Fuel Cell Membrane Humidifier Bypass Structure for Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The humidification efficiency of membrane humidifiers for fuel cells is degraded due to pressure differences between the inside and outside of the humidifier, leading to gaps and reduced effectiveness in high output or abnormal situations.
Innovation Solution
An active pressure buffer system is implemented, featuring a bypass structure with protrusion members and sliding protrusions that open bypass holes to equalize pressure, preventing deformation and maintaining airtightness between the hollow fiber membrane cartridge and the outer partition wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the membrane humidifier operates under high output or abnormal conditions, then the pressure difference between inside and outside increases, but this causes the outer partition wall to expand outward creating gaps that degrade humidification efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the outer partition wall movable rather than fixed. The partition wall is designed to move outward when pressure difference increases, accommodating the expansion without creating harmful gaps. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain sealing and humidification efficiency across varying operating conditions, from normal to high output modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or parameters of the partition wall by introducing a movable design that responds to pressure differential changes. The partition wall's position parameter varies dynamically based on the pressure difference between inside and outside of the humidifier, allowing it to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining system reliability and humidification efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a fixed outer partition wall is used, then the structure is simple, but the partition wall deforms under pressure difference causing gaps and fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed partition wall into a dynamic, movable structure that can adjust its position in response to pressure differences. This dynamic design prevents deformation-related gaps and maintains sealing performance without requiring complex active control systems, achieving a balance between simplicity and reliability.
3Device complexity
If the pressure difference is not equalized, then the structure remains simple, but gaps form between the partition wall and housing allowing unhumidified fluid to bypass the membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The movable partition wall acts as a passive pressure equalization mechanism that dynamically adjusts to maintain contact with the housing. This eliminates the need for complex active pressure equalization systems while preventing fluid bypass and maintaining high humidification efficiency across all operating conditions.
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 maintaining consistent pressure across the outer partition wall, ensuring the second fluid flows through the hollow fiber membrane module and not through gaps, even under high output or abnormal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a selective permeable membrane used in the humidification membrane scheme is preferably a hollow fiber membrane having a large permeable area per unit volume
Implementation Method 2
an active pressure buffer portion formed between the middle case and the module insertion portion to prevent the module insertion portion from expanding due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the middle case or eliminate a pressure difference
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, which can prevent a decrease in humidification efficiency, caused by a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the membrane humidifier. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, 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 formed between the middle case and the module insertion part to prevent expansion of the module insertion part due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the middle case or relieve the pressure difference according to output states of the fuel cell.