Fuel Cell Coolant Filter Layout for Leak-Free Cartridge Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling devices for fuel cells require labor-intensive procedures for replacing filter cartridges, as they necessitate discharging or closing passages to prevent liquid leaks, and air vents can cause cooling liquid to flow out, potentially deteriorating the ion removal effect.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device design with a replaceable filter cartridge housed in a vessel with a lid, where the cartridge opening is positioned higher than the liquid level, allowing for easy replacement without pre-discharging the liquid and incorporating an air vent in the reservoir tank to prevent liquid overflow and maintain ion removal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ion removal filter is positioned at a lower level in the cooling liquid circulation passage, then the cooling liquid can be effectively filtered, but the filter cartridge replacement requires labor-intensive procedures including discharging or closing passages to prevent liquid leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention positions the ion removal filter vertically above the highest liquid level in the cooling liquid circulation passage, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the contradiction. This elevated positioning allows the filter cartridge to be replaced without liquid discharge or passage closing while preventing liquid leaks through the air vent, thus improving ease of operation without compromising reliability
2Ease of operation
If an air vent is disposed in the circulation passage to escape air during filter replacement, then air can be vented, but cooling liquid may flow out through the air vent causing deterioration of ion removal effect
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the ion removal filter vertically above the highest liquid level, the invention ensures that the air vent located at the top of the filter housing remains above the liquid level during normal operation and replacement procedures. This vertical positioning allows air to escape through the vent while preventing cooling liquid from flowing out, thus maintaining both ease of operation and ion removal reliability
3Ease of repair
If the filter cartridge is made replaceable, then maintenance is simplified, but the vessel structure becomes more complex requiring a lid and opening mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the filter assembly into separable components: a replaceable filter cartridge and a vessel housing with a lid. This segmentation allows the filter cartridge to be independently replaced without replacing the entire filter assembly, simplifying maintenance while the simple lid-opening mechanism adds minimal structural complexity
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
Facilitates easy and efficient replacement of filter cartridges, preventing liquid overflow and maintaining stable ion removal performance by ensuring the cooling liquid does not flow over the opening during cartridge replacement, thus reducing labor and maintaining ion exchange efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an ion removal filter interposed in the cooling liquid circulation passage to remove at least a part of ions in the cooling liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge-type ion removal filter 15 to remove ions from the cooling liquid in the cooling liquid circulation passage 20 is disposed in the middle of a cooling liquid circulation passage 20 to circulate the cooling liquid between a fuel cell stack 11 and a radiator 12. The ion removal filter 15 is disposed in the cooling liquid circulation passage so that an opening 26b of a vessel main body 26 is in a higher position than the highest level “H” of the cooling liquid in the reservoir tank 14.