Hollow Fiber Membrane Humidifier Pressure Buffer for Gap Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The humidification efficiency of fuel cell membrane humidifiers is degraded due to pressure differences between the inside and outside of the membrane humidifier, leading to gaps between the hollow fiber membrane cartridge and the outer partition, which reduces the effectiveness of moisture exchange.
Innovation Solution
An active pressure buffer system is implemented, featuring a sliding structure between the middle case and the module insertion portion, with sliding members and bypass holes that adjust to maintain equal pressure on both sides of the outer partition wall, preventing expansion and maintaining airtightness even under high or abnormal output conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the hollow fiber membrane module is inserted into the module insertion portion without a pressure buffer, then the structure is simple and compact, but the pressure difference causes the module insertion portion to expand outward creating gaps that degrade humidification efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
An active pressure buffer portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the middle case and the module insertion portion. This pressure buffer receives and absorbs the expansion force generated by pressure differences, preventing the module insertion portion from expanding outward and maintaining consistent contact between the hollow fiber membrane module and the outer partition wall, thereby preserving humidification efficiency without complicating the overall structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If the middle case is made rigid to prevent expansion, then structural stability is improved, but the pressure difference cannot be absorbed causing gaps and reduced humidification efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The middle case is segmented into functional zones: a rigid main body providing structural stability, and a localized active pressure buffer portion that provides controlled compliance. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain overall stability while having a specific region that can absorb pressure differences, preventing gap formation and maintaining humidification efficiency
3Reliability
If the hollow fiber membrane module is tightly fixed to prevent gaps, then humidification efficiency is maintained, but the pressure difference causes structural deformation or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The active pressure buffer portion acts as a mediator between the hollow fiber membrane module and the external pressure environment. It absorbs the expansion force from pressure differences, allowing the module to maintain tight contact with the outer partition wall for efficient humidification without experiencing damaging structural stress or deformation
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 effectively prevents the degradation of humidification efficiency by ensuring that the pressure difference does not cause deformation or gaps, allowing the second fluid to flow through the hollow fiber membrane module efficiently, maintaining optimal moisture exchange.
Implementation Method 1
a humidification membrane scheme for supplying moisture to a fluidized gas layer using a polymer separation membrane
Implementation Method 2
an active pressure buffer portion between the middle case and the module insertion portion to absorb expansion force generated by a pressure difference
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier capable of preventing a humidification efficiency decrease caused by a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of a membrane humidifier. A fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a middle case having a module insertion part formed therein; a cap case coupled to the middle case; a hollow fiber membrane module inserted in the module insertion part; and an active pressure buffer part which is formed between the middle case and the module insertion part and prevents expansion of the module insertion part by a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the middle case according to an output state of a fuel cell or relieves the pressure difference therebetween.