Fuel Cell Vehicle Exhaust Duct Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small vehicles with fuel batteries face issues of high airflow resistance and pressure loss in the exhaust duct, leading to inefficient air supply and increased power consumption by the fan, as well as challenges in discharging hydrogen and water vapor effectively.
Innovation Solution
The exhaust duct is divided into two parts to maximize space and reduce airflow resistance, allowing for a smaller fan with lower power consumption, and includes features like hydrogen purge pipes, water reservoirs, and bifurcated sections to efficiently manage airflow and discharge hydrogen and water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a cylindrical pipe of small diameter is used for the exhaust duct, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pressure loss and airflow resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust duct is divided into two separate parts: a first exhaust duct extending from the fuel battery to the rear wheel area, and a second exhaust duct extending from the first exhaust duct to the outside of the vehicle. This segmentation allows each duct to be optimized for its specific function and reduces the overall airflow resistance compared to a single long duct.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust duct system transitions from a simple linear path to a multi-dimensional configuration that extends in multiple directions (front to rear, and rear to outside). The first exhaust duct extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, while the second exhaust duct provides an additional exit path, creating a three-dimensional exhaust flow pattern that reduces pressure loss.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fan of small power consumption is used, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the air supply amount becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust duct is segmented into two parts that work together to reduce airflow resistance. The first exhaust duct handles the initial exhaust flow from the fuel battery, while the second exhaust duct provides an additional exit path. This segmentation allows a smaller fan to achieve sufficient air supply by reducing the overall resistance in the exhaust path.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust duct design changes the airflow parameters by providing multiple exit paths and reducing the length of any single duct section. This parameter change in the exhaust system allows the fan to operate at lower power consumption while maintaining adequate air supply to the fuel battery.
3Device complexity
If the exhaust duct follows a simple path, then the device complexity is reduced, but the space for airflow is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the exhaust duct into two separate parts allows each segment to be routed through optimal paths within the vehicle structure. The first exhaust duct can follow one route while the second exhaust duct follows another, maximizing the available airflow space without requiring a complex single-duct design.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust duct system utilizes three-dimensional space within the vehicle by extending in multiple directions. The first exhaust duct extends toward the rear wheel area, and the second exhaust duct provides an additional spatial path to the outside, effectively using available volume without increasing surface complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the exhaust duct is designed to avoid the frame, then the adaptability to vehicle structure is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust duct is divided into two modular parts that can be assembled separately and then connected. This segmentation allows each part to be designed to fit around specific frame components, improving adaptability to the vehicle structure while maintaining relatively simple assembly procedures through modular construction.
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 design reduces pressure loss and airflow resistance, enabling a more efficient fuel battery system with lower electrical power consumption and effective discharge of hydrogen and water, enhancing overall system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel battery for generating electric power supplied to a motor for driving a drive wheel
Implementation Method 2
air is introduced to the fuel battery using a fan... a function as a cooling medium for cooling the fuel battery
Implementation Method 3
exhaust duct for exhausting air with a smaller airflow resistance... discharging hydrogen purged from the fuel battery and water in the exhaust duct outwardly of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A small vehicle mounted with a fuel cell employs a fan that outputs a satisfactory amount of air with small power consumption. An exhaust duct reduces pressure loss and airflow resistance. Hydrogen purged from the fuel cell (4) is discharged out of the vehicle along with water through the exhaust duct. A fan box (41) has a fan for introducing air into the fuel cell (4) mounted on a frame constituting vehicle body. After cooling the fuel battery, air is exhausted out of the vehicle. The exhaust duct includes two parts; i.e., a first exhaust duct connected to the rear side of the fan box for introducing the air after cooling of the fuel battery; and a second exhaust duct (44) connected to the rear side of the first exhaust duct for exhausting the air flowing thereinto from the first exhaust duct out of the vehicle body.