Fuel Cell Fluid-Conducting Module With Integrated Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid-conducting modules for fuel cell devices are complex and costly to produce, hindering efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-conducting module with a flow channel and heat exchanger design that allows for efficient heat transfer between a temperature control fluid and fuel gases, featuring a bypass channel and adjustable fluid-conducting elements to optimize fluid flow and reduce production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a complex fluid-conducting module design is used to achieve efficient heat transfer and fluid flow management, then the operational efficiency of the fuel cell device is improved, but the production cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow channel and heat exchanger into a single integrated module, merging previously separate components into one unified structure. This integration maintains efficient heat transfer and fluid flow management while reducing the number of separate parts, simplifying assembly, and lowering production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-conducting module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it conducts temperature control fluid for cooling, transfers heat to fuel gases, and manages fluid flow distribution. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated structure, improving operational efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If a complex fluid-conducting module design is used to achieve efficient heat transfer and fluid flow management, then the operational efficiency of the fuel cell device is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the flow channel and heat exchanger into one integrated module, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and sealed. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly steps, and lowers production costs while maintaining efficient heat transfer and fluid flow management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module is designed with distinct functional zones for fluid conduction and heat exchange, allowing for optimized manufacturing processes for each functional area while maintaining overall integration. This segmentation within integration enables efficient production without compromising operational performance.
3Loss of energy
If heat is transferred from the temperature control fluid to the fuel gases through the heat exchanger, then the heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the temperature control fluid may lose excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is strategically positioned within the flow channel to create localized heat transfer zones where heat is efficiently transferred from the temperature control fluid to the fuel gases. This localized approach ensures effective heat recovery at specific points without causing excessive overall heat loss from the temperature control fluid, maintaining its temperature for continued effective cooling.
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
The module enables efficient operation of fuel cell devices by effectively managing heat transfer and fluid flow, while being simple and cost-effective to produce.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger, by means of which a second fluid, in particular a gas, can be heated, preferably by transferring heat from the first fluid to the second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to provide a fluid-conducting module for a fuel cell device, said fluid-conducting module being simple and inexpensive to produce and being used to operate a fuel cell device in a preferably efficient manner. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the fluid-conducting module comprises the following: a flow channel which comprises at least one flow channel inlet and at least one flow channel outlet and through which a first fluid, in particular a liquid, can be conducted; a heat exchanger, by means of which a second fluid, in particular a gas, can be heated, preferably by transferring heat from the first fluid to the second fluid.