Fuel Cell Manifold and Buffer Tank Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicles experience noise generation due to pressure pulsation in hydrogen supply pipes, which existing solutions attempt to mitigate through buffer tanks but require additional space and complex piping configurations.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system with a buffer part comprising a manifold and a buffer tank connected to the manifold, where the manifold is disposed between the fuel gas supply pipe and the piping unit, allowing for a main flow passage and a branch flow passage, enabling improved layout flexibility and compact design by inclining the sub-pipe towards the piping unit and horizontally arranging the buffer tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a buffer tank is disposed at upstream of injector with branch pipe on piping unit, then noise is suppressed, but space requirement and piping complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the buffer tank with the hydrogen supply pipe by forming an integrally forged one-piece structure. The buffer tank is positioned such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hydrogen supply pipe, and they are connected through integrated flow passages without requiring separate branch pipes or additional piping units. This integration eliminates the need for complex piping connections while maintaining the noise suppression function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If buffer tank with branch pipe is used, then noise is reduced, but available space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the buffer tank is positioned adjacent to and integrated with the hydrogen supply pipe in a compact arrangement. The buffer tank's longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the pipe's axis, allowing the two components to occupy complementary spatial volumes. This nesting-like integration minimizes the overall footprint while maintaining both components' functionality, effectively reducing the space required compared to separate installations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manifold is disposed between fuel gas supply pipe and piping unit, then layout flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the manifold function directly into the hydrogen supply pipe through integral forming, creating an one-piece forged structure. The manifold passages are formed as continuous flow channels within the pipe body, eliminating the need for separate manifold components, welding, or complex assembly operations. This integration maintains layout flexibility while significantly simplifying manufacturing compared to multi-component assemblies.
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 simplifies upstream pipeline structures, reduces noise, and enhances layout flexibility by allowing for a more compact and integrated design, thereby minimizing offsets and costs while effectively suppressing noise in the vehicle cabin.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer tank suppresses sudden reduction in the hydrogen pressure caused by the operation of the injector, accordingly suppressing noise in the vehicle cabin
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack; a fuel gas supply pipe supplying a fuel gas to the fuel cell stack; an injector injecting the fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply pipe into the fuel cell stack through a piping unit; and a buffer part located at an upstream side of the injector and being capable of circulating the fuel gas. The buffer part includes: a manifold; and a buffer tank connected to the manifold and circulating the fuel gas, and the manifold is disposed between the fuel gas supply pipe and the piping unit.