Fuel Cell Manifold Integrated Ejector Design

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuel cell stack manifolds with recirculation systems are cumbersome, increasing weight and manufacturing costs due to separate ejector structures and complex channel designs, which also pose safety risks through hydrogen leakage.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a venturi-diffuser ejector structure within the manifold body eliminates the need for a separate ejector, reducing weight and manufacturing costs by optimizing hydrogen supply and recirculation channels, and minimizing joints for improved safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate ejector structure is used for recirculation, then recirculation function is achieved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecirculation functionVSAvoidmanifold weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector structure is integrated into the manifold body, merging two separate components (ejector and manifold) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate ejector components and reduces the overall weight while maintaining the recirculation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold body is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the manifold structure for gas distribution and as the ejector structure for recirculation. By incorporating the venturi and diffuser sections directly into the manifold body, the component achieves multi-functionality, reducing the number of separate parts needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate ejector structure is used for recirculation, then recirculation function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecirculation functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector structure is integrated into the manifold body, merging two separate components (ejector and manifold) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate ejector components and reduces the overall weight while maintaining the recirculation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold body is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the manifold structure for gas distribution and as the ejector structure for recirculation. By incorporating the venturi and diffuser sections directly into the manifold body, the component achieves multi-functionality, reducing the number of separate parts needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used, then recirculation function is achieved, but hydrogen leakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecirculation functionVSAvoidhydrogen leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector structure is integrated into the manifold body, merging two separate components (ejector and manifold) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate ejector components and reduces the overall weight while maintaining the recirculation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The design eliminates unnecessary joints and connections by integrating the ejector function into the manifold body. By removing the separate ejector component and its associated connections, the number of potential leakage points is reduced, thereby improving safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If complex channel designs are used, then recirculation function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecirculation functionVSAvoidmanifold structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector structure is integrated into the manifold body, merging two separate components (ejector and manifold) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate ejector components and reduces the overall weight while maintaining the recirculation function.

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

The integrated ejector structure reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies the process, minimizes weight, and enhances safety by eliminating separate components and joints, while improving heat exchange and reducing freezing issues during cold starts.

Implementation Method 1

an ejector, which is integrally formed with the manifold body, includes a venturi, a diffuser, and a nozzle mounted on the venturi

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

the downstream side of the venturi is connected to the anode outlet through a duct

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9601797B2Fuel cell stack manifold with ejector function

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A fuel cell stack manifold having an ejector function of which the manufacturing cost and the weight can be reduced by optimizing hydrogen supply and recirculation channels and removing other members. hardware without a separate ejector structure for additionally attaching an ejector, of which the productivity can be improved by removing from an ejector assembly process. The fuel cell system minimizes joints through which hydrogen may leak, by implementing a new structure of a manifold added with an ejector function by integrally forming/manufacturing a stack manifold having a venturi and diffuser structure and adding a nozzle thereto.