Flow Velocity Equalizer for Uniform Fluid Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In fuel cell stacks, the increased flow rates of fuel and air for higher output power lead to flow separation phenomena due to velocity differences, resulting in non-uniform fluid distribution and reduced performance, which increases material costs and size.

Innovation Solution

A fluid tube with a flow velocity equalizer, comprising a diverging and converging tube structure, is used to reduce flow velocity differences by decelerating fluid at the center and accelerating it at the periphery, ensuring uniform fluid supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the flow rate of fuel and air is increased to increase output power, then the output power of the fuel cell stack is improved, but flow separation phenomena occur due to velocity differences causing non-uniform fluid distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput powerVSAvoiduniformity of fluid distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different flow conditions in different regions of the manifold. Flow velocity equalizers are installed at specific locations where velocity differences occur, making the flow characteristics uniform locally while maintaining high overall flow rates for power generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow velocity parameter by using flow velocity equalizers that reduce velocity differences between different regions of the manifold. This parameter change prevents flow separation while maintaining the high flow rates needed for high power output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If square manifolds are used to handle increased flow rates, then the fluid distribution capacity is improved, but the bipolar plate size and material cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid distribution capacityVSAvoidbipolar plate size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly increasing the entire bipolar plate size, the patent applies flow velocity equalizers at specific local positions within the manifold where flow distribution problems occur, achieving improved fluid distribution capacity without proportional increases in plate area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow velocity parameter through equalizers, allowing the manifold to handle increased fluid quantities effectively without requiring a proportional increase in the bipolar plate dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If flow velocity differences are not controlled, then the manifold structure remains simple, but flow separation phenomena occur reducing system performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanifold structure complexityVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flow velocity equalizers at specific strategic locations within the manifold rather than throughout the entire structure, achieving flow uniformity and preventing flow separation while minimizing the overall complexity of the manifold design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 fluid tube with a flow velocity equalizer enhances the uniformity of fluid flow, reducing flow separation phenomena and improving the performance of fuel cell stacks by maintaining consistent fluid supply to all regions, thereby reducing process losses and material costs.

Implementation Method 1

the flow velocity equalizer increases a uniformity of fluid flow passed therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow velocity equalization:

Implementation Method 2

the flow velocity equalizer includes a diverging tube and a converging tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiverging tube effect:

Implementation Method 3

the flow velocity equalizer includes a diverging tube and a converging tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConverging tube effect:

Data Source

PatentUS9506483B2Fluid tube increasing uniformity of fluid flow and apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A fluid tube includes: a first fluid tube; a second fluid tube connected to the first fluid tube; and a flow velocity equalizer in the second fluid tube, where the flow velocity equalizer increases a uniformity of fluid flow passed therethrough, the second fluid tube is wider than the first fluid tube, and the flow velocity equalizer includes a diverging tube and a converging tube. The fluid tube may further include a fluid divider between the flow velocity equalizer and the first fluid tube. The diverging tube of the flow velocity equalizer may have a width increasing in a fluid flow direction, and the converging tube of the flow velocity equalizer may include a plurality of converging tubes having widths decreasing in the fluid flow direction.