Fuel Cell Hydrogen Pipe Liquid Retention Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell systems, liquid water tends to freeze inside hydrogen-related auxiliary machines such as gas-liquid separators and hydrogen circulation pumps due to its retention within these components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a liquid retention part in the hydrogen pipes, positioned below the hydrogen holes and connecting points to the auxiliary machines, which prevents liquid water from entering and freezing within these machines by retaining it in a downwardly bent or depressed section of the pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid water is retained in the gas-liquid separator, then moisture can be separated from hydrogen off-gas, but the liquid water freezes inside the gas-liquid separator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful liquid water from the gas-liquid separator by providing a separate drainage path. The liquid retention part captures liquid water before it enters the gas-liquid separator, and the drainage path leads it to a drainage hole that discharges outside the separator. This removes the source of freezing problems while preserving the moisture separation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid retention part acts as an intermediary component between the hydrogen outlet hole and the gas-liquid separator. It intercepts liquid water and redirects it through the drainage path to the drainage hole, preventing direct contact between liquid water and the gas-liquid separator where freezing would occur.
2Productivity
If liquid water enters the hydrogen circulation pump, then hydrogen off-gas can be circulated, but the liquid water freezes inside the pump causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts liquid water from the circulation path by providing a drainage path that leads to a drainage hole. This removes liquid water before it can enter the hydrogen circulation pump, preventing freezing and malfunction while allowing continuous hydrogen off-gas circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid retention part performs preliminary action by capturing and draining liquid water before it reaches the hydrogen circulation pump. This preventive measure ensures that only gas phase hydrogen off-gas enters the pump, eliminating the risk of freezing during pump operation.
3Shape
If the gas-liquid separator is positioned at the lowermost part of the hydrogen gas circulation flow passage, then liquid water flows down into the separator, but liquid water stays in the separator and freezes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts retained liquid water from the gas-liquid separator through the drainage path and drainage hole. This allows the separator to maintain its lowermost position for effective moisture separation while continuously removing liquid water that would otherwise accumulate and freeze.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards liquid water from the gas-liquid separator through the drainage path leading to the drainage hole. By continuously removing and discarding the liquid phase, the system prevents accumulation and freezing while maintaining the separator's essential function of moisture separation.
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
Effectively prevents liquid water from entering and freezing in the auxiliary machines, reducing the risk of system malfunction and allowing for a more compact fuel cell system design by ensuring liquid water is retained and not circulated to freezing temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrogen pipe includes a liquid retention part that is located below the hydrogen hole and a connecting point between the hydrogen pipe and the hydrogen-related auxiliary machine in a gravity direction
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack having a hydrogen hole in which hydrogen gas passes, a hydrogen-related auxiliary machine, and a hydrogen pipe that connects the hydrogen hole and the hydrogen-related auxiliary machine. The hydrogen pipe includes a liquid retention part that is located below the hydrogen hole, and a connecting point between the hydrogen pipe and the hydrogen-related auxiliary machine in a gravity direction.