Fuel Cell Membrane Humidifier With Thermally Actuated Bypass Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell membrane humidifiers struggle to actively adjust the flow rate of off-gas based on the output situation of the fuel cell, leading to increased parts and installation space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell membrane humidifier with an active blocking member made of a thermosensitive material that adjusts the bypass space opening based on the temperature of the off-gas, using a metal material that expands at high temperatures and contracts at low temperatures to control the flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional membrane humidifier is used without active flow rate adjustment, then the structure is simple, but the off-gas flow rate cannot be actively adjusted based on fuel cell output situation
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is configured to automatically adjust the bypass space opening degree based on the temperature of the off-gas flowing through the humidifier. As the off-gas temperature changes with fuel cell output, the blocking member passively responds to regulate flow rate without requiring external control systems, sensors, or actuators, thus achieving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional control components are added to adjust off-gas flow rate, then flow rate control capability is improved, but the number of parts and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member utilizes the thermal energy already present in the off-gas to drive its own movement and regulate the bypass space opening. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for separate control components such as motors, sensors, or control valves, thereby achieving flow rate control capability while minimizing the quantity of additional parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member responds to changes in off-gas temperature by altering its position, thereby changing the flow characteristics through the bypass space. This parameter-based control approach (using temperature as the control parameter) replaces complex multi-component control systems with a single responsive element, reducing part quantity while maintaining control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional control components are added to adjust off-gas flow rate, then flow rate control capability is improved, but installation space and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is integrated directly into the existing humidifier structure and utilizes the thermal field already present in the off-gas flow path. This integration approach eliminates the need for separate control component housings, mounting structures, and associated installation space, achieving flow rate control capability within the existing compact humidifier footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate control function is merged with the existing humidifier structure through the blocking member that is positioned within the bypass space. This merging of control functionality into the primary humidification structure avoids the need for separate control modules and reduces overall installation space requirements.
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 solution allows for automatic adjustment of the off-gas flow rate, reducing the number of parts and installation space needed, thereby minimizing costs and enhancing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an active blocking member configured to adjust a degree of opening of the bypass space depending on a temperature of the wetting gas flowing into the inside through the inlet
Implementation Method 2
the active blocking member may be made of a metal material expanding in a first temperature range of the wetting gas flowing into the inside through the inlet and contracting in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range
Implementation Method 3
a selective permeable membrane used in the membrane humidification scheme is preferably a hollow fiber membrane having a large permeable area per unit volume when a module is formed
Implementation Method 4
moisture and heat contained in an off-gas discharged with a high temperature from the fuel cell can be recovered and can be reused through the humidifier
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier which can actively control the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing from a fuel cell stack according to the output condition of a fuel cell. A fuel cell membrane humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a mid-case having an inlet through which wetting gas supplied from the fuel cell stack is introduced and an outlet through which the wetting gas is discharged; a cartridge disposed inside the mid-case and accommodating a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; a bypass space formed in the space between the mid-case and the cartridge; and an active blocking member for controlling the degree of opening of the bypass space according to the temperature of the wetting gas introduced through the inlet.