Fuel Cell Vehicle Adsorption Cooling Without a Condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adsorption-based thermal energy management systems for fuel cell vehicles are inefficient and add weight due to the need for adsorbates, storage reservoirs, and condensers, limiting their range and efficiency in providing continuous climate control.
Innovation Solution
A detachable, condenser-free adsorption-based system that utilizes by-product water from a fuel cell stack to vaporize and adsorb coolant fluid, regenerating the adsorbent bed with exhaust heat, and directing water vapor into the exhaust stream for reuse, eliminating the need for a condenser and reducing system weight and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional adsorption-based thermal energy management systems are used, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but system weight increases due to adsorbate storage reservoir and condenser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the condenser component from the conventional adsorption-based thermal energy management system. By extracting this component, the system achieves weight reduction while maintaining heating and cooling functions through an alternative configuration where the adsorption subsystem directly interfaces with the coolant loop and exhaust conduit.
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorption subsystem is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides cooling through adsorption of water vapor, enables heating through desorption when heated by exhaust, and eliminates the need for separate condenser and adsorbate storage reservoir components. This multi-functionality reduces overall system weight while maintaining thermal management capabilities.
2Temperature
If conventional adsorption-based thermal energy management systems are used, then climate control is provided, but system volume increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the condenser and separate adsorbate storage reservoir from the system, thereby reducing the overall volume occupied by the thermal energy management system while maintaining climate control functionality through the simplified adsorption subsystem configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of the adsorbate storage and the cooling mechanism into a single integrated adsorption subsystem that directly interfaces with the coolant loop. This consolidation reduces system volume by eliminating separate components and their associated mounting spaces.
3Use of energy by moving object
If by-product water is collected and used in the adsorption subsystem, then energy density is enhanced, but water management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes by-product water collected from the fuel cell exhaust stream, which is already available in the system, to supply the adsorption subsystem. This self-service approach converts a waste product into a useful resource for cooling, enhancing energy density without requiring external water sources or complex distribution systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers by-product water that would otherwise be discarded from the fuel cell exhaust and redirects it to the adsorption subsystem for cooling purposes. This recovery process enhances energy utilization while maintaining relatively simple water management through existing exhaust stream integration.
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 enhances energy and power density by providing efficient selective heating and cooling with reduced weight and space, enabling longer vehicle ranges and improved fuel economy by leveraging waste heat and by-product water.
Implementation Method 1
vaporize water from the water reservoir using the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
coolant loop configured to circulate a coolant fluid
Implementation Method 3
adsorb the vaporized water, thereby cooling a portion of the coolant fluid
Implementation Method 4
regenerate the adsorbent bed using heat from the exhaust stream to release water vapor
Implementation Method 5
regenerate the adsorbent bed using heat from the exhaust stream to release water vapor
Implementation Method 6
Heat from the exhaust stream may also be used to heating the vehicle compartment
Data Source
AI summary
An adsorption based system is provided for the selective cooling and heating of a vehicle compartment using by-product water collected from a power generating unit of a vehicle. The system may include a fuel cell stack and an exhaust conduit configured to transfer an exhaust stream from the fuel cell stack. A water reservoir stores by-product water collected from the exhaust stream. The system may include a coolant loop configured to circulate a coolant fluid. A detachable adsorption subsystem is in thermal communication with the coolant loop and the exhaust conduit, and may include an evaporator and an adsorbent bed. The adsorption subsystem is configured to: vaporize water from the water reservoir using the evaporator; adsorb the vaporized water, thereby cooling a portion of the coolant fluid; regenerate the adsorbent bed using heat from the exhaust stream to release water vapor; and direct the water vapor into the exhaust conduit.