Fuel Cell Membrane Humidifier Pressure Buffer Against Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The humidification efficiency of fuel cell membrane humidifiers is reduced due to pressure differences between the inside and outside of the membrane humidifier.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell membrane humidifier design that includes a middle case with a module insertion unit and a cap case, featuring a pressure buffer unit between the inner wall of the middle case and the module insertion unit, which helps to equalize pressures and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a membrane humidifier operates under pressure difference between inside and outside, then humidification function is achieved, but humidification efficiency decreases due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer chamber between the membrane humidifier and the high-pressure environment, which acts as a pressure buffer to cushion the pressure difference before it reaches the membrane humidifier. This prevents the pressure difference from causing deformation while still allowing the humidifier to function effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer chamber serves as an intermediary element between the high-pressure fuel cell environment and the membrane humidifier. It mediates the pressure transmission, allowing the humidifier to operate in a more stable pressure environment while still fulfilling its humidification function in the fuel cell system.
2Productivity
If pressure difference is applied to membrane humidifier, then fuel cell operation is enabled, but deformation occurs reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer chamber provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and dampening pressure fluctuations before they reach the membrane humidifier. This ensures stable operation of the fuel cell system while preventing performance degradation of the humidifier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter distribution in the system by introducing the buffer chamber, which creates a pressure gradient that protects the membrane humidifier from extreme pressure differences while maintaining the necessary pressure for fuel cell operation.
3Speed
If membrane humidifier is exposed to pressure gradient, then gas flow is maintained, but humidification efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer chamber acts as an intermediary that decouples the gas flow function from the humidification function. It allows gas to flow through the system while protecting the membrane humidifier from pressure gradients that would reduce humidification efficiency.
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 solution effectively prevents a decrease in humidification efficiency by maintaining uniform pressure across the membrane humidifier, ensuring that the humidification process is not compromised by pressure gradients.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane configured to selectively transmit only water vapor included in an exhaust gas
Implementation Method 2
a pressure buffer unit disposed between the inner wall of the middle case and the module insertion unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, which can prevent a decrease in humidification efficiency due to a pressure difference between the inside and outside of a membrane humidifier, the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising: a middle case having a module insertion part inside; a cap case coupled to the middle case; a hollow fiber membrane module inserted to the module insertion part; and a pressure buffer part between the inner wall of the middle case and the module insertion part.