Fuel Cell Injector Module With Balanced Nozzle Pressure Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing injection module for fuel cell systems experiences unstable activation functions due to jet pump pressure affecting the closing mechanism of the second motive nozzle, leading to inconsistent fuel supply and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The injection module design features a small nozzle body with equal-sized opening and closing pressure surfaces, guided by a spring element, ensuring stable operation by preventing the nozzle body from closing under jet pump pressure, and allowing controlled opening of the second gas flow path, even under varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common metering valve controls both drive nozzles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability of the activation function deteriorates due to jet pump pressure causing the small nozzle body to close
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces asymmetry in the pressure surface areas of the small nozzle body. The opening pressure surface (facing upstream) is made larger than the closing pressure surface (facing downstream), creating a pressure balance that prevents the nozzle from closing under jet pump pressure while still allowing it to open under dynamic pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies a counterbalancing force principle by designing the opening pressure surface to be larger than the closing pressure surface. This creates a compensating force that counteracts the harmful jet pump pressure acting on the closing surface, preventing unwanted closure of the second gas flow path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the small nozzle body is made movable to control the second gas flow path, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the harmful effect of jet pump pressure causing unstable closure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful jet pump pressure into a beneficial force by designing the pressure surface areas such that the jet pump pressure acting on the smaller closing surface is counterbalanced by the dynamic pressure acting on the larger opening surface. This transforms the previously harmful pressure into a stable balancing force that maintains reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the nozzle body by making the opening pressure surface larger than the closing pressure surface. This parameter change fundamentally alters how the nozzle responds to pressure variations, transforming the system from unstable to stable under jet pump operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the opening and closing pressure surfaces are made equal in size, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the stability of the nozzle position deteriorates under varying pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention deliberately introduces asymmetry in the pressure surface areas, making the opening pressure surface larger than the closing pressure surface. This asymmetric design provides inherent stability under varying pressure conditions by creating a pressure balance that prevents unwanted movement of the nozzle body.
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 design stabilizes the fuel supply to the fuel cell, ensuring consistent operation across different states and enhancing the efficiency of the fuel cell system by maintaining a stable activation function and reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element presses the small nozzle body against the stop disk and/or indirectly against the large nozzle body by means of a spring force
Implementation Method 2
When the metering valve opens, a jet pump pressure from the second motive nozzle develops on the downstream side of the injection module
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an injection module (2) for a conveyor assembly (1) of a fuel cell system (31) for conveying and/or recirculating a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, in which: the injection module (2) has a communicating opening (29) and/or an inlet opening (3), by means of which the gaseous medium flows into the injection module (2); the injection module (2) has a small nozzle body (13) having a first drive nozzle (12) and a large nozzle body (15) having a second drive nozzle (14), by means of which (12, 14) the gaseous medium flows out of the injection module (2); the small nozzle body (13) is disposed movably in the direction of a longitudinal axis (52) in the large nozzle body (8) and/or in the injection module (2); the small nozzle body (13) and the large nozzle body (15) each have a gas flow path (III, IV); the gaseous medium can flow either only through the first gas flow path III or through the first gas flow path III and the second gas flow path IV simultaneously; the second gas flow path IV can be opened or closed by means of a movement of the small nozzle body (13). According to the invention the small nozzle body (13) abuts a stop disc (30) and/or at least indirectly abuts the large nozzle body (15), and thus forms an opening pressure surface (22); the opening pressure surface (22) and a closing pressure surface (24), in particular located at the outflow end of the small nozzle body, are at least almost the same size; the opening pressure surface (22) can be subjected to a dynamic pressure (44) at the inflow end.