Fuel Cell Bypass Flow Path Opening by Blower Gas Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems require complex and costly mechanisms to adjust bypass flow rates, which complicates the system and increases manufacturing costs due to the need for additional parts like sensors and valves.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system that automatically adjusts the bypass flow rate based on the temperature of the dry gas flowing from the blower using a thermal expansion material integrated into the bypass flow path, eliminating the need for separate sensors or valves by varying the degree of opening of the bypass flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex adjustment mechanism with sensors and valves is used to adjust bypass flow rate, then the bypass flow rate can be controlled, but the system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass flow rate adjustment portion automatically adjusts the bypass flow rate based on the temperature of dry gas from the blower without requiring external sensors or control systems. The thermal expansion material self-regulates the flow path opening degree in response to temperature changes, making the system self-controlling and eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems (sensors, valves, actuators) with a passive thermal-mechanical system. The thermal expansion material directly responds to temperature changes by expanding or contracting, which mechanically adjusts the bypass flow path opening without requiring any active control components.
2Ease of operation
If a complex adjustment mechanism with sensors and valves is used to adjust bypass flow rate, then the bypass flow rate can be controlled, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass flow rate adjustment portion automatically adjusts the bypass flow rate based on the temperature of dry gas from the blower without requiring external sensors or control systems. The thermal expansion material self-regulates the flow path opening degree in response to temperature changes, making the system self-controlling and eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems (sensors, valves, actuators) with a passive thermal-mechanical system. The thermal expansion material directly responds to temperature changes by expanding or contracting, which mechanically adjusts the bypass flow path opening without requiring any active control components.
3Device complexity
If thermal expansion material is used to adjust bypass flow path opening, then the system is simplified and costs are reduced, but the bypass flow rate adjustment capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass flow rate adjustment portion includes a thermal expansion material that expands or contracts in response to temperature changes of the dry gas from the blower. This thermal expansion directly adjusts the opening degree of the bypass flow path, providing automatic flow rate control based on temperature without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state (temperature) of the thermal expansion material to control the bypass flow rate. As the temperature of the dry gas changes, the thermal expansion material undergoes corresponding dimensional changes, which automatically adjusts the bypass flow path opening and maintains appropriate flow rates under varying operating conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the system, reduces manufacturing costs, and automatically adjusts the bypass flow rate according to the fuel cell stack's output situation, enhancing efficiency and reducing the number of system components.
Implementation Method 1
a bypass flow rate adjustment portion formed in the bypass flow path and configured to adjust a degree of opening of the bypass flow path depending on a temperature of the dry gas flowing into the inside from the blower
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fuel cell system capable of adjusting a bypass flow rate, which can automatically adjust the bypass flow rate according to the temperature of dry gas flowing from a blower. A fuel cell system capable of adjusting a bypass flow rate according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a blower for supplying dry gas through a supply flow path; a dry gas inlet for supplying at least a portion of the dry gas supplied from the blower to a membrane humidifier; a bypass flow path for supplying at least a portion of the dry gas supplied from the blower to a fuel cell stack by bypassing the membrane humidifier; and a bypass flow rate adjustment part formed in the bypass flow path and for adjusting the degree of opening of the bypass flow path according to the temperature of the dry gas flowing from the blower.