Fuel Cell Humidifier Valve Assembly Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell systems require additional space for separate pressure control valves in the air supply routes, making them less compact and inefficient in adjusting humidifying amounts based on vehicle driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A humidifying device with a valve assembly that adjusts the supply amount of exhaust air to the humidifying membrane module, integrated within the device, allowing for compact layout and adaptive humidifying performance based on vehicle conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate pressure control valves are installed in the air supply routes to control humidifying amount, then the humidifying control is achieved, but the layout space of the fuel cell system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pressure control valve directly into the humidifier assembly, merging two previously separate components (humidifier and pressure control valve) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate pressure control valves in the air supply routes, thereby reducing the overall layout space while maintaining the capability to control humidifying amounts based on driving conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are installed at different air supply routes to adjust humidifying amount, then the humidifying performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pressure control valve within the humidifier assembly serves multiple functions: it controls the pressure of supply air entering the humidifier, regulates the flow of exhaust air through the humidifying membrane module, and enables adaptive humidifying control based on driving conditions. This multi-functional design improves humidifying performance while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate valves.
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 minimizes unnecessary space in the fuel cell system while maintaining humidifying performance and adjusting the humidifying amount according to driving conditions, ensuring efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one humidifying membrane module disposed in the housing main body
Data Source
AI summary
A humidifying device, which exchanges moisture between air supplied from an air compressor and air exhausted from the fuel cell, for a fuel cell, includes: a housing main body; at least one humidifying membrane module disposed in the housing main body; and a valve assembly which is disposed in the housing main body and adjusts a supply amount of exhaust air flowed into the at least one humidifying membrane module based on a predetermined supply amount of supply air flowed into the at least one humidifying membrane module.