Fiber-Body Coolant Flow Structure for Turbulent Circuit Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling technologies rely on thermal conductivity of metal fiber sheets, which do not effectively utilize turbulence to enhance cooling performance, limiting their efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A unit incorporating a cooling liquid, an electric circuit, and a fiber body, where the electric circuit is disposed within the liquid flow path and the fiber body generates turbulence to enhance cooling efficiency and capture contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-layer structure with catalyst layers and protective layers is used to improve durability and catalytic activity, then the unit can maintain performance after repeated use and resist contamination, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple sintering processes and precise layer formation
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst layer is divided into multiple functional layers (first catalyst layer, second catalyst layer) with different compositions and functions. The first catalyst layer contains Pt-Ru particles for methanol oxidation, while the second catalyst layer contains Pt particles for oxygen reduction and provides contamination resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while working together to improve overall durability and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is formed on the surface of the second catalyst layer before the unit undergoes repeated use. This protective layer, containing Pt particles, is preliminarily prepared to resist contamination from the atmosphere during storage and operation. By pre-establishing this protective barrier, the unit maintains its catalytic activity and performance even after exposure to harsh environments and repeated cycling.
2Reliability
If Pt-Ru particles are used in the first catalyst layer to enhance methanol oxidation capability, then the catalytic activity improves, but the cost increases due to precious metal usage
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the catalyst layer have different compositions tailored to local functional requirements. The first catalyst layer contains Pt-Ru particles specifically where methanol oxidation is needed, while the second catalyst layer contains Pt particles where oxygen reduction and contamination resistance are priorities. This local quality differentiation optimizes catalytic activity in each zone while managing precious metal distribution efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst layers use composite material structures: Pt-Ru alloy particles in the first layer combine the high catalytic activity of Pt with the cost-effectiveness and methanol tolerance of Ru. The second layer uses Pt particles for their superior oxygen reduction activity and stability. These composite and composite-like structures balance performance requirements with material cost considerations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the unit structure includes an electrolyte layer, anode, cathode, and separator membrane, then the fuel cell functionality is achieved, but the overall device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The unit integrates multiple essential fuel cell components (electrolyte layer, anode, cathode, separator membrane) into a single compact structure. The electrolyte layer serves dual functions as both the ion-conducting medium and the support for the catalyst layers. The separator membrane integrates fuel supply and cell separation functions. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining full fuel cell functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each component in the unit structure performs multiple functions: the electrolyte layer conducts ions and supports catalyst layers; the separator membrane separates cells and supplies fuel; the catalyst layers provide both catalytic activity and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies manufacturing while achieving complete fuel cell operation.
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
The proposed solution significantly enhances the cooling efficiency of the electric circuit by leveraging turbulence and adds a contamination capturing function, improving overall performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
containing Pt-Ru particles, wherein the Pt-Ru particles serve as a catalyst for methanol oxidation
Implementation Method 2
a porous PTFE hollow fiber membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
[PROBLEM] To provide a structure in which a usage form of a fiber body based on a technical idea of performing cooling using an effect of turbulence is reflected. [SOLUTION] A unit includes a cooling liquid, an electric circuit, and the fiber body. The electric circuit is disposed within a liquid flow path of the cooling liquid, and the electric circuit is supplied with a liquid flow passing through the fiber body.