Fuel Cell Condensate Storage With Controlled Floor Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems in construction machines discharge condensate water directly onto the floor, contaminating the workspace and increasing the risk of accidents such as slip-and-fall and electric shock.
Innovation Solution
A condensate water storage device with a storage container and a valve unit that selectively opens and closes a discharge hole, allowing condensate water to be temporarily stored and discharged to a predetermined location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If condensate water is discharged directly onto the floor, then the discharge operation is simple, but the floor becomes contaminated and accident risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A storage container is introduced as an intermediary device between the fuel cell stack and the floor. The container collects condensate water and provides a controlled discharge mechanism, preventing direct contact with the floor while maintaining the discharge function. This mediator resolves the contradiction by adding a storage and controlled discharge step.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge function is segmented into two independent parts: a storage container for collecting condensate water and a valve unit for controlled discharge. This segmentation allows the storage function to prevent floor contamination while the valve unit maintains operational control, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a storage container with valve unit is used, then floor contamination is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is designed to be manually operated by the user, eliminating the need for complex automated control systems. The user opens the valve to discharge water and closes it to prevent contamination, making the system self-sufficient with minimal complexity while achieving the goal of floor protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container and valve unit are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach keeps the added complexity minimal while effectively solving the floor contamination problem.
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
Prevents contamination and reduces accident risks by ensuring condensate water is directed to a specific location instead of being discharged directly onto the floor, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a valve unit configured to selectively open and close the discharge hole
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack, a storage container having a storage space to store condensate water produced from the fuel cell stack, and a discharge hole through which the condensate water is discharged to the outside, and a valve unit to selectively open and close the discharge hole, thereby selectively discharging the condensate water, which is produced from the fuel cell stack.