Fuel Cell Air Supply Nozzle Field for Humidification and Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell systems face inefficiencies due to the use of intercoolers, which cause pressure losses and additional heat input challenges, especially in low-temperature fuel cells, and require separate humidifiers, leading to increased complexity and load on the cooling circuit.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing two-substance nozzles with adjustable valve sections and magnetic restoring forces for efficient humidification of air, eliminating the need for intercoolers and humidifiers by preheating and evaporating condensed water within the air flow, and acting as a passive cathode shut-off valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an intercooler is used to cool the compressed air, then the air temperature is reduced for low-temperature fuel cell operation, but pressure losses increase and the cooling circuit load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with the humidification function into a single device. The compressed air passes through a humidifier where it is cooled by heat exchange with condensation water from the fuel cell, achieving both temperature reduction and humidification simultaneously, thereby reducing cooling circuit load and eliminating the need for a separate intercooler
Solution Approach 2:
The humidifier device performs multiple functions: it cools the compressed air, humidifies the air supply, and utilizes the condensation water from the fuel cell. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate intercooler and humidifier components, reducing overall system complexity and cooling circuit burden
2Quantity of substance
If a separate humidifier is used to humidify the air supply, then the air is appropriately humidified for fuel cell operation, but device complexity and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling and humidification functions into a single integrated device. The compressed air is cooled and humidified simultaneously as it passes through the humidifier using condensation water from the fuel cell, eliminating the need for separate intercooler and humidifier components
Solution Approach 2:
The humidifier serves multiple purposes: cooling the compressed air, humidifying the air supply, and utilizing condensation water from the fuel cell. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components while achieving both temperature control and humidity control
3Temperature
If an intercooler and separate humidifier are used, then air temperature and humidity are controlled, but pressure losses in the supply air flow increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cooling and humidification into a single device, eliminating the need for air to pass through multiple separate components. This reduces the number of interfaces and flow restrictions, thereby minimizing pressure losses in the supply air flow while still achieving the required temperature and humidity control
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 solution reduces pressure losses, optimizes cooling circuit efficiency, and minimizes component and space requirements, ensuring effective humidification and cooling of the air supply while preventing air flow when not needed, thus enhancing overall system performance and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a field of two-substance nozzles for the supply of the water that has condensed out is formed in the cross section of the supply air flow
Implementation Method 2
The supplied water, which according to an advantageous refinement of the concept can be preheated via a heat exchanger, in particular by waste heat from the fuel cell system, can then ideally be evaporated in the volume flow
Implementation Method 3
Each of the separated cross sections through which flow can take place comprises a valve seat and a valve body, which experiences a restoring force in the direction of the valve seat counter to the flow, for example by a spring or another restoring element
Implementation Method 4
The supplied water, which according to an advantageous refinement of the concept can be preheated via a heat exchanger, in particular by waste heat from the fuel cell system
Implementation Method 5
an air conveying device (11), in particular a flow compressor, for the compression of air
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for supplying air to a fuel cell (3), having at least one air conveying device (11) and at least one humidifying device, which supplies condensed product water from the fuel cell (3) to the compressed supply air flow by means of at least one nozzle (171-178). It is characterized in that a field (15) of two-substance nozzles (171-178) for the supply of water is formed in the flow cross section of the supply air flow, wherein a separated cross section (161-168) through which flow can take place is formed for each of the two-substance nozzles (171-178) and wherein each of the separated cross sections (161-168) through which flow can take place comprises a valve (22) having a valve seat (24) and a valve body (23), which is pressed counter to the flow by a restoring force in the direction of the valve seat (24).