanical valve assemblies are employed for controlling the fuel/air supply. Such mechanical include a valve body with more than two chambers, multiple diaphragm plates, springs, three way and two-way pressure sensing valves (PSV), and the like. This makes the arrangement complex, and more prone for the damages.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of conventional assemblies are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of pressure regulation valve assembly as claimed in the present disclosure.

Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a pressure regulation valve assembly for a fuel cell stack. The pressure regulation valve assembly comprises a first chamber and a second chamber secured to the first chamber, wherein, the second chamber comprises an inlet and an outlet. A diaphragm is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber to isolate the first chamber from the second chamber. A valve body comprising a first end and a second end is configured in the second chamber, wherein, the first end of the valve body is fixed to the diaphragm and the second end of the valve body disposed at the outlet, wherein the valve body selectively opens the outlet of the second chamber based on pressure of air in the second chamber. Further, a resilient member is accommodated in the first chamber. The resilient member is operationally engageable with the first end of the valve body. The assembly also comprises a pipe connecting the first chamber to a duct extending from the outlet of the second chamber, wherein, the duct is connectable to the fuel cell stack.

In an embodiment, the diaphragm comprises an aperture at the center for accommodating the valve body.

In an embodiment, the resilient member is a pre-loaded spring disposed between first end of the valve body and a guide member in the first chamber.

In an embodiment, the second end of the valve body resides on a valve seat configured at the outlet of the second chamber when the pressure in the second chamber is less than a predefined value.

In an embodiment, the inlet of the second chamber is connectable to a compressed air source.

In an embodiment, the inlet in the second chamber facilitates tangential entry of compressed air from the compressed air source.

In an embodiment, the valve body opens the outlet when pressure of air in the second chamber is greater than a predefined value.

In an embodiment, the pressure of air lifts the valve body from a valve seat.

In an embodiment, the resilient member is configured to maintain the load on valve body till the pressure of air in the second chamber reaches a predetermined limit.

In an embodiment, the first chamber is maintained at vacuum. The vacuum is created by distributing air in the first chamber to the fuel cell stack through the pipe connecting the first chamber and the duct.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates perspective view of the of the pressure regulation valve assembly for a fuel cell stack, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates exploded view of the of the pressure regulation valve assembly of Figure 2.

Figure 3a illustrates sectional view of the pressure regulation valve assembly of Figure 1 showing valve seat in closed condition.

Figure 3b illustrates rear view of the pressure regulation valve assembly of Figure 1 showing an inlet for compressed air.

Figure 4 illustrates sectional view pressure regulation valve assembly of Figure 1 showing vacuum in first chamber and duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates sectional view pressure regulation valve assembly of Figure 1 showing cycloidal motion of compressed air in the second chamber, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 illustrates sectional view of the pressure regulation valve assembly of Figure 1 showing valve seat in open condition.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the pressure regulation valve device, which may vary from vehicle to vehicle. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a pressure regulation valve assembly for a fuel cell stack. The pressure regulation valve assembly may control the flow of fuel or air based on pressure of the fluid when the fuel cell stack/system is in switched ON condition. The pressure difference may be created in the first chamber and the second chamber of the assembly, and when fuel is supplied to the second chamber, the valve body provided in the second chamber facilitates the lifting of the valve body from the valve seat which allows the passage of fuel to fuel cell stack. The valve body is configured in the second chamber such that the outlet of the second chamber which is connected to the fuel cell stack may be selectively opened for supplying the air to the fuel cell stack based on the pressure in the second chamber.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where ever possible same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In the figures the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

A pressure regulation valve assembly (P) for use in fuel cell stack which consists of lesser number of components with less complexity both in construction and working is disclosed.

Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of the pressure regulation valve assembly is shown. The pressure regulation valve assembly (P) for a fuel cell stack comprises a first chamber (1) and a second chamber (2). The first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) may have connecting flange portion abutting each other. The connecting flange portion of the second chamber (2) may be secured to the connecting flange portion of the first chamber (1) by means of one or more fasteners (9). The first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) forms an enclosed fluid collection chamber. The second chamber (2) may comprises an inlet (2a) and an outlet (2b). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the inlet (2a) may be configured in substantially upper portion of the second chamber (2), and may extend along at least a portion of the circumference of the second chamber (2). Further, the outlet (2b) may be configured at a substantially bottom portion of the second chamber (2). The outlet (2b) is connectable with a fuel cell stack [not shown] through a duct (7). In an embodiment, the second chamber (2) may be configured in a conical or funnel shape from an upper portion to the lower portion.

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the pressure regulation valve assembly (P) wherein the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) encapsulate the major components of the pressure regulation valve assembly (P) such as a diaphragm (3), a valve body (5) and a resilient member (6). The diaphragm (3) may be disposed between the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) to isolate the first chamber (1) from the second chamber (2). The diaphragm (3) may be placed on the connecting flange portions of the first and second chambers (1 and 2), and may be connected using the fasteners (9). Further, the assembly (P) comprises a pipe (4) connecting the first chamber (1) to the duct (7). The duct (7) is adapted to be received below the second chamber (2) and forms a link between the second chamber (2) and the fuel cell stack. The pipe (4) extends from the outlet (2b) of the second chamber to the duct (7).

Referring to Figures 3a and 3b in connection with the Figure. 2, the assembly comprises a valve body (5) disposed in the second chamber (2) of the assembly (P). The valve body (5) is a longitudinally extending body which extends in upward direction. The term ‘upward direction’ herein refers to the direction along axis X-X. The valve body (5) comprises a first end (5a) and a second end (5b). The first end (5a) of the valve body (5) is fixed to the diaphragm (3), and the second end (5b) of the valve body (5) is disposed at the outlet (2b) of the second chamber (2). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the outlet (2b) of the second chamber (2) comprises a valve seat, and valve body rests on the valve seat. The valve body (5) may selectively open the outlet (2b) of the second chamber (2) based on pressure of air in the second chamber (2).

The assembly (P) also comprises a resilient member (6) accommodated in the first chamber (1). The first chamber (1) comprises a guide member (10) in which the resilient member (6) is guided. The resilient member (6) is operationally engageable with the first end (5a) of the valve body (5). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the resilient member (6) is disposed between first end (5a) of the valve body (5) and the guide member (10) in the first chamber (1). The resilient member (6) may be configured to maintain the load on valve body (5) till the pressure of air in the second chamber (2) reaches a predetermined limit. The resilient member (6) may be guided to move longitudinally in the upper chamber (1) along axis X-X. The resilient member (6) may be a pre-loaded spring.

As shown in the Figure. 4, the second end of the valve body (5) resides on a valve seat (8). The valve seat (8) is configured at the outlet (2b) of the second chamber (2) when the pressure in the first chamber (1) is less than a predefined value. The valve body (5) opens the outlet (2b) when pressure of air in the second chamber (2) is greater than a predefined value. The pressure of compressed air lifts the valve body (5) from a valve seat (8) against the force of the resilient means (6). The passage of compressed air from the lower chamber (2) to the fuel cell stack may be restricted by the valve seat (8). The valve body (5) pushes the resilient means (6) thereby opening the passage of compressed air in the fuel cell stack.

Figure 4 is an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure which illustrates a cross sectional view of the pressure regulation valve assembly (P) in which the valve body is in closed position. In the closed position, the first chamber (1) is maintained at vacuum. The vacuum may be created by distributing air in the first chamber (1) to the fuel cell stack through the pipe (4) connecting the first chamber (1) and the duct (7). After the operation of fuel cell stack is completed, the flow of compressed air in the valve stopped thereby decreasing the pressure difference in the assembly (P). Due to such pressure drop, the valve body (5) will return to valve seat (5b) due to action of the resilient member (6) and thus facilitating the closing of the valve.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6 which are exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating sectional views of the pressure regulating valve assembly (P) in operating conditions. The inlet (2a) of the second chamber (2) is connectable to a compressed air source (C). The inlet (2a) in the second chamber (2) facilitates tangential entry of compressed air from the compressed air source (C). The second chamber construction allows the fuel for tangential entry in the second chamber. A cycloidal flow motion is induced for the fuel once it enters the second chamber.

As shown in Figure 5 the pressure regulation valve assembly (P) remains in closed condition. In such a condition, vacuum from fuel cell stack (shown as arrows) will be distributed in the first chamber (1). When compressed air comes through the inlet (2a) of the second chamber (2) enters the second chamber (2), it will swirl in the second chamber (2) creating a cycloidal motion thereby moving in downward direction. The pressure difference created between the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) will be sufficient to push the diaphragm (3) in upward direction as shown in Figure 6. The actuation of the valve body (5) in upward direction by the action diaphragm acts against the force exerted by the resilient member (6) lifts the valve body (5) from the valve seat (8). Compressed air will pass through the outlet (2b) of the second chamber (2) and will be provided to fuel cell stacks. When the supply of the compressed air is stopped to the pressure regulation valve assembly (P), the pressure difference between the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) gets dropped. At this point, force of the resilient member (6) and the vacuum in the stack will overcome the force exerted by diaphragm (3). Consequently, the outlet (2b) of the second chamber (3) will be closed keeping the fuel cell stack in fully isolated condition from the compressed air source (C).

Further, various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Advantages:

The present disclosure provides a pressure regulation valve assembly of a vehicle, which can be operated with a simplified mechanism without any complex parts.

The present disclosure provides pressure regulation valve assembly of a vehicle, which works on the principle of pressure difference between a closed position and an open position.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

List of reference numerals
Reference Number Description
P Pressure regulation valve assembly
1 First chamber
2 Second chamber
2a Second chamber inlet
2b Second chamber outlet
3 Diaphragm
4 Pipe
5 Valve body
5a First end of valve body
5b Second end of valve body
6 Resilient member
7 Duct
8 Valve seat
9 Fasteners
10 Guide member
11 Aperture
C Compressed air source