Corrugated Humidifier Flow Plate for Low Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidifiers for fuel cell systems face inefficiencies in moisture exchange due to the design of flow plates, which can lead to suboptimal performance and increased pressure loss, affecting the overall efficiency and longevity of the membrane.
Innovation Solution
A flow plate design featuring a corrugated surface with support elements arranged in lines and rows, offset from each other, integrated with a frame, and a semipermeable layer composite, optimized for moisture transfer and pressure support, allowing for improved fluid flow guidance and membrane stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional flow plates with flat surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but moisture transfer efficiency is reduced and pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow plate incorporates a corrugated surface with support elements protruding from the base plane, creating a three-dimensional curved structure instead of a flat surface. This corrugation pattern with offset support elements in successive lines and rows enhances moisture transfer efficiency by increasing surface area and improving flow distribution, while resolving the contradiction between transfer efficiency and structural complexity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional flow plates are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but membrane stability and lifespan are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow plate features support elements with varying heights and configurations arranged in specific patterns. The support elements protrude at different heights from the base plane, creating localized variations in the structure that provide targeted support to the membrane in critical areas, thereby extending membrane lifespan while maintaining overall structural efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If conventional flow plates are used, then pressure loss is higher, but structural design is simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat flow plate to a three-dimensional corrugated structure with support elements protruding from the base plane. This dimensional change creates additional flow paths and reduces flow resistance, thereby reducing pressure loss while the offset arrangement of support elements optimizes the three-dimensional flow distribution.
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
Enhances moisture transfer efficiency while reducing pressure loss and extending membrane lifespan, with potential cost savings from one-piece manufacturing and adaptable geometries.
Implementation Method 1
a semipermeable layer such as a water-transfer membrane
Implementation Method 2
the moist gas on one side of the semipermeable layer gives off moisture to the semipermeable layer, whereas on the opposite side the semipermeable layer gives off moisture to the dry gas
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flow plate (100) for a humidifier (1000), in particular the humidifier (1000) for a fuel cell system, the flow plate (100) comprising a frame (50) and a flow field body (20), the frame (50) surrounding the flow field body (20) being connected or integral with the frame (50). The flow field body (20) has a corrugated surface at least on one side (18), the flow field body (20) comprising a plurality of support elements (30) protruding from a base plane (10) of the flow field body (20) and being arranged in lines and rows (42, 43). The lines of support elements (30) extend in a first direction (16) and the rows (42, 43) of support elements (30) extend in a second direction (26) different from the first direction (16). The support elements (30) in successive lines and rows are arranged offset from each other.