Fuel Cell Stack Tubular Water Discharge Without Mixer Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The provision of a stirring mixer in the flow path for supplying fuel gas to a fuel cell stack increases pressure loss, hindering the smooth flow of fuel gas and affecting power generation performance due to liquid water accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell stack design with a communication tube installed in the gas supply flow path to guide liquid water away from the power generation region, using a tubular body with support structures to maintain gas flow efficiency and prevent pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a stirring mixer is provided in the flow path for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cell stack, then liquid water accumulation is suppressed, but pressure loss increases and smooth flow of fuel gas is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the water discharge function from the power generation region by providing a dedicated water discharge passage in the non-power generation region. This allows liquid water to be removed from the system without requiring a stirring mixer in the fuel gas supply flow path, thereby avoiding the pressure loss associated with such mixers while still preventing water accumulation in the power generation area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a communication tube as an intermediary element that connects the non-power generation region with the power generation region. This tube allows liquid water to be transported from the power generation region to the discharge passage without requiring direct intervention (stirring mixer) in the fuel gas supply flow path, thus maintaining smooth gas flow while enabling effective water removal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a stirring mixer is provided in the flow path, then liquid water is discharged, but power generation performance is affected due to increased pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The water discharge function is extracted from the power generation region and relocated to the non-power generation region. The water discharge passage is specifically positioned in the non-power generation region, allowing liquid water to be discharged without interfering with the power generation process or causing pressure loss that would affect performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the fuel cell stack into power generation regions and non-power generation regions. By providing the water discharge passage in the non-power generation region, the system separates the water removal function from the power generation function, ensuring that water discharge operations do not negatively impact power generation performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a tubular body with water discharge passage is provided in the non-power generation region, then liquid water is effectively discharged without obstructing gas flow, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular body (communication tube) serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the fuel cell stack and a water discharge conduit. By integrating the water discharge function into an existing structural element rather than adding a separate dedicated component, the invention achieves effective water discharge while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the water discharge passage with the structural framework of the fuel cell stack. The communication tube is integrated into the non-power generation region structure, combining the functions of structural support and water removal in a single element, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate independent components.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell stack including a cell stacked body including a plurality of power generation cells stacked in a predetermined direction, a first end unit disposed on a first side in the predetermined direction of the cell stacked body, a second end unit disposed on a second side in the predetermined direction of the cell stacked body, and a tubular body disposed in a gas supply flow path of the cell stacked body and extending in the predetermined direction. The tubular body includes first and second end portions where first and second openings are provided, respectively, a water discharge passage is provided in a non-power generation region located on the second opening side and outside a power generation region of the cell stacked body so as to guide liquid water flowing out through the second opening to the gas discharge flow path.