Side Channel Compressor Assembly for Low-Loss Hydrogen Recirculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveying devices for fuel cell systems experience efficiency losses due to flow deflections, increased component surface area leading to rapid cooling and ice bridge formation, high manufacturing costs, and poor cold start properties, primarily because of separate assemblies connected by pipes.
Innovation Solution
A conveying device with a side channel compressor driven by a metering valve, where the pressurized gaseous medium is fed directly to the impeller via a radial channel, reducing flow losses and eliminating the need for additional components and pipes, resulting in a compact design with reduced material and assembly costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If components (metering valve, jet pump, side channel compressor) are arranged as separate assemblies connected by pipes, then ease of manufacture and assembly are improved, but flow losses increase due to multiple flow deflections and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the metering valve, jet pump, and side channel compressor into a single integrated component assembly. The metering valve is positioned directly within the side channel compressor housing, and the jet pump shares the same housing space, eliminating the need for external pipe connections. This merging of previously separate components reduces flow deflections and energy losses while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular internal design.
2Ease of manufacture
If components are arranged as separate assemblies, then ease of assembly is improved, but overall surface area increases leading to rapid cooling and ice bridge formation
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the metering valve, jet pump, and side channel compressor into a single integrated housing, the total external surface area is significantly reduced compared to three separate assemblies. This compact arrangement minimizes exposure to cold environments, reducing rapid cooling and ice bridge formation risks, thereby improving reliability without compromising assembly ease through standardized mounting interfaces.
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 enhances the efficiency and service life of the conveying device by minimizing flow losses, reducing frictional wear, and lowering manufacturing costs while improving cold start properties and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a jet pump driven by a propulsion jet of a pressurized gaseous medium
Implementation Method 2
a side channel compressor with a jet pump driven by a propulsion jet of a pressurized gaseous medium and with a metering valve, wherein the pressurized gaseous medium is fed at least indirectly to the side channel compressor by means of the metering valve
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a conveying device (1) for a fuel cell system (31) for conveying and/or recirculating a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, comprising: a side channel compressor (2), the conveying device (1) being driven at least partially by means of a metering valve (6) having a propulsion jet (12) of a pressurized gaseous medium, and the pressurized gaseous medium being fed to the side channel compressor (2) at least indirectly by means of the metering valve (6); a compressor chamber (30) which extends around an axis of rotation (23) in the housing (17) and has at least one circumferential side channel (19); an impeller (14) which is located in the housing (17), is rotatable about the axis of rotation (23) and is driven by the drive (10), the side channel compressor (2) having a housing (17) with a gas inlet opening (20) formed on the housing (17) and a gas outlet opening (22), which are fluidically connected to one another via the compressor chamber (30), in particular the at least one first side channel (19).According to the invention, the gaseous medium is fed by means of the metering valve (6) to the side channel compressor (2) via the impeller (14), the feed taking place at least almost in the direction of the axis of rotation (23) on the side of the impeller (14) facing away from the drive (10).