Compact Fuel Cell Humidifier Cooler Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicles face space constraints due to the large size of humidifiers and coolers, which occupy significant space and hinder efficient installation.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell vehicle design that incorporates a system frame accommodating the cooler and humidifier, with the air compressor positioned on the upper plate and the cooler and humidifier placed within the frame, allowing for a compact configuration that reduces space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the cooler and humidifier are installed as separate external components, then they can perform their functions effectively, but they occupy a large space in the fuel cell vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cooler and humidifier into a single integrated unit that is mounted on the system frame. This merging of previously separate components reduces the total space occupied while maintaining the functional capabilities of both cooling and humidifying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cooler-humidifier unit is positioned in the vertical dimension on the system frame, utilizing space above the fuel cell stack. This dimensional reorganization allows the components to occupy space that would otherwise be unused, reducing the horizontal footprint within the vehicle.
2Volume of stationary object
If the cooler and humidifier are made compact to reduce space, then space constraints are alleviated, but air pressure loss increases and power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the cooler and humidifier into a single integrated unit with optimized internal flow paths, the patent achieves compact dimensions while maintaining efficient air flow. The integrated design allows for minimized dead spaces and optimized connectivity between components, reducing pressure losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the integrated unit, including flow channel dimensions, component spacing, and mounting position, to achieve the best balance between compact size and minimal pressure loss. The system frame mounting position is specifically optimized to facilitate efficient air flow.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate mounting structures are used for the cooler and humidifier, then each component can be installed independently, but the overall installation complexity and space usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooler and humidifier into a single integrated assembly that is mounted as one unit on the system frame. This reduces the number of separate mounting operations required while maintaining the functional independence of each component within the integrated unit.
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 minimizes the space occupied by the cooler and humidifier, enhancing installation flexibility and improving power efficiency by reducing air pressure loss and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler configured to cool air discharged from the air compressor
Implementation Method 2
a humidifier configured to humidify air cooled by the cooler
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell, an air compressor configured to draw in and discharge air, a cooler configured to cool air discharged from the air compressor, a humidifier configured to humidify air cooled by the cooler and to supply the humidified air to the fuel cell, and a system frame on which the fuel cell is disposed. The system frame accommodates at least a portion of each of the cooler and the humidifier therein.