Fuel Cell Bypass Flow Path Using Thermal Expansion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems require additional parts and increased complexity to adjust bypass flow rates, which complicates the system and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system with a bypass flow rate adjustment portion made of thermal expansion material that automatically adjusts the bypass flow path's opening based on the temperature of the off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack, eliminating the need for additional valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment valve is added to control the bypass flow rate, then the bypass flow rate can be adjusted, but the system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass flow rate adjustment portion automatically adjusts the bypass flow rate based on the temperature of off-gas without requiring external control systems or additional valves. The system self-regulates by utilizing the thermal properties of the off-gas to control the opening degree of the bypass flow path, thereby achieving flow rate adjustment while minimizing system complexity and manufacturing cost
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment valve is added to control the bypass flow rate, then the bypass flow rate can be adjusted, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass flow rate adjustment portion automatically adjusts the bypass flow rate based on the temperature of off-gas without requiring external control systems or additional valves. The system self-regulates by utilizing the thermal properties of the off-gas to control the opening degree of the bypass flow path, thereby achieving flow rate adjustment while minimizing system complexity and manufacturing cost
3Device complexity
If the bypass flow path is always fully open, then the system is simple, but the bypass flow rate cannot be adjusted based on temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass flow rate adjustment portion utilizes thermal expansion and contraction of materials in response to off-gas temperature changes. As the temperature of off-gas increases, the material expands to reduce the opening degree of the bypass flow path, automatically adjusting the bypass flow rate based on temperature without adding complex control systems
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 reduces the system's size and manufacturing cost by automatically adjusting the bypass flow rate without additional parts, enhancing efficiency and simplifying the design.
Implementation Method 1
a bypass flow rate adjustment portion (150) formed in the bypass flow path P5 and configured to adjust a degree of opening of the bypass flow path P5 depending on a temperature of the off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack S
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fuel cell system capable of adjusting a bypass flow rate, in which the bypass flow rate can be automatically adjusted according to the temperature of an exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell system capable of adjusting a bypass flow rate, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: an exhaust gas inlet flow path; an exhaust gas discharge flow path; a bypass flow path for bypassing a membrane humidifier to allow at least a portion of an exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack to flow to the exhaust gas discharge flow path; and a bypass flow rate control unit that is formed in the bypass flow path and adjusts the opening degree of the bypass flow path according to the temperature of the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.