Fuel Cell Jet Pump Assembly With Integrated Flow Redirection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conveying units for fuel cell systems experience efficiency reduction and increased leakage risks due to flow and pressure losses during medium redirection from the jet pump to the anode input, and the complexity of pipeline connections, which are prone to leaks and structural inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a redirection region within the jet pump's closure lid allows for direct and efficient redirection of the gaseous medium to the anode input, minimizing friction and pressure losses by optimizing the redirection geometry and eliminating the need for additional pipeline connections, thus enhancing the overall system efficiency and reducing the risk of leaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the medium is redirected through a pipeline system from the conveying unit to the anode input, then the flow can be directed to the fuel cell, but flow losses and pressure losses occur reducing system efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidflow losses and pressure losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the redirection region directly into the jet pump by constructing it in the closure lid, merging previously separate components (conveying unit and redirection system) into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for external pipeline connections and redirection components, thereby eliminating flow losses and pressure losses that would occur in separate pipeline systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure lid is designed as a separate, replaceable component that contains the redirection region. This segmentation allows the redirection functionality to be integrated into the jet pump while maintaining modularity - the closure lid can be removed and replaced without affecting the entire jet pump assembly, facilitating maintenance and repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If pipeline connections are used to connect the conveying unit and anode input, then the system can be assembled, but leakage risks increase due to temperature fluctuations and welded/bonded joints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem assemblyVSAvoidleakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the redirection region into the closure lid of the jet pump, the patent eliminates the need for external pipeline connections between the conveying unit and the anode input. The medium flows directly from the jet pump through the integrated redirection region into the anode input, removing all welded or bonded joints that could leak under temperature fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated design anticipates and prevents leakage issues by eliminating vulnerable joint connections before they can fail. By constructing the redirection region directly in the closure lid, the system prevents the formation of potential leakage points that would exist in separate pipeline connections, especially under thermal stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If additional pipeline systems and redirection components are added, then the flow can be redirected, but the device complexity and structural space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow redirection capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the redirection functionality with the existing closure lid of the jet pump, eliminating the need for separate redirection components and pipeline systems. The redirection region is constructed directly in the closure lid, integrating multiple functions (sealing, flow direction, and medium conveyance) into a single component, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If additional pipeline systems and redirection components are added, then the flow can be redirected, but the structural space and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow redirection capabilityVSAvoidstructural space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The redirection region is integrated into the closure lid of the jet pump, eliminating the need for external pipeline systems and separate redirection components. This integration significantly reduces the structural space required for flow redirection, as the redirection path is formed within the existing component boundaries rather than requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration reduces flow and pressure losses, improves the efficiency of the fuel cell system, minimizes structural complexity, and lowers the risk of leakage, while also enabling a more compact design and faster heating capabilities, thereby enhancing the system's reliability and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a jet pump which is driven by means of a propulsion jet of a pressurized gaseous medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJet propulsion: Jet

Implementation Method 2

the propellant can be discharged through the nozzle and is then mixed with a recirculation medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the radius in the redirection region and/or the redirection and guiding geometry of the redirection region for the gaseous medium is configured in such a manner that the lowest possible level of friction occurs between the medium which is intended to be conveyed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow redirection through curvature:

Implementation Method 4

the propellant can be discharged through the nozzle and is then mixed with a recirculation medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 5

mixed with a recirculation medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulent mixing: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentUS11916268B2Conveying unit for a fuel cell system for conveying and/or controlling a gaseous medium

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A conveying unit (1) for a fuel cell system (31) for conveying and/or recirculating a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, comprising a jet pump (4) driven by a driving jet of a pressurized gaseous medium, and comprising a metering valve (6) with a nozzle (12), wherein: the conveying unit (1) is designed as a combined valve jet pump assembly (2); the gaseous medium is fed to the jet pump (4) by means of the metering valve (6); the jet pump (4) has a main body (8); and the jet pump (4) is connected to an anode inlet (3) of a fuel cell (29). According to the invention, a deflection and/or change of direction of the gaseous medium which flows in a flow direction VII from the jet pump (4) to the anode input (3) of the fuel cell (29) occurs exclusively in the deflection region (22), said the jet pump (4) having a separate closure cover (5) connected to the main body (8), and the deflection region (22) and/or the deflection- or guiding geometry of the deflection region for the gaseous medium (22) is formed exclusively in the component of the closing cover (5).