Fuel Cell Exhaust Water Reuse for Evaporative Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell devices require cooling during operation, which is inefficient and costly due to the need for external water sources for cooling, and existing cooling methods do not effectively utilize the water produced as a by-product of cold combustion.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell device with an integrated heat exchanger featuring an evaporative cooler that uses evaporation water from the cathode exhaust air flow, which is collected and reused for cooling, eliminating the need for external water and simplifying the cooling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external water sources are used for cooling the fuel cell device, then the cooling function is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase due to the need for external water supply infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell device cools itself by utilizing its own exhaust water for evaporative cooling, eliminating the need for external water sources. The system recycles its by-product (exhaust water) to perform the cooling function, making the system self-sufficient and reducing external infrastructure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the state of exhaust water from waste by-product to functional cooling agent. By capturing and evaporating the exhaust water in the cooling system, the phase change from liquid to vapor absorbs heat, providing effective cooling without requiring external water supply infrastructure.
2Ease of manufacture
If exhaust water is disposed of externally, then the system is simple, but valuable cooling resource is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the exhaust water from the fuel cell, the system recovers and reuses it for evaporative cooling. The water that would normally be wasted is captured and utilized as a cooling resource, eliminating resource loss while maintaining system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust water, initially considered a waste by-product, is converted into a beneficial cooling resource. The system transforms what was discarded into a valuable asset for thermal management, turning a negative (waste disposal requirement) into a positive (self-cooling capability).
3Temperature
If traditional cooling systems are used, then cooling is provided, but additional external infrastructure and water sources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust water from the fuel cell serves multiple functions: it is both a by-product of the electrochemical reaction and a cooling agent. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external water sources, as the same water performs both its original function and thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell system provides its own cooling requirement through internal resource utilization. The exhaust water generated by the fuel cell's operation is reused for cooling purposes, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on external water infrastructure.
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective cooling of fuel cell devices by reusing water from the exhaust air, reducing the need for external cooling sources and improving the overall efficiency of the cooling process.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchanger has an evaporative cooler for cooling the heat exchanger, which is supplied by means of evaporation water provided from the cathode exhaust air flow of the fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell device of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The fuel cell device includes a fuel cell, a supply air path leading to the fuel cell for a cathode supply air flow, and an exhaust air path leading away from the fuel cell for a cathode exhaust air flow. The supply air path and the exhaust air path are routed through a humidifier that humidifies the supply air and dehumidifies the exhaust air. The exhaust air path is further routed through a water separator that removes water from the exhaust air to provide evaporation water. A heat exchanger for cooling the fuel cell is provided that has an evaporative cooler for cooling the heat exchanger. The evaporative cooler is assigned to the water separator in fluidic communication and is supplied with evaporation water by the water separator.