Humidifier Channel Plate Stack With Crossed Stays for Low Flow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidifying devices for fuel cell systems are inefficient in moisture transfer between flow channels, leading to reduced performance and increased flow resistance due to separate channel plates for each gas group.
Innovation Solution
A humidifying device with channel plates stacked in a configuration where two channel partial plates, each with a circumferentially extending frame and slanted stays, form alternating flow channels separated by semipermeable layers, allowing for improved moisture transfer through a crossed rib structure that enhances fluid flow and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate channel plates are used for each gas group, then flow channels are well-defined, but moisture transfer efficiency is reduced and flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate channel plates (one for each gas group) into a single channel plate that accommodates both gas groups. This is achieved by forming two flow channels within one channel plate structure, allowing moisture transfer between the channels while reducing the total number of channel plates and improving moisture transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where one flow channel is formed within the channel plate and another flow channel is formed within the membrane assembly, with both channels interleaved in the stacking direction. This nested arrangement allows efficient moisture transfer while maintaining well-defined flow paths for each gas group.
2Reliability
If multiple channel plates are stacked, then flow channels are separated, but manufacturing complexity and joining locations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple channel plates into a single integrated channel plate structure that provides both flow channels. This reduces the number of joining locations and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining proper flow channel separation through the plate's internal geometry and the membrane assembly.
3Ease of operation
If channel plates are used for each gas group, then flow control is precise, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested channel configuration where flow channels are arranged one within another in the stacking direction, separated by the membrane. This nested arrangement reduces the overall flow path length and resistance while maintaining precise flow control for each gas group through the defined channel geometries.
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 configuration reduces flow resistance, increases moisture transfer efficiency, and simplifies manufacturing by using fewer channel plates and fewer joining locations, while allowing for individual testing of channel partial plates to reduce defects.
Implementation Method 1
in the plate stack at least two groups of flow channels are formed which are separated by semipermeable layers, in particular moisture-permeable layers
Implementation Method 2
stays extending at a slant to a longitudinal axis of the channel plate are arranged between two oppositely positioned sides of the respective frame, wherein the stays of the channel partial plates cross each other, viewed in stacking direction
Data Source
AI summary
A humidifying device has a plate stack with channel plates stacked in stacking direction in the plate stack. The channel plates have a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the stacking direction. One or more channel plates have a first and a second channel partial plate arranged on each other in stacking direction, and each provided with a circumferentially extending frame and stays arranged between oppositely positioned sides of the frame. The stays are slanted to the longitudinal axis. The stays of the first and second channel partial plates cross each other, viewed in the stacking direction. Semipermeable layers separate a first group of flow channels and a second group of flow channels from each other in the plate stack. Flow channels of the first group alternate with flow channels of the second group in the stacking direction. The first or second group of flow channels extends along the longitudinal axis.