Fuel Cell Drying with Angled Airflow to Protect Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drying methods for fuel cells can affect the electrolyte membrane and require prolonged drying times, necessitating a method that effectively removes water without impacting the membrane's performance.
Innovation Solution
A drying method involving the use of air blown at specific angles (5° to 85°) relative to the fuel cell's surface, combined with a holding device that positions the fuel cell at a predetermined angle, to facilitate water removal while protecting the electrolyte membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heating method is used to dry the fuel cell, then drying speed is improved, but the electrolyte membrane is affected and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heating) with a mechanical field (air blowing). By using airflow generated by a blower to physically remove water from the fuel cell surface, the method achieves effective drying without subjecting the electrolyte membrane to harmful thermal effects, thus resolving the contradiction between drying speed and membrane protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a blower to generate controlled airflow that directs water removal from the fuel cell. The angled air flow (5° to 85° relative to the cell surface) creates mechanical force to eject water droplets without thermal contact, achieving fast drying while preserving membrane integrity
2Reliability
If conventional drying methods are used, then water removal is achieved, but the drying time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through intermittent air blowing cycles. The blower operates in controlled intervals rather than continuously, creating periodic airflow that efficiently removes water while reducing overall processing time. This periodic approach maintains effective water removal without requiring excessively long continuous drying periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of air flow angle to optimize drying efficiency. By controlling the air flow to enter at specific angles (5° to 85° relative to the fuel cell surface), the system maximizes water ejection effectiveness, achieving rapid drying within a shortened time frame while maintaining reliable water removal
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 approach efficiently dries the fuel cell without affecting the electrolyte membrane, utilizing gravity and angled air flow to quickly and effectively remove water, reducing drying time and maintaining membrane integrity.
Implementation Method 1
blowing air to the fuel cell downward in the direction of gravity
Implementation Method 2
blowing air to the fuel cell at an angle in a range of 5° or larger and 85° or smaller with respect to an exposed surface of the separator plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A drying method of a fuel cell (100; 101) includes holding the fuel cell (100; 101) having separator plates (130, 140) exposed on the surface of the fuel cell at a predetermined angle, and blowing air to the fuel cell at an angle in a range of 5° or larger and 85° or smaller with respect to the surface of the separator plate (130, 140) of the fuel cell (100; 101) held at the predetermined angle.