Fuel Cell Discharge Pipe Support Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cells, the existing methods for draining water and gas from the discharge manifold are hindered by closed ends and reduced flow path areas, leading to inefficiencies in water and gas discharge.
Innovation Solution
A discharge pipe is placed within the discharge manifold, supported by a mechanism with supporting, retaining, and engaging portions to prevent hindrance and maintain flow path area, allowing for efficient discharge of water and gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drain pipe is laid out via a stay plate within outlet-side fuel-gas communicating holes, then water discharge is enabled, but the flow path area of the outlet-side fuel-gas communicating holes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge pipe is positioned in the depth direction (third dimension) of the discharge manifold rather than laterally obstructing the flow path. By extending the pipe through the depth of the manifold with its distal end closer to the closed end, water discharge capability is achieved without reducing the cross-sectional flow path area available to reactant gases.
2Reliability
If a discharge pipe is placed within the discharge manifold, then water and gas discharge is improved, but the pipe may be misplaced or hinder flow
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge pipe is pre-positioned during assembly with its distal end located closer to the closed end of the discharge manifold. This preliminary correct positioning ensures that the pipe does not obstruct reactant gas flow paths and is properly aligned for water discharge, preventing misplacement issues before operation begins.
Data Source
AI summary
The fuel cell FC includes a discharge manifold AMe for discharging anode offgas from inside the fuel cell to outside the fuel cell. In the discharge manifold AMe, discharge pipe 45 is placed, and a support mechanism 400 is provided, the support mechanism including one or plural supporting portions 41 for supporting the discharge pipe 45 as well as an engaging portion 43 for placing a distal end portion 45a of the discharge pipe 45 at a position apart from a closed end E2 of the discharge manifold AMe.