Fuel Cell Nozzle Hydrogen Recirculation Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel cell systems face challenges with hydrogen recirculation external to the cell, leading to increased costs, pressure losses, and reduced energy output density due to external circulation structures and gas property deviations between cells.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a hydrogen recirculating unit within the fuel cell, utilizing a nozzle and enlarged passages to enhance hydrogen flow and pressure distribution, reducing the size of manifolds and eliminating the need for external recirculation units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydrogen recirculation is performed using external units (compressors, ejectors) outside the fuel cell stack, then hydrogen can be recirculated, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen recirculationVSAvoidexternal circulation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the hydrogen recirculation function directly into the fuel cell stack structure by integrating manifolds and passages within the stack itself. This eliminates the need for external circulators, compressors, and ejectors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining reliable hydrogen recirculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent embeds the recirculation passages and manifolds within the internal structure of the fuel cell stack, nesting the recirculation system inside the stack rather than placing it externally. This internal nesting reduces the overall system complexity and eliminates external circulation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If external hydrogen circulation pipes are used, then hydrogen can be recirculated, but pressure loss occurs in the pipes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen recirculationVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the recirculation passages with the internal fuel cell stack structure, the patent eliminates long external circulation pipes that cause pressure loss. The integrated design minimizes flow path length and resistance, reducing energy loss while maintaining effective hydrogen recirculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If manifold sizes are reduced to improve packaging, then package space is optimized, but stable reactant supply becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanifold sizeVSAvoidreactant supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes manifold design by utilizing three-dimensional space within the stack structure and creating multi-directional passage networks. This allows compact manifold volumes while maintaining adequate flow capacity through strategic passage routing and dimensional optimization in multiple directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different passage cross-sectional areas at different locations within the manifold system. Passages are designed with varying dimensions optimized for local flow requirements, ensuring stable reactant supply throughout the stack while maintaining compact overall manifold size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If passage sizes are increased to improve energy output density, then energy output density improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy output densityVSAvoidpassage size constraint

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes passage dimensions by adjusting key parameters such as cross-sectional area, length, and routing configuration. This allows maximization of energy output density through increased passage sizes while maintaining manufacturability by selecting dimensions that are feasible with standard manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach reduces costs, minimizes pressure losses, and improves energy output density by efficiently recirculating hydrogen within the fuel cell, preventing performance deviations and allowing for stable reactant supply.

Implementation Method 1

a nozzle (210) which introduces, from a manifold (120), hydrogen into passages (110)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

enhance hydrogen flow and pressure distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS9997790B2Fuel cell

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A fuel cell is provided which comprises a plurality of manifolds at a first end and a second end of the fuel cell and a separator having passages between the first and the second ends of the fuel cell. In particular, the fuel cell includes a nozzle disposed between at least one of the plurality of manifolds and the passages and having an inlet into which a material is introduced from the at least one of the plurality of manifolds and an outlet from which the introduced material is discharged to the passages.