Fuel Cell Conveying Device Planar Carrier Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveying devices for fuel cell systems experience efficiency reductions due to numerous flow redirections and sealing issues caused by complex pipeline connections, leading to increased energy consumption and potential assembly errors.
Innovation Solution
The components of the conveying device are positioned on a plate-like carrier element, minimizing flow redirections and using direct, parallel flow lines to reduce pressure losses and enhance efficiency, with a recirculation fan and jet pump arrangement integrated for optimized operation and a water separator to prevent corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If components are connected by pipelines and distributor plates with internal channels, then the conveying device can be assembled with standard connection methods, but the number of flow redirections increases causing flow losses and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (conveying device, recirculation fan, water separator) into a single integrated housing structure. The housing itself forms the flow channels, eliminating the need for separate pipelines and distributor plates. This consolidation reduces the number of flow redirections and connections, thereby minimizing flow losses while maintaining assembly capability through a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the flow channel functionality from separate pipeline components and integrates it directly into the housing structure. By taking out the need for external connection elements and incorporating the flow paths directly into the main housing, the design eliminates multiple flow redirections and the associated energy losses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pipelines with welded and bonded connections are used, then components can be connected flexibly, but sealing problems occur during service life due to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the housing structure with the flow channels, creating a monolithic structure where the housing walls themselves serve as the flow paths. This eliminates the need for multiple welded and bonded pipeline connections that are susceptible to sealing failures under temperature variations, while still allowing flexible component integration through the unified housing design.
3Ease of operation
If flow lines extend in multiple directions in three spatial dimensions, then components can be connected according to spatial requirements, but the length of flow lines increases causing pressure losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorganizes the flow paths to extend primarily in the planar dimension (parallel to the plate-like carrier element) rather than utilizing three-dimensional spatial routing. This dimensional constraint on flow line orientation reduces the overall length of flow paths and minimizes pressure losses, while the planar layout still accommodates the spatial arrangement of components through optimized two-dimensional positioning.
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 configuration reduces flow and pressure losses, increases the efficiency of the conveying device, minimizes assembly errors, and extends the service life by preventing corrosion, while also reducing noise and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a jet pump which is driven by a jet stream of a pressurized gaseous medium
Implementation Method 2
having a recirculation fan and a jet pump
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying device for a fuel cell system for conveying and/or recirculating a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, includes a recirculation fan, a jet pump that is driven by a motive stream of a gaseous medium that is under pressure, and a metering valve. The gaseous medium is supplied to the jet pump by the metering valve. The conveying device further includes an inlet fluidically connected to an anode outlet of the fuel cell and an outlet fluidically connected to an anode inlet of the fuel cell. The jet pump and the metering valve form a combined valve/jet-pump assembly. The components of the conveying device are positioned on a planar carrier element such that flow lines between and/or within the components extend only parallel to the planar carrier element. The planar carrier element is arranged between the fuel cell and the conveying device.