Fuel Cell Cooling Apparatus with Integrated Ion Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicles face inefficiencies and potential damage due to bubble presence in the cooling system, leading to overheating, reduced cooling performance, and coolant flow noise, which complicates bubble removal and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus with an integrated reservoir and ion filter assembly that forms differential pressure to smoothly remove bubbles, allowing for easy replacement and reduced space and weight requirements, featuring a cartridge-type ion filter and cap for air discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ion filter is installed separately from the reservoir in the engine room, then bubbles can be removed from the cooling system, but the device complexity increases and available space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ion filter assembly is integrated into the reservoir as a unified structure. The reservoir includes a first space for housing the ion filter assembly and a second space for coolant storage, connected through a passageway. This merging eliminates the need for a separate ion filter installation in the engine room, reducing device complexity while maintaining bubble removal functionality.
2Ease of repair
If the ion filter assembly is made detachable as a cartridge type, then maintenance becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ion filter assembly is designed as a detachable cartridge-type component that can be independently removed from the reservoir. The handle is engaged with the reservoir in a screw manner, allowing the ion filter assembly to be separated and replaced without disturbing other system components. This segmentation enables easy maintenance while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
3Productivity
If a partition wall member is installed to form differential pressure, then bubble removal efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A partition wall member is installed within the reservoir to create a first space and a second space with different pressure characteristics. The partition wall forms a passageway that allows coolant flow while maintaining differential pressure. This local structural modification improves bubble removal efficiency through pressure-driven flow without requiring complete redesign of the reservoir structure.
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
Enhances coolant flow efficiency, reduces maintenance time, and prevents coolant leakage during ion filter replacement, improving heat dissipation and overall system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The partition wall member may form positive pressure in the first space and negative pressure in the second space via the passageway and may be formed as a differential pressure wall
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling apparatus for a fuel cell is provided. The cooling apparatus for a fuel cell includes a reservoir that is configured to store a coolant and an ion filter assembly that is integrally installed at the reservoir and configured to remove bubbles in the coolant.