Unit suppressing pressure pulses in reagent supply system for fuel cell, used in e.g. mobile applications, comprises series connected damper volume and flow constriction

摘要

The cavity (12) includes a damper volume (13) and an output cross-section (14) with a throttle (15). The throttle is a wall transverse to the flow direction with an opening. It is alternatively a constriction. The throttle can be varied in its size and/or shape in accordance with operational parameters. It is made from a flexible material. The damper volume (13) can be adjusted e.g. using a piston (20a) and/or membrane (20b). In accordance with the flow rate, more series-connected cavities and throttles may be included. When reagent is dosed into the damper volume, an operational pressure pulse occurs. The damper volume, constriction and reagent quantity dosed are related by design to limit this pressure pulse. At the greatest level of dosage, the pressure drop across the constriction exceeds the expected operational pressure pulse caused by dosing. The damper forms part of a reagent supply system to a fuel cell unit (11). The damper assembly is located downstream of the dosing equipment (24). The damper is in the anode or cathode reagent supply.